During a routine prenatal appointment at my OB, I had an ultrasound to get my baby’s measurements. I was about 34 weeks along with my third baby. I knew my babies measured smaller so I had no concerns but went ahead with an ultrasound since it was recommended by the midwife there. I was by myself and when the ultrasound began, the technician asked what position the baby had been in. I wasn’t really sure what she meant, I just said head down- normal positioning.
That’s when she said, “this baby’s breech” I was in absolute disbelief. The OB said I still had time to turn my baby, and told me to start today. She gave me a pamphlet on spinning babies and told me all the things to try. Inversions 5x a day minimum, ice packs, chiropractors who specialize in the Webster method, acupuncture.. I said alright and immediately began that night with my husband’s help bending me over the bed on my head for the next few weeks. Since stretches weren’t working, we decided to do the ECV. Our baby moved from breech to transverse after 2-3 tries.
I felt so defeated, tired, sad. Within minutes I was scheduled a c-section. I had no other options, this was the way my story would go. My third baby- a c section if she wouldn’t turn. The loss of autonomy is hard to explain. Especially after having our second baby completely natural in the hospital. My labors were quick and recovery was fast. The news that I couldn’t have that was terrifying and sad. This crushed me and my spirit, as much as I tried to come to terms with my fate I couldn’t.
By 38 weeks I could barely do an inversion by myself. It was exhausting and frustrating. I couldn’t get the positions right and felt like I was failing my baby. I still tried everything in my ability to flip my baby. I went to chiropractors, signed myself up for a gym membership even. My gracious and amazing mom went to the pool with me and she held my legs up so I could do headstands in the water. I walked around the track, I did exercises and stretches. I did everything in the best of my ability, but my baby was still in that 3 to 4% of being breech.
Still unable to come to terms with having a surgery, I began to do some research of my own. I looked at breech without borders, a breech coalition group on Facebook, and ended up asking a local mom’s group about Brookhaven for breech deliveries and experiences. Misty reached out to me after seeing my post. The moms who delivered breech with her shared their stories. All empowering and really opened my eyes to a different kind of delivery. A natural hands-off delivery. Misty was very understanding and supportive of my decision and did not want to force me into anything. She was so kind to meet with us and answer all of my questions. I felt at ease and like she had a great knowledge of breech births.
At a little over 38 weeks, I canceled my scheduled c-section and went forward with Brookhaven.
I only had one prenatal appointment with Misty. The birthing center felt private and intimate immediately. We were so pleased with the setting and the 1:1 long care time I received. Misty showed us demonstrations and made sure to address concerns. I also really appreciated that I could text the midwives on call and got responses right away. The recommendations were helpful and not like others I had gotten from previous care.
The day of my baby’s birth- contractions began around 2pm and were strong and consistent. My water broke around 8pm and my husband called the midwife and she said to start heading to the birthing center and that the other midwife would be on her way to join her.
When we arrived at night it was even more beautiful. The birthing center has the best soft lighting and peaceful atmosphere. I instantly felt at ease. We were the only ones there. They let us settle and unpack then casually asked us a few things and just kind of hung out together.
We met the 2nd midwife and loved her personality. This midwife was very soft spoken but strong. She showed me things to do to help with the contractions and was very attentive the whole time. Her name is Zazi and she was by my side as much as I needed. Since baby was breech we had to have two midwives at delivery. There were also a few students. Everyone was so sweet and explained everything. When we said we were ready they asked a few basic questions and we all chit chatted and the mood was light and fun. Everyone had a good sense of humor and seemed excited to be there.
They got routine vitals but it didn’t even feel like it. No IVs of any sort, no overwhelming paper work; labs, nothing. Just let me go in the earlier stage of labor. The contractions were consistent with no breaks. They were getting stronger so Zazi suggested doing some water therapy in the birthing tub.
Having my husband right by my side supporting my head while allowing my body to float between contractions made it such a peaceful intimate environment. No unnecessary vaginal exams either. Our baby came out frank breech and came out in two pushes. The midwife passed her to me and she let out a little cry. I was so happy that everything went so perfectly, so peacefully. I held her on my chest and we did skin to skin until the umbilical cord turned white. At that point, I was ready to get out of the tub. I sat on the birthing stool and delivered the placenta with ease.
I also admire Brookhaven for allowing us to choose our length of stay after the required time was up. We were able to go home that morning with our bundle of joy and recover in the comfort of our home. Postpartum care with them was wonderful. I felt so seen and any concerns I had was just a text away.
I am so grateful for Brookhaven and the care we received from them. I wouldn’t have been able to have the birth I wanted without them. I cannot recommend their care enough. This experience changed my view on how labor and delivery can be, and I am so thankful for it.
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