I love Birthing Your Way! I previously had 5 hospi...

I love Birthing Your Way! I previously had 5 hospital births, I would write my birth plan, however, I'm kind of a passive person, especially when I'm weak with pain, and just ended up doing what everyone said I should do, then always regretted it later. I knew as we were preparing to get pregnant with our 6th that if I wanted the birth I imagined, it would have to be out of the hospital. I did a lot of online research and called a few midwives, I went to an orientation and talked to Karla about my past medical history and my concerns and knew I wanted to go with Birthing Your Way. They give you a book by Ina May Gaskin to read, the births and attitudes were a little more crunchy than what I would feel comfortable with, however it was very informative and gave me confidence that I could actually do a natural birth. I didn't love every bit of it, but still highly recommend the book for this reason, and I think they are smart for asking clients to read it. I took a lot of time at every appointment, and I felt each midwife actually cared about my well being. I was surprised one day when I got a phone call from Karla that they had discussed my concerns and past medical history, and thought it would be beneficial for me to see a therapist. Previous doctors listened for two minutes and then prescribe antidepressants, without realizing what the issues were, I refused to take the antidepressants while I was pregnant, but that was their only answer. I did see the Dr. Law at the birthing center and he was great! I realized that I had PTSD, and after a few sessions I felt so much better about my ability to give birth. I think this ease in anxiety helped my labor and birth to go smoothly. It wasn't gone completely though, and looking back, I probably drove the midwives crazy with my anxieties, but they were always kind and helpful and reassured me that my baby was okay. I decided to go with a home birth, and felt prepared, which ended up being such a blessing because labor went so fast, I wouldn't have had time to even get to the car. As soon as I knew I was in labor I called Karla's cell, she answered right away and ended up assisting my husband to deliver my son, in the sac! (Seriously, less than 10 min) It was late at night and I appreciated Heather jumping in her car in her jammies, to get to me as soon as possible. Hannah rushed up as well. Karla stayed on the phone with us asking questions and making sure all was well until Heather got there. It was an amazing experience, which could have easily been a panicked one had I not been prepared the way I was. I feel like I was well taken care of in my postpartum period as well. I loved that I could go back for birth control instead on going to an OB. Throughout the process, I was told repeatedly that this was my birth and that I would call the shots, unless they felt it was an emergency situation. I felt confident in their ability to assist in birth and was grateful to know their expertise would be there to actually know what an emergency situation would be. Overall, I loved the attention I got at each appointment, I never would have considered how much I would appreciate this with my five previous pregnancies. I loved their knowledge of herbs and supplements, and the options I had. I thought I was an expert after giving birth five times, however I learned so much about birth and my body from these ladies. I loved this experience and I'm excited to share it with all who will listen. I am glad I have this experience to share with my daughters to help them to really learn about their bodies and what they are capable of the first time they give birth.