Austin Area Birthing Center

11/16/09

Giving Birth Take 2

by Marcya17 at Citysearch

When my husband and I first learned that we were pregnant, we were thrilled, but confused. Where would we go? None of our friends had babies, so we couldn't ask them for advice, we were waiting to share the news with our parents so we couldn't turn to them either. Also, I knew that hospitals, doctors and needles were not what I had in mind, so I began researching and I had heard about midviwes, when the Austin Area Birthing Center came up we quickly made an appointment. When we got there, nervous, scared and not knowing what to expect, Kristen was there to greet us. After the tour she sat with us in a birthing room, just talking. My husband and I laughed, cried, and shared our lingering fears, Kristen who had just met us was empathetic and helped us sort out our feelings and was pro-active in helping us create a plan of action. I knew after I left that I felt safe and that they had my best interest in mind. We did all our prenatal care there and 10 days before delivery my belly still hadn't dropped, I was sent in for another sonogram and we learned that baby was breach. The midviwes scheduled an appointment with a doctor partner of theirs and he talked us through our options, which weren't many, wait till labor and see if the baby turns or schedule a c-section. Not the birth plan I envisioned. We did end up having our 1st baby in the hospital but our midwife, Kristen, stayed with us the first full day, I think she's the reason my husband didn't pass out, and how we learned to care for our new baby. Fast forward 3 years later and it was a no brainer, we went back to AABC where the midwives reassured me that it was possible to have a Vaginal Birth After Cesearan (VBAC). I was so worried the whole pregnancy that the same thing would happen again, and all the midwives, Jenny, Joan, Roswitha & Lauren cheered me on and reassured me that we would cross that bridge when we got there, well my due date came and went and I was nervous because I knew I couldn't be induced, I did everything they said, primrose, water, sex, walking, swimming, medicine ball and then 1 week after my due date I knew it was time. It was awesome! I birthed at home with my parents, in-laws, husband and oldest son, when the contractions got closer we called Joan, and she told us to wait a little longer until they were even closer, I told her 'no we are coming now'. She was there to greet us and immediately went through the game plan. She never took over or interfered in our birth, but merely suggested things we could try. A side note on Joan-she was one of two midwives that was there our first pregnancy. As much as I adored the other midwives I was ecstatic that Joan was the one we 'got'. I needed HER there as much as I needed my husband, her patience, insight, love and reassurance, I call her my rock. I was convinced the best option for me was the water, I could float I felt free, and could literally ride the waves. I was able to use aromatherapy, lighting, herbs, and music to make it a more soothing environment. Luckily I only labored 10 hours from beginning to end, and my beautiful little girl was healthy as can be, and she was not ripped from my arms as soon as she came out and placed in a french fry warmer. After she came out I sat with her in the tub in awe, did I really do this I wondered. According to Joan it was the fastest VBAC she had attended. My family is so grateful for this place, we encourage everyone to go. With the right mix of knowledge, love, and encouragement even a VBAC is possible. I would get pregnant just to go back!!

• Pros: Midwife serves as cheerleader, counselor, dietician, friend
• Cons: Expensive

08/25/09

The perfect place for a perfect birth!

by Kelliott at Citysearch

I gave birth naturally to my first daughter in a hospital, and while that was a rewarding experience, it was too clinical and chaotic and not at all what I wanted to experience while going through birth – the most momentous moment of any woman’s life.

I believe that birth is a natural process and that any woman with confidence and support can give birth beautifully without uneccessary interventions. I knew I was at the right place at the Austin Area Birthing Center because from day one when my husband and I toured the Center, I could tell that the midwives felt the same way I did. I could feel that they were all confident women who knew that the way to birth is with patience, privacy, support and comfort….not cold rooms, bright lights, shift changes, and threats of induction. I always felt at home throughout each prenatal visit. Each and every midwife listened to every concern I had and never made me feel rushed. And the familiarity I felt with each one was very important. It was nice to know that when I went to deliver, I’d be helped by someone with whom I felt as comfortable as my own sister. My water broke early in the morning and Jennifer was on call. She was calm and easy going. She really set the tone for an anxiety free delivery. She told me to take things easy, walk around, take a shower, do whatever made me feel at ease. When we decided to drive in from Elgin, it was really close to time. She met us at the door and took us back immediately. She quietly prepped the room while I stood in the shower to alleviate the contractions. She suggested the tub, which I accepted in a heartbeat! That was the most wonderful feeling EVER! It took away all the weight I had been carrying and really soothed my back. She sat by patiently and quietly while I went through contractions. She suggested I change positions to help with back labor and with the next contraction she asked if we wanted a water birth! Our baby girl was born two contractions later! It was the most relaxing, stress free and worry free way to give birth! And the post-natal care was beyond compare! Jesse was the sweetest nurse possible. Her kind words and peaceful voice were incredibly soothing, not to mention all the help getting in and out of bed, showering, and getting dressed.

My daughter was born in a warm tub under the guidance of a caring and down-to-earth midwife and my calm supportive husband. Jennifer later told my husband that she thought I could have given birth out in a field on my own…but I would never do that, I’d come to the Austin Area Birthing Center!

• Pros: Birth your way in a beautiful setting with experienced help.

06/18/09

#1 Experience

by klarabell at Citysearch

I want to compliment Jenny Liana for my experiences with her as a midwife for two of my deliveries. I think she's wonderful. I was happy to try all of the tips that she suggested during labor, and she helped coach me during pushing. She gave me space to labor. She was there when I needed her. After my first experience with her, I was excited when she was the midwife on call for another one of my births. She is a caring midwife who is very helpful.