Family Nurse Midwives

Latest Birthing Stories

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Colton Everett Pifher

My due date was April 7th, but I was convinced that my little guy was going to come early, which made waiting for him very difficult! Since we had the name Colton picked out, my husband was hoping that Colt would be born on 4/5 (so he could be Colt 45 (4/5), like the gun). I was just hoping that I wouldn’t have an April Fool’s baby.

 I was having contractions for a couple of weeks before Colton was born. On Easter evening (4/4), I figured these were more of the same. However, I woke up around 3am with the same contractions, and they were 2-3 minutes apart by 6am, although I wasn’t in much pain. We went into the hospital, and suddenly they were coming in 15 minute intervals! I was shocked that they could regress. Gretchen said that I was most likely in labor, but that I would have to wait for things to progress. I decided to return home and wait. At home, I tried falling back to sleep, but the contractions were sharp enough to wake me up about every 15 minutes. My husband decided to stay home from work, and we went for a nice, but very slow, walk in Frick Park that afternoon. When we got back home, my contractions were getting much more severe, but I didn’t want to jump the gun again. I tried showering to see if they would weaken or lessen, but by the time I got out of the shower, I was in unbearable pain and decided to go back to the hospital. I was terrified that Gretchen would tell me that nothing had changed--  They were too painful to mean nothing! Gretchen checked me when we got there and confirmed that I was in active labor. A couple of hours later, my husband, who was against the epidural option previously, was asking me to get it, and Gretchen confirmed that there was nothing wrong with getting one if that was the decision I chose to make. It ended up being the best decision I ever made! After getting the epidural, I was aware of things again. I felt calm and was able to joke with my husband while we waited for our Colton to arrive. It was a complete change from my “controlled breathing” (hyperventilating)! Nothing changed for a bit after that, so my husband went to get our overnight bags from the car. No sooner did he leave, though, when my water broke, and it took me 10 minutes to reach the nurse call button! Gretchen and the nurse came in at about the same time. I asked what my chances were of using the bathroom, and was told that what I was feeling was the need to push! 

We waited for my husband to get back for me to start pushing. He had one leg and Gretchen had the other, and they both coached me through the final stages of labor. Less than an hour later, on April 6th, at 12:51am, our son was born, with a strong, healthy cry! My husband declared that “Colt 46” was actually better than “Colt 45,” and I thought that our little Colton was absolutely perfect!

ELLIS ZACHARY

4/30/2010

At the beginning of August after over a year of trying I became pregnant.  My husband (Nick) and I were thrilled!  We had been going to a large OB-GYN practice for testing and our first few prenatal appointments.  We were both uncomfortable with how impersonal it felt, and the short amount of time we had to speak with the doctor each visit.  I had a friend who had gone to the Midwives and loved the care she was given so we decided to meet with them and see how we felt.  After meeting with Gretchen the first time, we knew, without a doubt, we wanted to use the Midwives.  Both Gretchen and Sandy were so knowledgeable and patient.  They would speak with us as long as we needed each appointment.  They got to know us as people, not just patients.  They told us there are no stupid questions (believe me, we asked a TON of questions).  Every time we entered the office we were greeted by Carol’s smiling face, and usually a funny antidote or two!  Nick and I looked forward to each appointment to hear about our baby with excitement and without anxiety.

As I reached my 41st week we talked about inducing.  At first I was very uncomfortable with inducement, so I asked Sandy if we could wait through the next weekend to see if I went into labor, she agreed.  Two days later at our next appointment we did a non-stress test and the baby’s heartbeat wasn’t as strong as Sandy would have liked so we agreed I should be induced the next day.

Nick and I arrived at Forbes at 7 a.m. and Gretchen was there soon after.  Before they started the pitocin Gretchen tried to break my water, but was unsuccessful.  So we proceeded with the pitocin.  I was hooked up to an IV and the fetal monitor so my movement was more limited than I would have liked.  I was at one centimeter for almost 7 hours and the monitor was showing contractions, but I couldn’t feel any.  Around 2 p.m. Gretchen asked if we wanted her to try to break my water again, we thought it was a good idea.  This time it worked.  Then my contractions came FAST.  Labor had definitely started!

Even though my movement was limited I was still able to use my birthing ball and change positions.  I thought that I would be fine without pain medication.  At first I was able, with Nick’s help, to breathe and relax through the contractions.  Then it seemed like the contractions were coming every minute or so and I became a little less confident in my ability to handle the pain.  I had only been in labor for less than 2 hours; we assumed I was probably at 2 centimeters.  Nick suggested Gretchen check and see how dilated I was.  When she told us I was at 6 centimeters, I was so relieved and knew I could handle the rest of labor without the pain medication.  About an hour later it was time to push.  With Nick, Gretchen, and the nurse’s help I pushed for almost an hour.  Then at 7:05 p.m. Ellis Zachary was born.  I had never felt anything like it!  Even though my labor wasn’t how I had originally planned, it was perfect and exactly how it was supposed to be.

Giving birth was the most spiritual experience of my life!  I couldn’t have done it without the help of my husband and Gretchen.  She was so sensitive and soothing during the whole day.  She was there when I needed her and gave Nick and I privacy when we needed that too.  The next day Sandy came to check on us.  When she walked in the room I felt like one of my close friends was visiting.  It was lovely to see her!

I can’t imagine what my pregnancy and labor experience would have been like without Sandy, Gretchen and Carol.  We were truly blessed to have them care for us through such a special time in our lives.

ANISSA

On June 25th of 2009 I found out I was pregnant.  It was my boyfriend’s birthday so it was a huge and wonderful surprise.  When I called my regular OB-Gyne I found out that he no longer delivered babies.  Now I was on the hunt for a new provider, which is never easy.  We had found a new group but were not very happy.  It was a very busy office with no time to really get to know the doctor who would be sharing this miracle with us.  We were seeing different doctors and nurses every time that we were there, and were just not very happy.

After four months with this practice, my boyfriend ran into a friend of his who began telling him about her Midwife, something neither of us had even considered.  He came home and told me the story his friend told him and since we were unhappy with the other OB-Gyne I didn’t see the harm in meeting the Midwife.  We made an appointment and got in to see her a few days later.

That first appt. we met with Gretchen.  She was so personable.  She sat and talked with us and this is something we had not experienced at another office.  It was such a relief to know that I could ask questions and not feel silly or rushed throughout the visit.  After talking with Gretchen, we knew this was an amazing discovery and that we would be changing baby doctors.  A few visits later we met Sandy who was also very nice and so easy to talk to.  And I can’t forget Carol.  She was the receptionist and so much more!  A wonderful lady who also took time to talk and get to know us.  After just one visit we felt like we had known all of them forever.  When people ask who my doctor  was I tell them Gretchen and Sandy and the first question most would ask is “Are you having your baby at home?”  It made me laugh a little every time.  But most people thought that because that is the way it used to be.    This is not the case any longer.  Midwives these days are providers that take time to listen, that know you by name and will cater to you when it time for the birth of your baby.  I delivered at West Penn Allegheny Hospital at the Forbes Campus in Monroeville in a beautiful birthing suite.  It didn’t look like a hospital room!  I was able to have as many visitors as I wanted.  And when it came time to deliver it was just myself, my boyfriend, Sandy and Faye (a nurse) from Forbes.   It was not too bright and there weren’t people running around me.  It was as peaceful as a delivery could be.  It was such an easy labor and Sandy was a big part of why.  She was so helpful and reassuring that I felt like my best friends were delivering my baby.  After what seemed like a short time, compared to some of the 24-hour labor stories I had heard, I was holding my baby girl in my arms.  Thanking Sandy, the nurse and my boyfriend for everything.

So I guess the moral of the story is that these 3 women in the Irwin office have been a blessing.  I’m not sure that any of this would have been as easy as it was without Sandy, Gretchen, or Carol.  I will continue to see these ladies for my yearly and check-up and if we decide to have another baby I am glad to know they are there for me.  So for anyone who is wondering what Midwives “exactly” do, they are not only medical providers but caring friends and I would recommend them to anyone!

EVAN REINKE

 I preface my story by saying I firmly believe in the power and strength of the mind-body connection. I believe that this connection is so completely present and real during a pregnancy. When I became pregnant, this was my first pregnancy, I was seeing an OB-GYN who I really loved. I intended to deliver with his practice but my initial visits in my first trimester left me feeling very disappointed. I felt a disconnect in the patient-doctor communication, it seemed I was just another pregnant patient. Plus I was aware that the likelihood of my doctor actually delivering my baby was very small given on-call rotation schedules in the group practice. At my 12 week appointment I asked if I would be able to have a natural labor and delivery. I was told “we will let you try a natural labor for a while.” The word “try” so bothered me I knew I couldn’t stay there.  I had a friend who suggested I contact Family Nurse Midwives. She had just recently delivered her third child with Sandy and Gretchen. I met them for my 16 week visit and knew I had made the right decision. There was more of a partnership between the midwives and me. Even though I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the pregnancy was blessedly smooth with only a few minor concerns. The midwives encouraged extra precautions and monitored me closely to limit the chance of gestational diabetes (which is even more of a concern for women with PCOS). In the middle of my 39th week I started to experience contractions. For about 2 days they were very sporadic, about 15 minutes apart, and last for maybe an hour each day. On the day my son was born I woke up about 5:30a experiencing contractions. Again they were about 15 minutes apart, but my brain told me I would not be going to work that day. I spent the morning cleaning the house and getting my hospital bag completely packed. It was not the frantic “nesting” cleaning but more of a “when I get back I will have a baby so I better fold these clothes/load the dishwasher.” Throughout the morning, I talked with my friend via texts who had delivered with Sandy and Gretchen. She had graciously agreed to be my doula for the birth. She thought this was the real thing too and suggested I contact the midwives when the contractions got to about 7 minutes apart. Contractions were consistent through the morning and early afternoon going from 15 down to 10 minutes apart. They were not overwhelming, but just something that would make me know something was happening. I continued to eat throughout the day. I had a normal breakfast and even my favorite pregnancy meal for lunch, spicy beef burrito from Chipotle with chips and salsa. I contacted the midwives around 2pm when the contractions started getting stronger and moving from 10 to 7 minutes apart. I talked to Sandy, who would be on call that day, and she said to reconnect with her when they got to five minutes apart but that we were on our way to having a baby. She suggested that to help work through the contractions I do some rocking on a birth ball, which I already had at home. Around 5pm my husband suggested I eat again so that I would have energy when I needed it. I had some peanut butter on toast. ( In retrospect, I ended up having the flavor of peanut butter toast in my mouth the entire labor and delivery, which was somewhat distasteful.) At 6:15pm I was using the birth ball to work through a contraction and I heard a small pop. I felt water rushing down my legs and knew my water had broke. I immediately called Sandy who told us to go to the hospital and she would meet us there. We were out the door on the way to the hospital by 6:30pm. Forbes is about 45 minutes from our house and that was the longest 45 minutes of my life. The drive seemed even longer because it was dark, rainy and windy, which made my husband drive even more cautiously just as he was getting nervous/excited about the reality that our son was soon to be with us.  I tried to spend the car ride texting and calling family and friends, but the contractions were really starting to hurt and coming about 3 minutes apart. About half way to the hospital my husband grabbed my phone and took it away saying “you’re done, you can talk to them again when our son is here.” I remember spending the rest of the drive lying in the passenger front seat staring at the digital clock realizing that every three minutes I would be in pain again. The contractions were lasting about 1 minute each time and I started to worry that I was going to deliver our son in the car. We made it to the hospital about 7:30p and I was quickly moved into a LDRP room. My friend “B”, who was my doula, arrived there and all I kept asking was “can I get in the Jacuzzi?” The medical staff needed to draw blood and start some initial monitoring of me and my son, but all I wanted was to get in the Jacuzzi to deal with the contractions. Sandy arrived right around the time we got into the LDRP room and said I could get into the Jacuzzi. Everything was happening so fast that I had to wait for the Jacuzzi to be filled and that time seemed to be an eternity, but was maybe 10 minutes. During my contractions I was yelling, Sandy suggested instead that I try to moan deep, low and with my eyes closed. I did that, probably still very loud and just tried to keep my eyes closed and body relaxed with deep breathing during the recovery points. I focused on going deep inside myself and letting my body do what it needed to do to deliver my son. Finally I could get in the Jacuzzi. I remember just laying in there and telling “B” and Sandy that I could see why women wanted to take the drugs. During the contractions, I wanted to get as much of my body in the water/under the water, but it just didn’t seem enough. During the contractions I also remember thinking that I didn’t know whether I could get through another one. I told “B” and Sandy I think I want the drugs. I remember them telling me “let’s just get through another contraction and see how you do.”  I was probably in the Jacuzzi for 30 minutes and then I was moved back to the bed. I was able to labor on the bed in any position I needed. I remember moving around a lot, but felt the most comfortable on my knees and elbows with my head facing down. I had my husband on one side and “B” on the other. I must have moaned into their faces quite a bit. Quickly I knew I had to push and told Sandy. She checked me and said I was ready to push. The pushing seemed like it was going fast, but in real time it took about 2 hours. I started strong but got tired. I could feel I was running out of energy. We tried different delivery positions but I was having some real pain in my hips. There was no real way to get comfortable between the contractions. I remember Sandy telling me “you are so close, I just need a couple of good pushes.” I remember saying in a very matter of fact way back to her “I want to believe you, but I don’t believe you.” Sandy told me that the top of my son’s head was out and that he was wiggling around and so close to being delivered. At some point I looked at the clock and realized that it was close to 11pm but that my son would be delivered before midnight and that his birthday would be on this particular day. I tried and tried to push but just couldn’t get him out. Sandy suggested that I use a birthing bar. They put the bar at the foot of the bed and I put my feet on the bar. Sandy said give me two more good pushes. I put my feet on the bar and pushed. I heard Sandy say “here comes his head wait he is totally coming now.” With that I pushed my son completely out and he was here with us.

Immediately I felt such a sense of relief and the pain was gone. I knew I had accomplished something amazing and felt such a sense of deep respect and honor for what my body had completed. I was so proud I completed the journey to motherhood and I did it with the assistance, care and support of the midwives. They helped me trust myself. Sandy and Gretchen were and continue to be amazing. I am grateful that I was able to experience my pregnancy and labor/delivery with them.

BENJAMIN DANIEL FRANTZEN

I am so happy with my decision to use the Family Nurse Midwives for the birth of my first child.  The idea came to me first through my husband, who is from Germany.  Everyone there uses a midwife, he said.  I also saw at my OB-GYN office a brochure that they had included 2 Midwives in their practice, Gretchen Cohen and Sandy Mauro.  After speaking with my family and doing some research, my husband and I made an appointment with Sandy.

Since this was our first child, we had many questions and concerns.  At our first appointment, Sandy took almost an hour to talk with us and get to know us.  She took the time to answer our questions.  This was very different from my OB-GYN experience, where appointments were limited to as short as possible, were not very personable overall, and most questions were answered by the physician with one foot out the door, indicating that there was little time to spend with us.  Our first appointment with Sandy was a refreshing change.

What is great about the Family Nurse Midwives is also that there are only two of them, therefore as a patient you really have the feeling of getting to know them, and they you!  This allowed us to develop a good relationship and trust with each midwife.  They were always easy to contact with any questions and concerns, and came to the hospital when I had complications (but no birth) for moral support as well.

As I began labor, I called Gretchen ever so often to let her know my progress.  Since this was my first child, I was excited and nervous, but Gretchen helped to put me at ease and gave me suggestions on the phone.  Even though it took all day and evening to get to the point that I was ready to go to the hospital, Gretchen was patient and gave encouragement on the phone as well as in the hospital for the birth.

We had planned on having a natural birth, but by the time we got to the hospital, I was so tired and in pain, I requested pain medication.  We were flexible from the beginning, though, since we were not sure exactly what to expect, although we had taken many classes and read many books on the subject.  I was barely dilated enough to be admitted into the hospital, although I had been having labor pains for 20 hours already.  Once the pain began to increase, it felt unbearable to me.  I decided first on a lower dosage of pain medication, and then on an epidural, and was happy with the decision.  I slept then, until I was dilated enough, and then had a painless birth.  My child smiled at me as soon as
Gretchen put him into my arms, and I fell in love.

I am so glad we decided to use the Family Nurse Midwives because we felt comfortable with them.  We knew any questions we had would be answered to our satisfaction and ultimately, and most importantly, we felt confident in the birth process and in them to deliver our child.  We have a beautiful healthy son and will see them for our next child!

ZACHARY EDMUND

03/21/10

I found out that I was pregnant with my second child in August of 2009.  This pregnancy was not planned, as my daughter Alyssa was only 9 months old and we had wanted to wait until she was 2 to try again.  Needless to say, we were surprised!  We found out that we were to have a baby boy in September.

As my due date approached, I began to wonder what Zachary would look like.  Would he have hair?  Would he have blue eyes like his Dad, or brown eyes like mine?  Because I was induced with my daughter’s birth, I was not sure what to expect if labor began spontaneously this time around.  Gretchen told me during my last appointment that when my water broke it would be time to head to the hospital and that I should time my contractions.  At the end of the appointment I told Gretchen and Carol that I didn’t know why I was scheduling another appointment because I felt sure that Zachary was going to be born on March 21st. 

In the early morning of March 21st, I awoke with cramping at 4:00 a.m.  At 6:00 a.m. the contractions started.  I started timing them and they went from shorter to longer with nothing consistent.  I wasn’t sure what the day was going to bring so I had decided to get a bath and then take a nap.  When I awoke, I called and paged the Midwives.  Sandy called me back and I explained that I was having contractions and that they were getting closer and stronger.  She asked me if I was ready to go to the hospital.  I replied that I was still able to breathe through them and was not ready to go just yet.  I went outside for awhile and was pushing my daughter in her stroller up and down the driveway.  I would stop when I had a contraction and just breathe through it.  The pain was getting worse so I paged Sandy again.  She agreed to meet me at Forbes.

My husband and I arrived at 6:30 p.m.  Sandy arrived a few minutes later and checked me.  She said that I was already 5 centimeters dilated, that I was halfway there!  Sandy was very attentive to my needs.  She was bringing me juice and in general, just trying to make me comfortable.  She suggested the Jacuzzi tub.  It was a great suggestion, because it helped to relax me.  When I got out of the tub I was 6 cm.  It was time for my epidural.  After Sandy broke my water I was 8 cm.  It was almost time to push.  At approximately 9:45 I began to push.  Sandy, my labor nurse, and my husband were all very encouraging during the pushing process.  And so Zachary Edmund arrived at 10:32 p.m. He was 7 lb.3 ounces and 19 inches long.  What a long day!  My son was definitely worth it.  I am so thankful for my unplanned blessing!

Both of my pregnancies and deliveries were a positive experience.  The Midwives are very knowledgeable, caring and easy to talk to.  It also helps knowing that when you go in for an appointment, that you are greeted by Carol.  She is friendly and kind and greets everyone by name!

DANIEL JACOB YOTHERS

On the eighth day of August, 2008, the Lord blessed us with a very special spirit from Heaven.  We gave him the name Daniel Jacob Yothers.  This is the story of his birth:

When we learned we were pregnant with our second child, we decided to try the midwife experience.  My mother had gone to Gretchen and Sandy with her sixth pregnancy and she had only good things to say.  Throughout my pregnancy we talked about what we wanted for the birth of our child.  I had expressed my desire for a natural childbirth.  I felt very comfortable talking to them about my wishes, something that is usually not easy for me.

The week before my baby was due, we began to talk about what would happen if Daniel was not as anxious as I was.  We decided if labor did not start on its own by 41 weeks we would go in and she would break my water.

My date came and went and in spite of a few signs of labor, nothing happened.  One week after my due date, my dear husband Alex and I, along with both of our moms, went to the hospital.  We arrived at the hospital about 7:00.  After we got settled in the room, at about 7:45, Gretchen came in and broke my water.  Our moms thought it would be a good idea if I had the baby at 8:08, since the date was 8/8/08.  I really didn’t think that was a bad idea, as long as it was a.m.  Daniel, however, thought we should spend a little more time waiting for him.

The contractions started soon after.  They were hard enough to be uncomfortable, but not unbearable.  We spent about eight hours walking laps around the OB unit.  I think we walked about a thousand laps.  My dad joined us around lunchtime.

At about 7:30, things started to get a little bit more serious.  It was getting more difficult to stick to my ‘no pain medicine’ resolve.  I decided to try the whirlpool tub.   It was very relaxing in between contractions, but it didn’t really help during.

Finally, it was time to push.  I asked Gretchen if it was too late for pain medication.  She really didn’t answer.  With Alex by my side offering loving words of encouragement, our son was born at 18:48 (more eights).

About an hour later, big sister Julia came to meet her new brother.

It was a beautiful time for our family.  We had all the freedom to make this a special family event, with the security of being in the hospital.

Thank you Gretchen!

Ronda, Alex, Julia and Daniel Yothers

Wilson Joseph Stowers

My name is Polly Stowers and this is the story of how our third child came into the world.  I had been anticipating this moment for so long, and started planning for it soon after the birth of our second daughter three and a half years ago.  Everyone was having fun guessing whether we would have a boy or a girl.  Many people were praying that we would have a boy for my husband’s sake, but he continued to tell them that he would be happy either way as long as the baby was healthy (He is so wonderful!)  I was pretty convinced it would be another girl, since my pregnancies had all been relatively easy and I felt very much the same.

I was now 38 weeks and considered full term, though I certainly thought I still had two more weeks of waiting to go.  But there was a full moon that night and sure enough, I began having mild contractions all that day and into the evening.  I continued with our daily plans; finished putting the wall border up in my girls’ new bedroom and drove thirty minutes away to a birthday party and then home again without a second thought.  Based on my experience of going all the way to the due date with both girls, I still thought the contractions would lessen and go away after awhile.  I wasn’t in any pain, just discomfort, but instead of going away, the contractions were getting closer together.

I started timing them between 7 and 8 p.m. and they were about 10 minutes apart and starting to get a bit more uncomfortable. I was out at a restaurant with my husband, bill and our two girls, Anna (8-1/2) and Karena (3-l/2) and by the time we left I was giving him the nod that meant “this is it”…but even then I still was not totally convinced.  When we got home the contractions were still about ten minutes apart.  After putting the girls to bed and thinking about how it might e a long night…I began to (what else)…clean up the kitchen of course.  When by 11 p.m. the contractions were less than 5 minut3es apart and I was doubled over, I called the midwives and Bill and I started getting ready to go to the hospital.

After a few minutes Gretchen called back and reviewed my symptoms and asked about my labors in the past.  They were typically short and she said to meet her at Forbes as soon as we could.  When I got off of the phone, I finished packing my bag, Bill called the neighbors to come over, (we decided not to wake the girls), and we were on our way!  It was almost midnight and we had a 20 minute drive to get to the hospital (with a nice full moon to light our way)!  Once we were in the car my contractions slowed from 4 to 6 minutes apart, and I began having second thoughts, was this really the time or was it a false alarm.  My loving and very patient husband reassured me that we were doing the right thing and that there was not turning back now.

As it turned out, we arrived at Forbes at 12:30 a.m. and when Gretchen checked me, I was 5 or 6 centimeters dilated and 90% effaced, as I recall.  It all happened so fast that I am not sure of the precise measurements.  I was in a small room while they checked me and monitored the contractions for awhile.  Then we walked down the hall and to the birthing room where I would deliver.  Once there, they had me lay down in the bed to monitor my contractions (which were coming every few minutes now).  I was still having a hard time believing that our baby would be born soon.  Now the contractions were painful enough for me to know this was no false alarm.  Between contractions I reflected on how miraculous life is and how soon we would have a brand new little living person in the room with us.  What an absolute miracle!

Now the contractions were getting very intense and after checking me again, Gretchen asked if I would like her to break my water.  I knew that once she did, the contractions would get even worse.  I hesitated, but gave her the okay.  Then after two extremely painful contractions she asked if I felt like pushing.  This I was eager to do and so with all my might and after one really long push the head was out.  The nurse put my hand down on it and it was very warm and squishy.  In another push we had a baby and IT WAS A BOY!  Bill and I had been given one of God’s most precious gifts, this perfect little life to cherish and care for.  What a blessing!

It turned out that in only one and a half hours after arriving at the hospital our son was born!  I was surprised to feel tired after such a short labor, but it was too late.  I was glad to get some much needed rest after it was all over.  And since it was still in the middle of the night, Bill was able to go home to share our surprise with the two “big sisters” when they woke up.  Then they all came back later that day to see their new baby brother, Wilson!

Liam Samek

I found out I was expecting my second child in October of 2007, and my husband and I were thrilled.  I had the wonderful experience of seeing Sandy and Gretchen for my first son’s pregnancy, and I was even more confident this time around that an all-natural childbirth was what I wanted to do again.  I was due July 8, but on June 25 I was nesting more than usual and at my appointment that day, Gretchen found that I was almost 3 centimeters dilated already and 80% effaced.  I was very relaxed about this upcoming birth, unlike the first pregnancy, and knew that the baby would come whenever he was ready, so I still thought I had a few weeks to go.  That night, my husband and I were downtown with our friends for the Pirates game and they were playing the Yankees.  Our friends kept teasing me that I would go into labor and I blew them off with a “yeah, right!”  Looking back, I can’t believe I went out that night, seeing as how I was to go into labor just a few hours later.

Early that next morning of Thursday, June 26th, some loud thunder woke me up and it was raining.  Shortly after, I started getting some of the routine smaller contractions in the morning that kept me awake, but I was still dozing.  They continued for a while, so I eventually thought that I should check the time and started timing them, as they seemed pretty regular.  It was 6:02, after a particularly strong one, I got up and timed them with an online timer.  I saw a definite pattern and they were getting stronger, too.  I had to concentrate and manage the pain more and more.  I woke Jeremy and told him that I was having the contractions and his response was: “That’s awesome.  I don’t want to go to work today!  Make it happen, hon.” (That is verbatim, folks!)  We laughed a bit and he was very excited that this could be it.  Very quickly, the contractions got so strong and close together that I would tell him not to talk to me until they had dissipated.  He started realizing that this was looking pretty real, so he got up and started packing.

As the reality set in that this might possibly be “it”, I realized that I didn’t even have my hospital bag packed!  Just a random pile of stuff I had been collecting in a corner by a duffel bag.  So I got dressed and tried to finish packing here and there.  I still had my doubts, even at this point, that I was in true labor, since I was 2 weeks early.  I had counted on at least a week or two yet.  But the contractions were getting extremely painful and were now about 4 to 5 minutes apart, so I finally called and Gretchen was paged around 6:45.  She was already at the hospital and said to come on in.  Jeremy called his mom to come over and watch Noah, who was still sleeping peacefully unaware through all of this excitement.  Meanwhile, my fingers, hands and arms were completely numb and the pain was pretty much maxed out.  Now, I was panicking that we were not going to make it, although a silly part of me was still thinking that this was false labor.  Little did I know that I would be holding my new, sweet little boy in my arms within an hour.

As soon as Grandma came to take over at our house, we got in the car and started the drive.  There was some traffic backed up on the way, with everyone trying to get in to work.  I kept praying I would not have the baby in the car!  Every time a contraction came I closed my eyes or sometimes leaned into Jeremy’s shoulder with my forehead to get through them.  In between contractions, Jeremy and I talked like normal and I felt fine.  I called my mom in between one of them so I could tell this was it.  I used some of the mental imagery to manage the pain (Reference: “Mind Over Labor” book by Carl Jones. Greatest book for labor ever!)  I didn’t realize that the pain was as bad as it was going to get – it seemed so much worse with my first.

We showed up at 7:45 and flew into the ER parking lot, hobbled in and we had to stand at the ER counter for 10 minutes so they could process me.  I was leaning over the counter, my arms and hands were completely numb.  I couldn’t even get my signature on any of their papers (let alone read them).  They asked me a lot of random questions, then told me the maternity floor was completely packed out over the night “because of the storm,” so they didn’t know where they were going to put me.  I must have been about 9 centimeters right there, so I wasn’t thinking how disappointing it would be not to get one of their nice, new labor suite rooms.  I was just trying not to make too much of a scene!  They finally took me up the elevator in a wheelchair and when I got to the maternity floor, I saw Gretchen in the hallway.  They put me in one of the small post-partum rooms because my other room wasn’t ready yet, and I immediately knelt against the bed to get through a contraction.  I told Gretchen that I had to push and she said to try not to yet and helped me get on the bed.  Gretchen checked me and said I was “complete”.  That is when everyone came in and out of the room all at once in a flurry and I heard someone yell down the hall “we need a baby cart””  Talk about dramatic!  I began pushing, and within 3 minutes, he was out!  It was an exhilarating, empowering experience.  I didn’t feel any pain once I started pushing.  My body took over and I felt like I knew exactly what to do.  I kept focusing on Liam and how I would soon get to see his face for the first time.  My husband was so excited when they could see his head!  The nurses were amazed and cheered me on.  Gretchen helped ease him out and then Jeremy called the time of birth – 8:11 a.m. less than 3 hours of labor!  They put Liam on my chest and I will never forget his little blue eyes squinting and staring up at me inquisitively, looking so peaceful and content in my arms.  He was perfect and healthy, something we did not take lightly, as our first-born had a heart defect and went through a lot in the first few weeks of life.  We enjoyed our peaceful “baby-moon” days with Liam, marveling at this new life God had given to us to love and care for.  I am so thankful for such a positive and smooth labor and delivery, and especially for Gretchen, Sandy and Carol.  They help ensure that pregnancy and childbirth is exactly what it is, a natural, life-changing and truly amazing experience.  I am so thankful for these women and the services and friendships that they provide!

In Great Hands

By Brittany Edge

Thank goodness for Lamaze!  That is what I believe was a turning point during my pregnancy.  I had been working with a group of doctors for the first five months of my pregnancy.  I had been really unhappy with the care I was receiving from them.  I had questions and concerns in the beginning and they never answered them or took me seriously.  One night I was sharing my frustrations with my wonderful Lamaze instructor Karen Crouse and she suggested I explore using a midwife for my care.  I was not aware of this option in our area and jumped at the chance to find a more personalized style of care. The things I had been learning about in Lamaze about midwifery made it clear that this option was going to be a better fit.

I contacted Forbes hospital to inquire about the midwives that they work with and they provided me with the number for the Family Nurse Midwives.  I spoke with Carol on the phone and scheduled an appointment.  Nothing can explain how wonderful I felt during that first meeting with Sandy.  We discussed my pregnancy up to that point and the care I had received.  I shared my concerns and she answered all the questions I had.  She was so warm and positive and I was incredibly relieved to have found her.  I just felt comfortable with her and confident in her ability to care for me and my baby.  Over the next few weeks, I also was able to meet with Gretchen and was sure that switching from my doctors to Sandy and Gretchen was the right choice.  They simply operate from a different model of care; they treated me more like a person than a patient.  Switching to Family Nurse midwives made me more confident in myself and less stressed for the last part of my pregnancy.

On July 14th, I went to see a movie with a friend.  When I came home, my underwear were soaking wet.   I paged the midwives to let them know what was going on.  Sandy called me back and asked if I wanted to come to the hospital to get checked out.  She was already at the hospital and had just delivered another baby.  So I packed the car up with all my labor stuff just in case and headed to the hospital.  I called Michael on my way and asked him to meet me when he got off work.  It was around 11:30 p.m. at this point.

When I got to the hospital, they ran two tests to see if my water had broken.  One said it had and the other said it had not.  I was not having contractions so they sent me home around 1:30 a.m.   One the drive home, I started having contractions.  Michael and I got home and we stayed up for awhile.  I just kept on getting more and more uncomfortable.  We were timing the contractions and they were coming every 2 to 5 minutes but were only lasting for about 30-45 seconds.  I needed to either walk or sit up straight.  A little after 3 a.m. I paged the midwives again.  Sandy called me back right away.  I told her the situation and how uncomfortable I was.  She told me to go to the hospital to see how far along I was and if I was in active labor she would be in right away.

Michael and I arrived at the hospital a little before 4 a.m.  I also called my mom before leaving the house and she was on her way.  I assembled my birthing team and was ready to go.  I was about 7 centimeters dilated at the time we got there.  Things moved kind of quickly after that.  A nurse asked me if I wanted anything for the pain almost as soon as I got there.  We agreed on pain medication that she administered through the IV.  I hated the way the pain medication made me feel.  It was like I was drunk; I couldn’t keep my eyes open, I saw double, everything was slower.  I could still feel the contractions though.  I was so grateful when the medication wore off; it lasted for about an hour but it seemed like that was the longest part of the labor experience.  I am just sensitive to medication and it was not for me.

The last bit of the labor, I spent in the Jacuzzi tub.  The birthing suites at Forbes are equipped with Jacuzzi tubs and that was an awesome experience.  It was so relaxing and soothing to be in the water during the intensity of the contractions.  I don’t know if it was the warmth or the stimulation from the jets but it was amazing.  I had my team with me encouraging me and helping to keep me focused and they were fantastic.  Sandy had arrived at some point during the medicated part of my labor and she stayed with us the entire time.  She helped me to stay focused and to not panic when the contractions peaked.  She really was amazing.  My mom helped me to remember to breathe.  Michael was keeping me cool with cool wash cloths and hydrated with the ice chips.  I really could not have had better people with me.  I was so grateful and comfortable with them and as relaxed as I could possibly be.

Then the pushing began.  I had been told that the pushing part didn’t hurt and that it would feel good to push, but that was not my experience.  This part was incredibly painful and exhausting for me.  At the time when I could start pushing, my contractions had slowed and were coming in clusters so that was making things harder.  I was just amazed at how intense the stretching and burning feeling was and how tired I was.  We had a wonderful nurse with us named Judy who was helping me to push correctly and I really responded well to her direction.  I had Michael and my mom supporting me on each side as our beautiful baby girl was born at 10:20 a.m.

Nothing in the world could prepare me for the feelings that came when Sandy placed our daughter on my belly immediately after she was born and then when she placed her in my arms – WOW!  There are no words that can explain that experience.  I didn’t think it was possible to love as intensely as I did in that moment.  I instantly fell in love with our daughter, Riley Becca and somehow fell even more in love with Michael.  We had created this beautiful baby girl and she was finally here.  All the months of symptom after symptom during the pregnancy disappeared and nothing in the world mattered more than the precious baby in my arms.

The whole birthing experience was so much better than I had thought was possible.  Everyone was so amazing and I felt so confident in each person involved during my labor and delivery.  We were in great hands and I know that a huge part of that was because we had Sandy there with us.  She was so patient with me and treated me with so much respect.  I was just amazed that even after her being up all night with another patient that she was able to be so incredibly present with us.  I couldn’t have asked for a better way to welcome our daughter

KEEGAN ERIC MOBERG’S

I had been wanting to try to get pregnant for a few years, but we decided to wait until we were settled into our careers and new home.  Last year for Christmas, my wonderful husband Tim gave me two books – “The Mother of all Pregnancy Book” and the other one was a baby name book.  This was his way of telling me that he was ready to begin trying to conceive.  Being the overly planned out person that I am, I immediately began tracking my “ovulation window”.  Luckily, I had a very predictable cycle and we had perfect timing!  We found out we were expecting our first child on February 14, 2008, best Valentine’s Day gift ever, my husband and I were thrilled!

I knew that I wanted a pregnancy that was a reflection of our lifestyle and everyday beliefs.  After research and discussions with family and friends, Tim and I decided to share our pregnancy with the Midwives.  My mother worked with Sandy and Gretchen at Jeannette Hospital and she suggested that we schedule an appointment to meet the two of them.  After our first visit, we immediately felt a connection with the practice and knew that we had made the right choice.  My entire pregnancy was picture perfect and having Sandy and Gretchen by our side settled any anxieties that we felt.

My due date was October 26 and we were anticipating this day so much that we forgot the possibility of an early birth.  On October 5th, my nesting instinct truly kicked in.  We visited Schramm’s Farms and bought pumpkins, cornstalks, and apple cider to welcome the guests we would have visiting our newborn.  In addition, I baked 3 loaves of pumpkin bread, made a pot of turkey chili and finished cleaning out those last few closets.  Little did we know that our precious son was two days away from entering the world.  The evening of October 6, we were getting into bed and I felt very odd.  I just kept telling my husband that I was ready to be done being pregnant.  He hugged me and told me to hang in there because we only had 3 more weeks.  About 15 minutes later, I felt a pop in my abdomen and contemplated what it could be.  I stood up to go use the bathroom and that is when I knew for sure that my water had broke.  I looked at Tim and said “I think my water just broke” and he looked at me in disbelief.

I wasn’t having strong contractions, but I knew from my childbirth classes that it was time to have the baby.  I paged the Midwives around 10 p.m. and Gretchen called me back immediately.  She asked me if I was having any contractions and I told her that I didn’t think I was.  She suggested that I stay home until my contractions got stronger and closer together and call her again around 5 a.m.  In the meantime, my mother came over to our house to help out; she has many years of experience in the field of obstetrics and so she was our temporary nurse.  She suggested that we take a walk and see if my contractions changed at all.  My husband and I got all bundled up and headed out into the cool evening air to help speed up the labor process.  A half hour later I was starting to feel the tightening of my uterus much more frequently.  We timed my contractions and they were approximately 8 minutes apart.  We returned to our house to find my mother making Gatorade ice cubes.  We all decided it would be best to try to get some rest before going to the hospital in the morning.  We crawled into bed with a watch and paper and pen and tried to fall asleep.  Around 1:30 a.m. I was awakened by strong contractions and my husband began timing them.  They were approximately 3-4 minutes apart and we decided that it was time to head to Forbes.  I paged Gretchen again to let her know that we were on our way in and she was already at the hospital.  My mother came back to the house and we packed up the Jeep and headed in.

When we arrived at the Emergency Room entrance, we were greeted by a kind nurse who put me in a wheelchair and asked me a few quick registration questions.  Then it was off to the labor and delivery department.  When I arrived at my hospital room, I felt this overwhelming sense of calm.  I was ready to have our son!  Gretchen came into my room to check to see how far along I was and she said I was 3 centimeters dilated.  I was very set on having a natural birth and wanted to do whatever it took to fulfill this desire.  I laid in bed and concentrated on my breathing for about 3 hours.  I felt like it was time to try some different pain control methods so I requested to get up and walk around.  I actually didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would.  Next, I sat in the rocking chair and concentrated on my breathing.  It helped me control the pain for about half an hour but the contractions were beginning to feel unbearable.  My last natural pain relief option was to try the Jacuzzi tub.  I was really looking forward to this and quickly made my way into the bathroom.  The warm water was fantastic at first, but as my contractions came closer and closer together, I began to get very warm and uncomfortable.  My husband could see how much pain I was in and he reassured me that he would support whatever decision I made regarding medicated pain relief.  By the time I got out of the tub I had my mind made up to get the epidural and get comfortable.  Sandy and Gretchen were changing shifts when I was getting back into bed and they both gave me confidence in my decision.

The 7 a.m. time meant a shift change for everyone and so I got a new nurse named Sherri and an intern named Hillary.  The anesthesiologist arrived quickly and he administered my epidural.  With my new shift of caretakers and my rejuvenated mindset – thanks to the epidural, I felt like I could do anything!

My husband continued to put on excellent music to set the mood in the room.  Everyone seemed to really enjoy the different CD’s we listened to.  At one point, I looked around and everyone was nodding their heads and tapping their toes.  The sun began shining through my window and I felt like a new day was upon us – today our son Keegan would be born.  The next few hours we spent talking, laughing and resting.

Around 2 in the afternoon, my body was finally ready to begin pushing.  We put on James Taylor’s Greatest Hits and the pushing began!  I wanted to use a mirror so I could see what was going on and see when the baby’s head was close.  I think it was a fabulous idea because as soon as I saw his little head I really pushed hard.  At 2:35 p.m. our beautiful baby boy, Keegan Eric was born.  Sandy, my nurse, and my husband and Mom all encouraged me and gave me the strength I needed to deliver our son.  I’ll never forget the last ten minutes of pushing.  Everyone was so excited for me and I just remember Sandy rubbing my leg and telling me I was doing an excellent job!  I felt like the luckiest person in the world.  I had everyone I loved in my room and the waiting room all ready to meet Keegan.

I feel so blessed to have been able to share this experience with my husband, my mom, and Sandy and Gretchen.  The Midwives were more amazing than I could have ever imagined.  Throughout this journey, I felt prepared, educated and most importantly, very special.  I would like to thank Sandy, Gretchen, and Carol for making this the most memorable and lovely experience of my life.  All three of them are angels who will always hold a special place in my heart!