Real Clients, Real Stories: Avonlea and Alisha Share Their Experiences
Columbia Birth Center was created with one purpose in mind – to celebrate birth as a normal life event.
Giving birth is a profoundly personal experience. Our entire staff considers it an honor to walk alongside each client as their family grows. This is not something we take lightly. It is a privilege, and we value every person who walks through our doors. For this reason, we strive to give personalized care that exceeds all expectations. From the start of prenatal care to weeks after giving birth, YOU matter. Avonlea and Alisha prove that every woman’s experience is different, but exceptional care at Columbia Birth Center is constant.
Avonlea’s Experience
I joined the birth center around 35 weeks into my pregnancy. The Columbia Birth Center staff worked with me to achieve a birth plan that was in line with my health and my hopes for the labor and delivery of my son.
Prenatal care was wonderful. The staff was kind and informative. Each visit never felt rushed. My parents and husband were welcomed into the exam rooms whenever I desired. It was very intimate and exciting, unlike many other facilities I’d been to. It was like planning a celebration rather than a medical procedure!
About halfway through my 40th week, my Midwife, Kristin, offered me several options with detailed risks and rewards as we figured out the next steps toward bringing our baby into the world. All of the Midwives constantly kept in contact to ensure I was doing okay. I was still lightly contracting, and after an in-facility ultrasound revealed the fluid in my son’s amniotic sack was dwindling as he grew to take up the space (he turned out to be 10lbs 13 oz), again, Kristin presented options and asked what I wanted to do. She was very kind, calm, and affirming each time I met with her, and excited for me each time we saw progression.
When active labor finally began, we notified the on-call midwife line and had our separately hired Doula come to the house while Kristin set up the birth center. She and our birth team patiently waited there for us while I labored a bit longer at home. We arrived and were warmly welcomed, despite it being two in the morning, and were brought back to the beautiful birth room we selected. I was checked and assisted frequently, monitored but not hovered over. The birth team worked very well alongside my Doula to aid in whatever was needed and helped support my husband.
When it was time for pushing, the midwives suggested different positions to try, and at 12:30pm, my son was born! After completing their checklist for discharge, we packed up, said our warm goodbyes, and were home by 5:30 pm. The midwives encouraged us to call at any time with questions, or concerns, even if it was just for help with breastfeeding. Overall, our experience was truly amazing! We were happy and healthy, comfortable, and cared for every step of the way.
There is peace of mind knowing that Columbia Birth Center is right next to the hospital. The midwives are trained and experienced in delivering babies, in addition to helping parents have a good experience. Everything is focused on YOUR BODY and YOUR COMFORT from start to finish. Honestly, they made our baby’s birthday absolutely magical! Having the comforts of home, the friendly faces of the birth center staff and our family members in the room made it an obvious choice for our normal, healthy labor/delivery situation!
Alisha’s Experience
When I heard there was a birth center focused on unmedicated birthing with the medical side headed by Lisa Garcia, I knew I would deliver there. Lisa delivered my first daughter in the hospital and was my advocate and cheerleader during that delivery. So I knew if she had any part in the development of the birth center, I would be getting exceptional care and support, the way it is supposed to be. Once I toured the facility and spoke with Kristin and Cynthia, I was sold and transferred my care at 28 weeks pregnant. If I can help it, I don't think I will deliver anywhere else again.
This birthing experience was 100 times different than my previous birth at the hospital. The prenatal care here was more well-rounded (we went over my nutrition, exercise routine, mental health, past experiences, expectations, and post-partum planning), less rushed, and more focused on my wants and needs. All of my concerns and questions were addressed. Each midwife was always kind, calm, and reassuring, and I always felt like I was being well cared for. They were knowledgeable and up to date on best practices.
I was well supported during my labor and always had the birth center staff at my side, whereas my husband and I were left to labor alone for hours in the hospital with our first daughter. At the birth center, I was supported in knowing what was best for my care and for my daughter, and when necessary, I was given interventions that aligned with my values.
When active labor began, and my contractions were two minutes apart and about one minute long, I quickly called Jen and my Doula and let them know we were coming in. We were met with the birth center door held open, the birthing suite prepped, and the tub calling my name. Jen quickly took action to assess where I was in my labor, and after a few intense contractions, she was able to determine that I was seven centimeters dilated. Jen and my Doula swiftly got me into the tub, where I felt immediate relief from my contractions. It was at this point that I felt my body begin to push my baby out. During this time, Jen was so calming and comforting, encouraging my husband and me that we would be meeting our baby very soon. Jen was gentle and informative and let me know when my baby was crowning, at which point I was able to reach down and touch her. I will always remember that moment and the way it made me feel. Moments later, our Evelyn was born, six and a half minutes to be exact.
After she was born, I birthed the placenta, which was placed beside us, allowing my baby to get all the placental blood flow back to her. We were supported in our breastfeeding efforts by Cynthia and were given an hour of uninterrupted nursing time. It was during this time that my husband worked on Evelyn's birthday heart. About five hours later, we were both given good marks, I ate a good meal, and we were told we could head home.
I LOVED HAVING A HOME VISIT THE NEXT DAY! It was so nice not to have to go anywhere and be taken care of in the comfort of our own home. I received several call check-ins and had a few appointments for both me and Evelyn, which just added to how supported I felt, especially with my history of post-partum depression during my previous pregnancy. Do not underestimate the continuity of care. I loved being able to have post-partum appointments with Jen, who delivered Evelyn.
I encourage any pregnant woman to consider having a natural birth at Columbia Birth Center. The care is well-rounded, holistic, and supportive. You will have fewer invasive interventions and will be fully prepared with their childbirth education classes. The birth center is a calm, relaxing environment where you are not just a number. They take the time to really get to know you and understand what you are wanting for your birth.
Our “Why”
Being able to support clients in having the pregnancy, labor, and birth they deserve is why we do what we do. After all, this is your journey. We are just a small part of helping you step into this life-changing event.
We invite you to browse our website for more information, and come see our new office for yourself! Let us show you exactly what care at Columbia Birth Center is all about!