Long before I was ever pregnant, I knew exactly how I would birth my baby. I always believed I would have a water birth, do it with little to no intervention, and without pain management drugs. When my husband and I found out we were expecting, we were overjoyed. Also, immediately overwhelmed with having to make a care provider choice. I talked to some girlfriends at work and was recommended to an obstetrician group. For the first seven months, I received care at a busy office with a large waiting room. With many receptionists and patients coming and going, the environment was often hectic. It was always a different face that called me to the back office and a different provider doing my checkup. The providers were short and sweet with me; ready to leave the exam room before I had time to address any questions or concerns. Throughout my pregnancy, I spent more time in the waiting room and less time with the doctors.
Around 30 weeks pregnant, I mentioned to my doctor that I had intentions of doing a water birth. She looked like a deer in headlights as she told me she was not qualified to offer that service. Fortunately, she was able to refer me to a McKenzie Willamette’s Midwifery Clinic that served the same hospital, meaning my OB and midwife would both be there. I found comfort in this and appreciated the support to seek care elsewhere.
My doula had casually mentioned Our Community Birth Center as a place that could also provide the care I was seeking. Unfortunately, at the time of my call to the birth center, the center was full for my birth month. I was added to a waitlist.
I had two visits with my new midwife before I received the devastating news that McKenzie Willamette’s Midwifery Clinic would be closing before I was able to deliver my baby.
At 34 weeks pregnant, this is the last thing you want to hear. In the following week, I developed high blood pressure and experienced insomnia. Stress was taking a toll on my body and my family. I was now faced with total uncertainty about where and how I would be delivering my baby. Was I going to have to go back to the OB group practice I had just canceled all of my appointments with? Maybe drive an hour north to another county to continue midwifery care? I even considered the possibility of home birth, though I was in the process of moving.
The closing midwife’s office called me and asked if I would be open to receiving care at Our Community Birth Center if they could find room for me. YES, double YES! I got the confirmation and scheduled with AlexAnn the very next day. Our Community Birth Center was there to pick up where other institutions were failing me.
I went into labor just 4 weeks later on my due date. After a long labor in the quiet comfort of the birthing room, I delivered an 8lb 2oz healthy baby girl. The care team who surrounded us shared in my happiness and continued to care for my newborn and myself.
After a long journey of seeking the care I desired, I found my home at Our Community Birth Center.
I continue to visit this wonderful place for their Monday Baby Clinic to receive lactation support and connect with other parents. I can bring clothes and diapers to pass along to other families. Knowing I can reach out with questions via Spruce gives me peace of mind. Continuing my gynecological care at the same place I birthed is a unique opportunity that I am grateful for.