After having my first daughter with a group of Ob/Gyn's I was delighted to deliver with the Family Nurse Midwife Associates. This delivery was nothing like the first time. During my first delivery I was forced to wear a gown, have an IV, and to remain in bed for most of the time. I didn't have the freedom to do as I pleased. I was not given suggestions for positions to help with the labor, the nurse was great but I only saw the doctor every hour or so, or if it felt like something was changing. Due to this I chose to have an epidural. I wanted to have a natural birth, so this was very disappointing to me. I ended up being in labor for about 12 hours, which I know is not to long for your first child, but I think if I had been with Gretchen and Sandy it would have been much shorter.

Having Emily was such a wonderful experience!! I had been dilated about 2 centimeters for about 5 weeks. When I went in for my appointment on my due date, things had finally changed! I was about 80% and 3 cm. I went home thinking that there would not be a baby today... but I was wrong. I went home and took a nap with Kailyn ( my first little girl). When I woke up I noticed a small amount of blood after using the bathroom. The next time I went there was a lot more, but no contractions or pain. I figured maybe tomorrow. Well at about 5:15 my first contraction started and they were a steady 5 minutes apart. I called Gretchen at 6:15 and she said come on in. When we arrived at the hospital at 7:00 my contractions were still about the same intensity, but were a good 3 minutes apart. I was a keeper...I was 5 cm and 100%! After being hooked up to the monitors I decided to stand in the shower. My contractions increased in intensity, but the water felt so good on my back that it made them bearable...with some yelling and moaning. At 8:20 or so, Gretchen checked me and we decided to break my water to relieve some of the pressure that I was experiencing in the lower right side. It worked and back into the shower we went. I started to experience stronger contractions that were closer than before. So Gretchen checked me again and at 8:43 little Emily Elizabeth was born. I delivered her in one contraction and 2 pushes. Thanks to Gretchen and my husband I had a beautiful little girl!! My experience with the midwives was so wonderful that I tell everyone about it!! Thanks you so much!!