It’s National Midwifery Week. To highlight the work of a midwife, we talked with our moms who recently gave birth. Here, they share their experience in their own words.
Emily Zimmer, a 31-year-old mom of three, worked with Kathrine Simon, CNM, of North Metro Midwives for the first time with the birth of her youngest child, 4-month-old Fritz.
You recently gave birth and worked with a midwife. Was it your first time working with one? It was our first time working with a midwife. While we had good care with our first two children, if I had known the difference, I would have worked with a midwife sooner.
How did you settle on a midwife? Our first child was breech and was born via c-section. Despite going into labor naturally, our second child was born via c-section because of hospital policy in our town. While happy to have a healthy little boy, I felt disappointed that I hadn’t had the opportunity to have a natural birth.
When I found out I was pregnant for the third time, I was determined to take control and try for a vaginal birth. I searched the Twin Cities for a provider who would work with me, and North Metro Midwives seemed the best fit.
During the pregnancy, what was it like working with a midwife? Working with a midwife was a lovely experience. Kathrine and company took time each appointment to answer our questions. We never felt rushed like we have experienced other places. Throughout the pregnancy, the midwives provided sage advice regarding diet, exercise and overall well-being. The midwives provided a holistic experience that really left our family feeling well cared for.
How’d the delivery go? Our little guy was in no hurry to come out. He was six days past due when I went into labor. And of course, the process started in the middle of the night. We got to The Mother Baby Center at 4 a.m. on June 11.
Kathrine checked to see how far I was dilated and couldn’t find the opening to my cervix. I was mostly effaced but after three additional cervical checks, staff couldn’t determine dilation.
Stumped, Katherine asked one of the perinatal doctors to check and she located the opening over to the side and was able to sweep it over.
Four centimeters dilated, we were rocking and rolling. It took another 18 hours of labor to meet our baby. Our midwife was our rock throughout the experience. There was never any question that we were going to have a successful vaginal birth. She coached us through it with the right amount of kindness and determination.
My husband and I were both grateful for her knowledge and support through the whole experience. At 4:19 a.m. the next day, our 9-pound, 4-ounce boy was born.
Is there anything else you want to share about your experience? After the birth of my first two children, I felt a certain sense of loss. While my priority was their health, going through c-sections was an unfulfilling way to bring them into the world. While with my first it could not be helped, poor hospital policy determined the birth of our second child.