GUEST BLOGGERS – APRIL, 2019
Our blog today is written by one of our Certified Nurse Midwives, Stephanie Curtis, CNM, DNP
“If I don’t know my options, I don’t have any.” – Diana Korte
Every woman deserves the right to choose where and how she will birth her children. She may wish to introduce her child to the world in the comfort of her own home. She may desire the benefits of epidural anesthesia. She may opt for a midwife or a physician as her prenatal care provider.
But at the end of the day, with the appropriate education, I believe every woman would choose the safest option for herself and her baby.
The safety concern usually has to do with her medical history and development of her pregnancy. There are important questions which should be asked at the onset and throughout prenatal care to help determine the best “where” and “how” for every woman. Most of us have heard the phrase “high-risk pregnancy” too often. While there are many mothers out there who have endured those difficult circumstances, there are at least twice as many whose experiences have been relatively uncomplicated. The University of California San Francisco (an internationally recognized leader in women’s health care) reports, “High-risk complications occur in only 6 percent to 8 percent of all pregnancies.”
That means, many women are good candidates for out-of-hospital birth. Here, at The Midwife Group and Birth Center, we complete an initial screening via phone to confirm this is the case. Our role in the health care system is to exclusively support physiologic birth. We recognize there are conditions which are more likely to cause the process of pregnancy to depart from its normal course. Let’s explore some of those pre-pregnancy factors further.
One of the first questions we ask is about previous uterine surgeries, primarily, cesarean sections. When it comes to vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), uterine rupture is the complication which is most often mentioned. Research shows the absolute risk of uterine rupture to be less than 1% in both women who choose an elective repeat c-section and in those who choose a trial of labor after c-section (TOLAC). We are huge proponents of VBACs, but the state of Georgia’s regulations will not allow us to attend those deliveries at the birth center.
Next, we’ll ask about your health history. Chronic issues such as hypertension and diabetes often affect pregnancy and labor in such a way that a hospital birth is needed. If you are taking medications which are not recommended while pregnant, in many cases, we can help you find an appropriate alternative. We will use your height and pre-pregnancy weight to calculate a body-mass-index (BMI). If your BMI is 40 or above, an out-of-hospital birth could be potentially unsafe. You can calculate your BMI here https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/english_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.html. The great news about BMI is that it can change! If you are planning to become pregnant and hoping to be a birth center client, we would be happy to see you for an annual exam or preconception visit where we could help you identify goals and plan to optimize yours and your future newborn’s well-being.
Lastly, there are a few misconceptions about what makes someone “high-risk”. For example, having had first trimester pregnancy losses or being 35 years of age or older when you become pregnant DOES NOT make you a “high-risk” patient. The same goes for couples who have had assistance with conception via medications or procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). We would much rather have a conversation with you about these subjects than to have you rule yourself out. Here are some examples of truly high-risk conditions: carrying twins, a baby who remains breech after unsuccessful attempts to turn, bleeding disorders, pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure in pregnancy, and having too much or too little amniotic fluid.
A birth center, while a wonderful option, is not the safest option for every woman. You may be unable to choose a birth center but may still be able to choose a midwife depending on where you live. Many hospitals and physician practices work closely with midwives who provide prenatal care and who attend births on your local facility’s labor and delivery floor. You can search for a midwife here http://www.midwife.org/find-a-midwife.
April, 2019
*Please note that all births for the month may not be listed here. It is the parents’ decision as to whether they want to announce their birth on our website.
Declan Ray was born to Sean and Samantha on April 3, 2019 at 11:45 am. He weighed 8 pounds and measured 21 1/2 inches long. Proud sibling is Adeline Rose. Proud grandparents are Sandy and Ray.
Ramona Autherine was born to Jessica and Douglas on April 5, 2019 at 5:28 pm. She weighted 6 pounds, 14 ounces and was 19 inches long. Proud siblings are Reuben and Isaac. Proud grandparents are Patricia, Daniel, Renee and David.
Bree and Kory proudly welcomed new baby boy Cash Warren on April 7, 2019. He weighed 8 pounds and 11 ounces and measured 20 inches long. His proud sibling is Annistin.
Claire Malee was born to Christy and James on April 15, 2019 at 10:48 pm. She weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 18 3/4 inches long. Proud siblings are Samantha, Quinn and Piper. Proud grandparents are Jodie and Larita.
Bri’Anna and Stephen welcomed baby boy Sloan Mason on April 18, 2019. Proud siblings are Brielle, Stephen II and Kamiyah.
Ryan Marie was born to John and Katie on April 21, 2019 at 4:26 pm. She weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 21 inches long. Proud sibling is John.
Sydney and Wesley are the proud parents of baby boy Lamar Isaac, born on April 21. 2019. He weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces and was 21 inches long. His proud sibling is Brendan.
Mahla Irie was born to Maya and Brandon on 4/29/19 at 10:10 a.m. She weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 19 inches long. She has 4 proud grandparents.
Nick and Jen welcomed new baby boy Garrett Eugene on April 29 at 3:33 pm. He weighed 8 pounds and 12 ounces and was 20 inches long. Proud siblings are Kaleb, Kylie and Gabby. Proud grandparents are Jane, Brent, Tracie and Kelli.
Zahir Amare was born to Akeena on April 30, 2019 at 10:15 am. He weighed 7 pounds and 7 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Proud siblings are Maliah and Naasir.
March, 2019
*Please note that all births for the month may not be listed here. It is the parents’ decision as to whether they want to announce their birth on our website.
Benjamin Alexander was born to Candice and Carlos on March 7, 2019 at 7:23 pm. He weighed 9 pounds and 2 ounces and measured 20 1/2 inches long. Proud siblings are William, Natalie and Olivia.
Zayra and Chad welcomed Maximus Wolfgang on March 9, 2018 at 8:04 am. He weighed 9 pounds and was 21 inches long. Proud siblings are Lucia and Norah. Proud grandparents are Cezy and Maria and Auntie Ashley.
Adelena Serenity was born to Dre’shauna and Victor on March 11, 2019 at 11:49 in the morning, weighing 7 pounds and measuring 20 inches long. Her proud sibling is Matty. Proud grandparents are Greshonda and Jeannie.
Adeana and Marvin welcomed Ava-Marie Rose on March 12, 2019 at 8:08 pm. She weighed 6 pounds and was 18 1/2 inches long.
Magnolia Grace was born to Kaleigh and Brandon on March 16, 2019 at 7:53 pm. She weighed 6 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 19 inches long. Proud siblings are Adalyne, Harper and Georgia. Proud grandparents are Brandi, Matt, Jenny and Kevin. Great Grandmas include Dede, Nana, Nana Linda and Mae and Great Grandpas are Papa and Grandpa Turner.
Lucia Ray was born to Chris and Alicia on the 19th of March, 2019 at 7:54 pm. She weighed 8 pounds and 5 ounces and was 20 3/4 inches long. The most perfect baby!
Maelee Wyn was born to Sean and Mindi on March 20, 2019 at 2:07 pm. She weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 19 inches long. Proud siblings are Leelyn, Matti and Hollyn Jo. Proud grandparents are Joanna, Mark, Belinda and Matt.
Mike and Julie welcomed baby girl Julia Lynn on March 23, 2019 at 6:31 pm. She weighed 8 pounds, 10 ounces and was 22 inches long. Proud siblings are Michaella, Josia, Noah, Hannah, Judah, Elisha and Prisca.
Marcus Adam was born to Molly and Grey on March 24, 2019 at 7:45 pm. He weighed 9 pounds and measured 21 inches long. Proud grandparents are Jean, Bob, Yolanda and Alex.
Chris and Mariana welcomed Christopher Ambrose on March 26, 2019 at 4:38 pm. He weiged 9 pounds and 12 ounces!
February, 2019
*Please note that all births for the month may not be listed here. It is the parents’ decision as to whether they want to announce their birth on our website.
Daisy Margaret was born to Dallas and Rebecca on February 3, 2019 at 12:32 pm. She weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces and was 19 inches long. Proud sibling is Dale and proud grandparents are Ramona, Buddy, Ulla and Greg.
Trevor and Heather welcomed baby girl Aela Nicole on February 6, 2019 at 7:53 pm. She weighed 9 pounds, 6 ounces and measured 19 inches long. Proud sibling is Mackenzie.
Rosa Bella was born to Jess and Christian on February 9, 2019 at 10:24 am. She weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces.
Courtney and Randall welcomed Anakin Chad on February 10, 2019 at 1:17 pm. He weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces and was 19 inches long. His proud siblings are Asher and Riddick.
Kadence Piper was born to Dan and Michelle on February 10, 2019. She weighed 9 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 21.75 inches long. Proud siblings are Kyia and Cam. Proud gransparents are Allan and Dobby.
Alaya welcomed baby boy Aris Iree on February 11, 2019 at 1:43 am. He weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 19 inches long. Proud grandparent is Gerri.
Aurora Katherine was born to Samantha and Benjamin on February 15, 2019. She weighed 8 pounds and 2 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long. Proud siblings are Nolan, Elliot and Oliver. Proud grandparents are Anita, Jeff and Phillip.
Luke and Christa welcomed Darcy Ruth on February 18, 2019. She weighed 7 pounds and 3 ounces and measured 19 inches long. Proud siblings are Kinsley, Hattie, Sadie and Taverly. Proud grandparents are Perry, Valerie, Bobby, Michelle, Lee and Lynde.
River Wallace was born to Brian and Jen on February 17, 2019 at 3:15 am. He weighed 9 pounds, 9 ounces and was 21 inches long. Proud siblings are Christian, Jayson, Anya, Ash and Bear. Proud grandparents are Dave, Carol, David, Marian and Dale.
Chris and Ashley welcomed baby girl Quinnzel Moira Claire on February 21, 2019 at 3:30 pm. She weighed 9 pounds, 8 ounces and measured 20 1/4 inches long. Proud sibling is Christopher.
Asher Noel was born to Kate and Jared on February 15, 2019. Their baby girl weighed 9 pounds and 12 ounces and was 22 inches long. Proud grandparents are Tracy, Dwight, Myron, Deidra and Pam.
Neil and Katie welcomed Gideon John on February 24, 2019 at 9:39 pm. He weighed 8 pounds and 5 ounces and measured 20 1/2 inches long. Proud siblings are Liam and Eleanor.
Charleigh Jane was born to Ashlie and Corie on February 24, 2019 at 11:44 am. She weighed 10 pounds, 4 ounces and was 22 inches long. Proud sibling is Aiden. Proud grandparents are Tim, Jane, Randy, Gina, Karen and Paul.
Ryan and Morgan welcomed baby Judson Boone on February 27, 2019. He weighed 7 pounds and measured 20 inches long. Proud grandparents are Steven, Kimberly, Billy and Susan.
Sullivan Charles was born to Sterling and Megan on February 28, 2019 at 5:19 am. He weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and was 20 inches long. Proud sibling is Finnley and proud grandparents are Adrian, Felicity, Edward and Barbara.
January, 2019
*Please note that all births for the month may not be listed here. It is the parents’ decision as to whether they want to announce their birth on our website.
Tyr Odysseus was born to Erik and Priscilla on January 7, 2019 at 11:28 pm. He weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces and was 19 inches long. His proud siblings are Alice and Mark.
Daniel and Tabitha welcomed baby boy Brazen Tobias on 1/10/19 at 12:06 pm. He weighed 8 pounds and 6 ounces and measured 19.5 inches long. Proud siblings are Asher and Zaria.
Marissa and Nick welcomed baby girl Camilla Ravelyn on January 14, 2019. She weiged 6 pounds and 10 ounces.
Judah Atlas was born to Collin and Amanda on January 14, 2019 at 9:56 pm, weighing 8 pounds and 4 ounces. She was 21 inches long. Her proud siblings are Ezra and Ira and proud grandparents are Sherry, Antonio, Lisa and Toby.
Kiaree welcomed baby girl Marlauna Lenai on January 15, 2019 at 3:58 pm. She weighed 6 pounds and 13 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Her pround grandparent is Tyneshia.
Aly Clarence was born to Andrew and Jessica on January 19, 2019 at 9:11 am. He weighed 5 pounds, 14 ounces. Proud siblings are Asante and Anala. Proud grandparents are Aly, Sheila, Jillian and Anthony.
Silas James joined the family of proud parents Tyler and Jaime on January 21, 2019 at 6:54 am. He weighed 8 pounds and 4 ounces and was 19 1/4 inches long. His proud sister is Moira and proud grandparents include James, Lisa, Jeff and Karen. He was also welcomed by Uncles and Aunts including Josh, Emily, Kelly, Sissy, Alex and Ryan and pets Bear, Maggie, M’gill, Vince and Neil.
Proud parents Krista and Don welcomed baby boy Benjamin Paul on January 21, 2019 at 10:16 pm. He weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces and was 20 inches long. Proud siblings are Jack and Charlotte and proud grandparents are Kevin, Sandy, John and Sandra.
Alexander Chris Pierre was born to proud parents Karee and Allah on January 22, 2019 at 9:07 pm, weighing 6 pounds.
John and Shawna proudly welcomed baby girl Nova Grace on January 29, 2019 at 8:00 am. She weighed 10 pounds, 8 ounces and was 22 inches long. Proud grandparents are Jennifer, Michael, Joshua and Sherry.
Luciana Jude was born to Maggie on January 29, 2019 at 8:08 pm. She weighed 5 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 18 inches long. Proud grandparents are Brad, Linda and John.
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