Homebirth, Naturally
Sara Peters
Certified Professional Midwife
homebirthnaturally@gmail.com
(573) 767-0193
Evie’s arrival in to this beautiful world was more than I’d imagined with the help of Alyssa, Sara and Teresa. I love telling my birthing story; it is a day my husband I will always hold dear in our hearts. We are both so glad these girls do what they do.
The idea of a midwife and homebirth first crossed my mind when J.C. and I were moving across the Illinois-Missouri state line. This meant we would need a new health insurance policy and we would be required to wait another 18 months for the maternity coverage to kick in. Turned out we did wait those 18 months, but I still couldn’t let go of the midwife/homebirth idea. We started to research and continue to pursue the possibility.
The midwives were so great about answering all our questions. My husband was more cautious about the idea of homebirth than I, but after our first meeting with them he was 100% on board. Our visits to Alyssa’s home were something we always looked forward to. Their patience, kindness and genuine care for not only a healthy pregnancy, but an overall great experience for our growing family was invaluable. They listened, reassured, asked the right questions, and helped me work through some anxiety over the possibility of a hospital transfer with my first birth.
When my birthing time came I was so excited. I started feeling my first contractions at 5:00 a.m. Alyssa helped keep both J.C. and I calm and decipher if this was in fact the day. All 3 girls were willing to head our direction whenever we were ready. When they arrived I felt a safety knowing with their presence and oversight it was safe to have Evie at home. They were also willing to give me lots of space to birth in whatever way felt natural at the time. They were so patient and reassuring every step of the way during my 12 hour labor. They let me know when it was time to get in the birthing pool without much risk that it would be so relaxing it would stale labor. The water was wonderful. It was the first time my husband, mother, Alyssa, Sara and Teresa were all gathered around me. I knew something wonderful was about
to happen.
The moment Evie was born my husband placed her on my chest; Evie kept ahold of his finger. We were a family. I was elated. I said, “This is the most amazing thing ever! I can’t believe it’s over. I am so glad everything went just the way it did.” My Mother said, "It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. You gave your baby a beautiful entry into the world; thank you for that.” The midwives let us enjoy that blissful time for 45 minutes before we even cut the cord.
They gave us lots of time to enjoy our baby and the very new moment while checking Evie, making sure she was healthy and strong. I liked that they offered all the tests and treatments Evie could have received at the hospital, but the midwives took the time to explain each one in advance and allowed us to choose which were right for us without any pressure.
Our first days with Evie were wonderful. Having visits or calls from Alyssa each day was so helpful. I had all the advice, encouragement and care Evie and I needed at my fingertips. Each postnatal visit was exciting, we were really in it together. It was so nice being able to stay home and have the girls come to me. I didn’t leave my upstairs for 2 weeks.
The midwives made so much of my pregnancy, birthing time and postnatal care so comfortable and customized to just what I wanted. I am confident the decision to trust our care to Alyssa, Sara and Teresa was one of the best decisions J.C. and I have made. I am excited to do it all again someday.Mariah
Hannibal, MO