My son William is our third child. He was born under the care of Quinte Midwives and it changed my life in more ways than I ever imagined. It was more than just the superior care I received; it allowed me to heal from the emotional disappointment I experienced when delivering my girls.

I was a teen mother when my first daughter was born. Hers was a difficult birth made more traumatic by the lack of respect and empathy I was shown by the delivery team and maternity nurses. I assumed these professionals would look beyond my situation and treat me as they did all other patients. Sadly, I was wrong and it left me feeling defeated and frustrated.

Four years later, I prepared for the birth of my second daughter by contacting my local Midwives in Peterborough. I was placed on a wait list but unfortunately, was unable to secure a spot. Now married to the father of my children, I had the emotional support I felt I needed to face the hospital team again. Not surprisingly, with him by my side, I had a more positive experience.

By the time I was pregnant with my son William, I was thrilled to be taken into the care of Quinte Midwives. I was determined to have the birth experience I had always hoped for; one where I could control where I was, who was with me, and the type of care I would receive.

The early stages of labour started slow and irregular. It was about a week before my due date and I could feel changes starting to happen. My Braxton Hicks contractions were getting stronger and longer, and the overwhelming urge to nest was becoming intense. Although my mom and husband were sure the baby would come soon, I cleaned the house and insisted on a trip to the mall to pick up the last items on my to-do list. It was Saturday.

That evening my labor picked up and I was sure this was it! At 2:00 am we called Stacey and she headed out to the house. By this point, my contractions were long and hard, and I was sure I was at least 7 centimeters. Not the case! "Slightly more than 1 centimeter," Stacey said "Maybe 2". I was tired and ready for sleep. Stacey went home and said she would check in the next day.

Morning came and my labor had slowed. I spoke to Stacey and confirmed that if anything picked up I would call her, but otherwise she would see me Wednesday for my scheduled appointment. I was sure I would have a baby before then, but Wednesday came and no baby! We decided to do a stretch and sweep. To my delight, I was 5 centimeters! We decided that Stacey would come out to the house that evening and she would help me get things moving.

I was cramping again and had two choices, we could break my water or we could try castor oil. I decided to have her break my water and it worked! The contractions that followed were absolutely nothing compared to the lagging ones I had experienced the days leading up. This was labor and I remember the pain like yesterday.

It was wonderful to be in my home: no strangers coming in and out of my bedroom, no machines, or IVs. It was just my house, with my husband and mother, and Stacey and Jeannette - who had cared for me throughout my pregnancy. I had never felt so safe, knowing I could count on them to be there, and not just whoever was on call that night.

I decided to have bath so Stacey and I thought it would be a good idea to get the pool filled in the kitchen. My husband was so excited to have a job! He got right to work with the garden hose - and filled the tub with freezing cold water! Eventually, my mom gently asked him, "Do you think we should put some warm water in there for her?" Though she had been so nervous about me giving birth at home, there was mum, boiling water on the stove for my birthing pool. It's a memory that always makes me smile!

At 7:00pm the pool was ready. My contractions were coming on strong and low and I could no longer talk through them. Miraculously, I was still in good spirits between contractions- it was almost like a natural high. I held my husband's hand and tried to focus on keeping my shoulders loose and relaxed through my pains. I found that difficult, so I tried to take each contraction as one and then let it go. Labour is painful. There were moments during contractions where I thought this is the most difficult, painful thing I have ever done and how on earth will I make it through? And the contraction would end and I knew I could keep going. I think it was so important to have people around me knowing I could do this and not make me question my ability to have a baby naturally by offering me "something to take the edge off."

The house was so quiet in between contractions, which was such a wonderful change from the busyness of the hospital. All of a sudden, it felt like my body took over and decided I needed to change positions. I went from lying on my side to a squat, and I started making sounds like I was trying to catch my breath.

I remember being asked if I wanted to push - all I knew is that I wanted out of the pool and into my bed. As I stood up, I could feel the baby coming. My mum cried, "Oh God, how will it take for the ambulance to get here?" I assured her I was fine - and now I remind her of that moment often!

I waddled to my bedroom with Stacey leading the way, helping me keep a towel between my legs. Once in bed I started pushing. I really liked this part and was excited to know I was close to meeting my baby. After 7 minutes of pushing, our sweet William Jeremy was born. It was 8:52pm. He weighed 8lbs 12oz and had lots of gorgeous red hair! He was beautiful.

My dad brought our girls over to meet their brother and it was beyond wonderful to be surrounded by family. When I was ready, Stacey weighed and measured William and everyone sat on the bed with a glass of wine and watched. It was so intimate, personal and perfect.

Jeannette and Stacey stayed with us until everyone was settled. As they left, I thought theirs must be the best job in the world; to be with women as they bring their babies into the world, and to help them reach this beautiful moment while making them feel safe and loved. It was then I realized what my individual birth stories had all been about - each experience created the journey I needed to understand my professional calling. I am now enrolled in the Midwifery program at Ryerson University, and I cannot wait to assist other women in achieving the birth experience they deserve and dream about.

I had no idea how much my life was going to change the morning of June 14th, 2007. what I did know though was that I had a midwife appointment that bright sunny day and that I got to visit with Stacey; for this I was excited. Chris had to work today, which is unusual about a midwife appointment day because Chris always went with me and usually we would have the morning off together, but not this day. That morning we would meet together at the clinic for our appointment. We had a great visit with Stacey as we celebrated our 39th week and I remember her saying something to the effect of, there are a few things that you can do to bring on labour, some may be tales and some may be true. Eat Spicy food, go for a bumpy ride, and then quite matter of factly spoken, have sex. I couldn't help but smile. So, Chris and I left our appointment and followed Stacey's facts or fiction... Chris drove me home by way of a windy bumpy road, it was such a lovely drive and, then I made us some delicious curry to feast on. Then we went to bed for the night on a night we had no clue would change our lives forever. My water broke at about 7:45 in the evening. I called Stacey and she said not to worry, labour will start and then I will know to call her. I looked at Chris and we decided, no point in waiting around, he might as well grab a coffee and we can come back and hope for things to start happening. By the time we got to Tim Horton's I was starting to have contractions and begged Chris to hurry us home. I called Stacey back to tell her that I had reached the required time in my labour for her to make her way to my home. I sat in my tub, Chris holding my hand until Stacey got there. When she arrived she could tell that I was excited, she checked me out and I still had more of a labour journey to lead. I made my way between my room for checks by Stacey and my tub for the entire labour... what felt like FOREVER. I remember at one point in my labour thinking that I could not do it anymore and feeling like giving up. Chris was sleeping as he had just worked 3-15 hour days back to back and he could not keep his eyes open at all any longer, I felt alone, but there sat Stacey beside me... she rubbed my arm and told me that we could go to the hospital and then explained the rest of what would happen there. I remember feeling a surge of power run through my body... like wait a minute, I wanted to do this, here I am doing itÉmaking my own decisions and being supported by them no matter what they are... I have a job to do and I am going to get this baby out of here. No point in fighting what has to be done... just go with it. I felt incredibly empowered. Soon I was ready to almost start to push my baby out and Stacey went to wake Chris up and we made our way to our couch. I remember feeling my body take over what needed to happen. I felt it start to contract and push my little honey bear into our earth. I pushed one time and Stacey eased my miracle out to take her first breath. Stacey passed my tiny precious wonder onto my chest at 5:55 am where I looked at her with sheer astonishment. I had done it. I delivered my baby, at home with no use of any drug and I looked at her and felt such a sense of power. She looked proud. I looked at my lover and cried that we made her, we kissed and hugged for some time. Stacey did a whole bunch of stuff while we looked over our little sweetie and then I went to the bathroom and changed and Jeannette and Stacey looked my Girl all over. After we were all settled and our little miracle was nursing, Stacey left with a promise to return soon. Stacey supported us through several visits after Cyndi's birth, always there to answer questions no matter how silly, she was always concerned for both myself and Cyndi and supported all of our wishes... even naming her when she was 4 days old. ;) Having a midwife was easily the most empowering time in my life. Soon after Cyndi was born I thanked Stacey for delivering our baby. She looked at me and said YOU delivered your baby. I have never forgotten those words, they will stay with me forever and served very well through the birth of our son too. :D

From the time that I started to consider starting a family, I knew that I wanted to be under the care of a midwife for my pregnancy.  This being my first child, and with my husband Tony and I being far away from our families, I knew that I wanted to not only get the best care possible but to also be in a nurturing environment.  I am so grateful that the option of midwifery care is available in Ontario and that the Quinte Midwives is such a wonderful clinic

Our appointments with Melissa were always full of information and reassurance.  By being presented with all of the options of care and weighing the pros and cons of each intervention or test, the decisions were entirely up to us.  A non-judgemental attitude towards all of our decisions made us feel like we were in control of our care and that we were truly getting the best from me and our baby.  Having access to contact our midwife at any time with questions or concerns proved invaluable when problems arose.

About two and a half weeks before my due date, I was experiencing what I thought was false labour.  Sporadic contractions that were not very intense.  They lasted one day and the stopped completely for about 36 hours.  Then, on Saturday, May 8th at 8:15 am, my water broke.  As per Melissa’s instructions, I called her immediately.  We made the decision to meet at the clinic to see if I was dilated, and to assess the situation.  My birth plan was to labour at home for as long as possible and then make the short trip to the hospital for the delivery.  When we met her at the clinic, she checked me and I was already 8 cm!  I was just the starting to get contractions and they were close together and really strong.  We quickly got to the hospital and by 10 am I was ready to push.  There was quite a scramble to get me into a room and on a table as this was happening so quickly…my active labour lasted about 10 minutes!  Melissa and Tracey (our back-up midwife) were so calm and composed throughout the whole event that it really felt like delivery a baby was a normal, healthy thing..not such a big deal at all.  I remember being so happy that my midwives were dressed in regular clothes…not in full scrubs!  This small detail relay helped me to stay relaxed and actually enjoy the delivery.   The casual yet professional attitude of the midwives set the tone in the delivery room as a place where something exciting and very natural was happening. They involved Tony in as much of the process as he wanted without making his presence feel like he was in the way.  After about an hour of pushing, which guidance and coaching from Melissa, Evie Jane arrived at a healthy 8.4 lbs.  She was immediately placed on my stomach and we were given as much time as we wanted to get to know each other.  Evie had to have blood glucose tests done every 4 hours, and after 12 hours in the hospital, we got to go home with here.  With the encouragement and reassurance of my husband Tony, Melissa and Tracey, my birth experience was very positive and I felt safe, calm and supported throughout.

The care that we received in the weeks following Evie’s birth were exceptional, with frequent home visits from Melissa and Jeannette.  Help with breastfeeding issues and an open ear were just what we needed to get through those first few weeks.  We never felt rushed during our time with our midwives and any of our concerns were treated uniquely with patience and attention.  Tony and I are sad to be leaving the clinic, and we are enthusiastic endorsers of Quinte Midwives.

To the Quinte Midwives and whomever else this may concern:

My name is Tiffany Young. My daughter was born on January 7, 2010 at Belleville General Hospital and with us was Melissa Dorsay, our midwife.

I had always planned a home birth from the time I had my first prenatal appointment with Melissa.  She always made me feel confident and informed about all of my decisions throught my whole pregnancy.  We’d talked about labour and birth and the possible complications that could arise, but in my mind, I was determined that I’d have a nice, peaceful home birth.

When I went into labour at 2:45 am on January 7th, everything seemed to be going perfectly.  At 3:45 am when I paged Melissa, she called me back promptly and decided it was time to come over and set up for our birth.  She arrived at 4 am, and determined that I was 4 cm dilated.  At 6:30 am, I was 10 cm dilated and we paged Tracey the other midwife to attend the birth.  I thought for sure by 8 am I would be holding my baby while lying comfortably in my bed.

At 9 am, after pushing for 2 ½ hours, Melissa, my partner Trevor and I had a conversation. We had changed positions several times, moved from a birth tub to a birth stool, then to bed, trying to get into a position that would allow my baby to descend.  Unfortunately it wasn’t happening.  Melissa called an ambulance after talking to us about the lack of progress, and the dangers we faced.

Melissa came with me in the ambulance and with her reassuring voice to calm me we made the transition to the hospital. She stayed by our side through the two hours more of pushing and decision making that led to a cesearean section delivery of our daughter Ivy at 10:42 am.

Throughout the whole ordeal Melissa was by our side, helping us through our battle and making us feel safe in our decisions and experiences. I can honestly say that without her guidance and support, I would not have felt as confident and informed about Ivy’s birth.

Not everything in life and labour can be predicted or foreseen, but through everything that happened Melissa was calm and confident.  She managed the quick labour and stressful transition to the hospital with professionalism and confidence, and gave us the confidence in ourselves to succeed and feel comfortable with every outcome.

Although it wasn’t my “dream” birth, I can look back and feel that Melissa and Tracey and I did everything right even though we ended with a c-section.

Trevor and I are planning another child as soon as I’m physically able and we really hope that Melissa will be there again as our midwife.  We value her expertise and love her personality and we hope that we are able to share family’s progress with her in the future. In my opinion, the Quinte Midwives is lucky to have her.

Sincerely, Tiffany Young

As my due date came and went, my husband and I were anxiously awaiting the arrival of our second child.  This time was different however because we had no preconceived plans as to how or where she would be born.  With my first born, I was determined I was going to have a home birth, but was disappointed when I was unable to, so this time I wanted to do what felt best for me when the time came. My midwife Liza was amazing, and always assured me that it was my choice.

On Saturday morning my contractions began as I was waking up. We decided to have our daughter go with her grandparents just incase this was it.  Of course my contractions stopped once my daughter left, and then were very irregular throughout the day.  I felt let down, missed my daughter, and decided to head to bed at 10pm.  Once I got in bed, my contractions began again and became regular.  After an hour, I had my husband start keeping track for me.  At 11:45pm I called Liza just to let her know what was going on. At this time I also informed her that I was battling a cold, was tired and just wanted to head to the hospital as soon as I possibly could.  I didn’t even want to attempt a home birth.  Again, Liza stood behind me and told me to sleep as much as I could and to call her when I was 4 minutes apart.  I managed my contractions until about 4:30am and then told my husband to call Liza, I was ready to go to the hospital!  I got the message that she was on her way over to see how far along I was. 

When Liza arrived, she informed me that I was 8cm and that the baby was probably going to arrive in the next hour, and that it was still my choice, but I likely wouldn’t even have enough time to get an epidural.  I contemplated what to do, thought about how dreadful the car ride would be, and how I might not even be able to get the epidural, and then decided I would just set my sights on the fact that I was going to meet my baby soon, and I would do it at home.

We headed to the room I had set up prior, and not even 15 minutes later my water broke, and the transition began.  I was in a completely different zone, and wasn’t totally aware of all the things going on around me. I know Liza was working quickly to get all her things set up, and talking me through the things she was doing.

Soon Tracey showed up, and two of them were doing everything they could to make me comfortable and support me.  I’m pretty sure I was one of their most stubborn patients, but they were so patient with me.  I will never forget that.  My baby was not coming as quickly and easily as we hoped, but Liza assured me everything was progressing and that I was doing well.  When it seemed like the baby just wasn’t moving along with my pushes, the midwives urged me that I needed to change positions, and although I tried to ignore their requests as long as possible, they helped me into a better labouring position and within minutes my baby was on its way out.  When my baby girl, Olivia, finally appeared, it was like nothing I had ever felt before in my life.  Words cannot describe the feelings and emotions.  I had naturally birthed my baby and now was holding her to my chest.  I lay their feeling overwhelmed with joy, triumph, amazement, relief, shock and pride.  It was the most amazing feeling.  Olivia Faith came into the world at 9lbs 8oz, and the two of us spent the rest of the day cuddling in bed completely relaxed. When the midwives left, you would have never known a birth had just taken place, and I had my husband spoil me the rest of the day.  Liza checked in on me again that night and I was still on my high.  It was also comforting to know the midwives were there for me for all my concerns after the baby was born.  I feel extremely grateful that I got to experience a homebirth and am so grateful to Liza and Tracey. 

To be completely honest, I’m not sure I would have ever considered the idea of working with a midwife had my girlfriend not recommended it, I’m not even sure I would have known it was an option. My hope is that midwifery becomes more widely accepted, and people are properly educated about what their purpose is. So many people are missing an amazing experience.

I look back at my experience with Quinte Midwives, and have no regrets. From the very first phone call with Laurie, my journey has been nothing but positive. Every time I called, and every time I walked through the doors of the office, I felt I was meeting with friends. Liza and Jeannette quickly became people who I felt extremely comfortable with. From the beginning, they gave me every confidence that they were the right people to be leading me through my first pregnancy and childbirth. I embraced the idea that their role was to educate me, allowing me to make informed choices…allowing me to make my experience what I wanted. I’m not sure I can properly put into words how important that made me feel. We so often leave these decisions to doctors, as we are taught that they know best. Liza and Jeannette taught me that my body would guide me through this journey. Every milestone of my pregnancy, from the sound of my baby’s heartbeat, to the first kick was celebrated with excitement. I’m not sure I ever really felt like a patient, but instead an old friend guided by years of experience volumes of knowledge.

Towards the end of my pregnancy, Liza proposed the idea of a student participating in my remaining appointments, and possibly the birth as well. As much as I embraced the idea to begin with, I remember having slight hesitation with the student attending the birth (quite frankly…who needs yet another witness??). Quickly after meeting Angela, I immediately knew her kind nature, mixed with her eagerness to learn would only add to my birth experience. After only a few appointments, Angela became a close member of our team. 

Although my due date was not until the 19th of February, on the 9th I remember my body started to feel a little “off”. I spent the entire night, through the next day, having mild contractions…still not convinced I was in labour. Around 2 AM on February 11th, my contractions were about 3 ½ minuets apart when I decided it was time to call Liza. My midwives had spent several appointments preparing me for labour, however I was still not convinced it was happening….I was expecting a lot more pain! Amazingly, within half an hour, Liza and Angela were at my doorstep, as if it had been part of their schedule. I was 6 cm dialated at this point, and with excitement and support, Liza and Angela suggested we make our way to the hospital, as this was part of my birth plan. We arrived at the hospital, and went directly into the birthing room. The next few hours will remain vivid in my mind for the remainder of my life. My midwives worked with my sister and husband coaching them on techniques to keep me calm, help me breathe, and work through my increasing contractions. Throughout, I remember Liza and Angela both encouraging me to trust my body....a concept that helped me through. When the time came to start pushing, Jeannette arrived, and she matched the stride of the team helping me finally give birth to my daughter. Laynee was born at 5:44 AM. Words fail me, as they could never properly describe that moment. She was healthy, beautiful, and amazing! I remember my midwives scurrying around doing what needed to be done, while giving me and my new family the time to get acquainted. After attempting to breastfeed, the assistance and positive reassurance from Liza and Angela made me feel like Laynee and I would figure this out together. We were discharged 3 short hours after I gave birth, and returned home for some much needed rest. The idea of going home so quickly would have been extremely overwhelming, without the support of my midwives. They reassured me that they would be coming to my home to follow up with how we were feeling, assisting me with breastfeeding, and fielding any other questions that we had.

The following weeks involved a few more appointments, where all of my questions were answered. Liza and Angela were thrilled to share Laynee’s newness with close family and friends that were there. Laynee and I were met with excitement at every visit. My last visit was bitter sweet. I was sad that we were being sent to doctor land! I’ll never forget the encouraging words that Liza left me with. She said no matter what, I was the expert on my baby, and I knew her best! What amazing confidence to give a new mother!

Many thanks to my team, Liza, Jeannette, Angela and Laurie! An experience I’ll never forget.

Precious little in our society today offers individual care and attention. Everything efficient, disposable, and formulated receives increasing esteem. Even our health care system has become a bureaucratic structure of numbers that frustrate physicians and patients alike. The truth of the matter is that we are human; and as such, we thrive best on the personal element. If that is true, then which relationships of our lives can this bear more weight than on those that begin at home, within our families?

Over a year ago, my husband and I decided to move into the country. We left the big city to strike out on our own, away from all known ties and amenities. Already our respective families lived far away, either overseas or halfway across the nation, so moving from our hitherto established life in Toronto meant going out on a limb yet some more. Little did we know, we were also expecting a baby!

Being newcomers to the Northumberland Hills, we didn't realize the difficulty of finding a family doctor or the privilege of reserving a place on the waiting lists of midwives. For us, so much was new; so much, unforeseen; and so much, overwhelming. But, I will always remember the first phone call from the Quinte Midwives. "Yes, we can take you" confirmed the receptionist. "And, bring your husband, too. We like to involve families".

That said it all: The personal element.

From the very beginning, I thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed our relationship with Stephanie and Stacey. Perhaps, like most first-time parents, my husband I arrived per session with questions galore, yet both our midwives spent time, expertise, real effort, and laughter to guide us through the pregnancy and post partum period. I can imagine that our concerns and curiosities were routine, but Stephanie and Stacey never lost patience nor made us feel tiresome. They were always available. In fact, if they didn't have a particular answer, they would invariably offer us their best lead on a subject. How many public services would do that much for people? Starting a family is a big change; carrying a baby and birthing is a big job; supporting beginners like us was a big help!

When time came for the birth, Stephanie, our primary midwife, accompanied us to the hospital. I was already in active labour, so the near hour ride was rather daunting! In fact, so unprepared were we for the last minute decision to drive-as we had planned for a homebirth-that Stephanie packed everything for me! Including food! She was right there, down to nitty gritty needs. And, throughout my efforts to embrace the increasing contractions, how I appreciated Stephanie's comforting words: "That's it, that's it. You're doing great!' It's amazing the reassurance from her voice! Our weeks and months together had developed invaluable trust. Finally, after more than 24 hours of supervision from Stephanie, our little girl was born. I'm honored to add that our daughter's birthday is identical to Steph's! This midwife was so dedicated that she spent her time to accompany and celebrate with us rather than to step away, and with every reason to, if she wanted.

Then came the challenge of breastfeeding. How I called Stacey in urgency! I had experienced some complications, developed a fever and feared the risk of mastitis when engorgement set in, plus worried about providing nourishment for my baby. Yet, Stacey took everything in stride. And, answered every phone call. She assured me it wasn't so bad, encouraged me against giving up, brought tools and techniques for latching-on, and eventually helped me attain breakthrough! Endurance, calmness, sensitivity, and confidence - it seems the midwives naturally bore these traits over and above their skills! What a gift!

Looking back, the individual care and attention of the Quinte Midwives fostered our trust in them and security in us, ourselves, so much so that I'm sure our baby's birth was that much more blessed because of the journey together! How glad I am to express my gratitude here. Granted, hospitals have their place for medical procedures. Still, their institutional service has no comparison to the superior personal presence of midwives. Thank you, Stephanie, Stacey, Jeannette, and Laurie, for participating with our family throughout! We really couldn't have done it without you.

At about 7 PM on June 1st 2007 I felt "different" and very tired. I laid down and told my husband and mom that I may be going into labor as I felt strange. A couple hours passed and I felt more normal so I got up and did my usual night shift of phone work running our business and finished at 3 AM then laid down to sleep. I woke up twice in the next hour and a half with sharp cramps then went back to sleep. At 4:50 AM I awoke with a contraction and decided that even though I was tired I should get up and take this serious and see if I was really in labor as my due date was 5 days away! I quickly felt alert and refreshed and the contractions were coming steadily about 5 minutes apart and 1 minute long so I took a warm bath and timed them for an hour before calling my beloved midwife, Jeannette Davies, at about 6 AM. I thought it was going to be a very long day. Over the next half an hour the contractions got a bit closer together and lasted a little over a minute and it was getting harder to listen or concentrate during them. I felt a bit nauseous. My mom was there talking to me and I told her I could not talk, only listen. Jeannette arrived and checked me around 6:30 or 6:45 AM and I was 4 cm. The contractions were getting more uncomfortable and I was having hip pain. I sat on the pot to get through the pain, pass the time and ease the baby down. Fifteen minutes or so later Jeannette was going to check me again but I was having intense contractions and an uncontrollable urge to push so she asked me not to push, just breathe, (easier said than done), and that we should move to the car between contractions and be on our way to the hospital. About then my husband woke up and got my hospital bag, I asked him to start praying for us and we were on our way. I had thought of having a home birth but it was recommended that I have a hospital birth as I had a C-section 5 years prior. On the way to the hospital I told Jeannette that I was in so much hip pain and my contractions and urge to push were so intense and painful that I no longer cared if I had a natural birth, an epidural or a C-section! I just wanted the baby out and the pain over. We got to the hospital at 7:30 AM and rushed up to maternity and my contractions and noises were quite intense. The doctor on duty checked me right away and I was at 10 cm and ready. We moved to the right room and the right bed and the doctor broke my water and I began pushing. I once again said that an epidural or C-section would be fine with me and the doctor said there was no time for any of that and the baby was coming right now. The belt monitor was very uncomfortable, my hip bones were in a lot of pain, the contractions were intense and for some reason I did not want to or could not open my eyes at all for the next 20 or 30 minutes. I did not expect to be a "yeller" but I did let out some loud yells. I was instructed to push a series of 3 times during each contraction which seemed impossible to me as I would do one good hard push, followed by a breath and a medium push, followed by a breath and then one very weak and small push. I was praying and complaining and doing the best I could. I was not being as kind, gentle, patient, unselfish and humble as I thought I would be. I was being a bit of a baby asking questions like "how much longer?" but everyone was kind and said it was really up to the quality of my pushing. I was determined to be a good pusher and I pushed real hard. (This was my 2nd child but the first birth never progressed to full dilation and was posterior and ended up a C-section after many hours of ineffective and probably unnecessary pushing.) I was pushing hard but in the wrong "spot", more like I was trying to push the big butterball area above my belly button in the front down and out and the doctor directed me to push down very low and further back than I imagined. I tried that new area of pushing which felt very deep and primal and effective. I believe it was 3 contractions later when everyone was saying that the head was coming and I thought that this was possibly the worst of it and I was asking myself if I felt the ring of fire or any of the things I had read about then they told me to pant and not push. Once the head was out the rest of my babe slid and slurped out so quickly and easily and my pain was instantly over. I was overjoyed and asked "girl or boy" and was told boy. My reply was "really?" and a nurse said "that's what it looks like to me". It was 8:04 AM. I held him and told him I loved him and as they were cleaning him and checking him out I thought that it was a short days work for myself and my midwife and the doctor and nurses. I felt like that was all over and I could get up and go about my day but when I asked to sit up and they put the back of my bed in a sitting position I felt very dizzy and laid back down. The pushing on my uterus to expel blood and check for clots was excrutiating all over again. My family gave me and the baby lots of attention and love and our 5 year old son was happy about the fact that his new brother was born on his birthday, June 2nd. Then, of course, he wanted to make sure who was going to pick up his birthday cake and balloons and that all the details of his party were going to be taken care of. I stayed in the hospital and rested but made it home by 7 PM to have birthday cake and sing Happy Birthday to him. I am very grateful for a healthy, beautiful 8 lb/10 oz baby boy. Also for a quick, but I wouldn't say easy, birth and a wonderful, kind, knowledgeable, professional, caring, supportive, selfless midwife that went above and beyond the call of duty over and over again for me. I felt like I was in great hands right from the beginning for my entire prenatal care, birth, and postnatal care. One thing I did not do quite right was I did not rest much the first 2 weeks or a month after the baby was born. I worked hard and did not take it easy and I should have been kinder to my body as I suffered by not doing so. I would recommend to any and all new moms to take it really easy for atleast the first 2 weeks after the birth and even up to 40 full days as is the tradition in other countries I have traveled to.

Jessica Cruz

Prince Edward County, Ontario

What an unforgettable and joyous moment it was to discover that we were pregnant with our first child. It seems as if we were the last of our friends to start the family thing. Many of the stories we had heard of their births helped us choose the route of midwifery. All the birth experiences with midwives were so encouraging whereas the stories of OBGYN's were filled with complications and interventions. My first phone call with Jeannette was so welcoming, and from the moment my husband and I met her, we knew right away that this was the right experience we were after.

Being first-timers, Chip and I had a long list of questions each visit, to which Jeannette was more than willing to address. Each visit was scheduled later in the day so that both of us could attend and avoid taking time off work. It was great to meet Susan each visit and be greeted with genuine excitement about how things were progressing. We had appointments with Stacey as well, in case she had to deliver our baby. The atmosphere was nothing of the uncomfortable, sterile Doctor's office we were used to, but rather a cozy, welcoming office space. Each appointment was never rushed and if there had to be a cancellation due to a birth, we would know soon enough in advance. Each appointment was approximately 30 minutes in length which we appreciated as we traveled from Bancroft for each one

It was about 11 p.m. in the evening when my contractions started every 5 minutes. When I woke my husband, he was so excited that when he paged Jeannette he didn't listen to the instructions and had to do it about 3 times before he got it right! After getting stopped for speeding by the police (yes, my husband was a bit excited!) and seeing more wildlife on the road than ever before, we met Jeannette at the office where she examined me and decided that we needed to head to the hospital. (We wanted a hospital birth). Jeannette was unbelievable. Her calm, warm manner was a constant reassurance to both of us, and she never left our side. She worked with us using strategies to alleviate the discomfort of contractions and explained to us what the nurses were doing before they did anything. We had created a relationship with Jeannette where we felt so comfortable; something I know was a true asset to our delivery and experience. Since the hospital had yet to accept the midwives practicing in the hospital, Jeannette could only act as a Doula, rather than do her usual midwifery duties. (Care had to be transferred to the on-call OBGYN to deliver) It was at our last appointment that we heard they will be able to birth babies in the hospital, the goal they had been working very hard towards....we're ecstatic for them and the couples who wish to have a hospital birth. After about 4 hours of steady contractions the pushing phase started and Chip and I were so blessed to have Jeannette there by our side to help get us through. She was so calm and reassuring, motivating and encouraging me the entire way. When the doctor did arrive with an attending, Jeannette stayed right beside us. I don't remember the doctor or attending encouraging me or motivating me to push at all! It didn't matter because our focus was on having a baby naturally. Jaxsyn Thomas was born at 9:14 a.m. and what a sight he was!! Absolutely perfect!!

Jeannette stayed with us until Jax was breast-feeding well and then left us to have our first family time. She returned later that evening to check in and make sure we were all well and answered our questions and explained what the next few days would entail for visits. Stacey came to see us the next day because Jeannette was on her weekend off, and was fantastic! She helped get Jax latched on better and checked me out as well. Stacy was so reassuring, helpful and genuinely excited for us.

It is with great appreciation of the Quinte Midwives that we write this story to share with others who are considering the midwife approach. There is no doubt in our mind that once we are ready for our second child we will want the Quinte Midwives to care for us again

Chip, Barb & Jaxsyn Gillis

Bancroft, ON

I awoke on the morning of April 21 still pregnant. My due date had come and gone and still no baby. Although I did feel a little 'different' that morning, I decided to focus on anything other than labour and birth. The anticipation of birthing was killing me!

I spent the day enjoying the weather with a few friends. It was a warm day for April. Throughout the afternoon and evening, I felt an occasional surge. I reminded myself not to become too excited. I sent my husband out for the night with the boys and invited my niece over for a sleepover with my son. My son was especially energetic that night so my mother offered to help settle the two for bed.

My surges began to pick up in frequency shortly after my husband left. Within half an hour, I could feel them every 3-4 minutes. I decided to dress my bed just in case tonight was the night. I was having difficulty focuses on this task though. I eventually decided to call the midwives at approximately 930. I knew dressing a bed shouldn't be this difficult! I assumed I was only feeling warm-ups, but wanted to let Jeannette know what was happening, just in case she had plans. I had a few surges while talking to her, but still wasn't convinced this was labour. It just seemed too easy! Within about 15 minutes, I was convinced something was happening. The surges were still very manageable, but they were coming every 2-3 minutes. I called Jeannette back and told her she should probably make her way over to my house. Next, I called my husband and told him that the night out with the boys was cancelled! Lastly, I let my son know that his sleepover was moving over to Nana's house.

By 10, I had my husband back and everyone else out of the house. By this time, the surges were strong. I relaxed in the pool while listening to my hypnobirthing cd. The room was dark with only the candle light. My husband continuously poured water over my belly during the surges and softly chanted birth affirmations. When the Jeannette arrived around 1030, I was in a state of pure relaxation. We were all surprised to see that I was already over 8 cm. This put me into an even deeper state. Soon I would be birthing my baby!

While Jeannette began setting up in a different room, my husband and I continued relaxing through my labour. With each surge, I watched my belly rise and thought of holding my baby. My husband continued softly chanting to me. I continued in this state for another half hour.

Suddenly I started feeling an overwhelming, primal urge. My concentration was immediately broken. I began flipping and quickly moving around the pool. Jeannette peaked over and let me know that I had entered the birthing phase. With help, I moved into the bedroom where I began breathing my baby down. Within minutes, I gave into my body and pushed with each surge. I couldn't fight it. Just as my baby was crowning, my concentration broke. The cord was wrapped and I needed to slowly ease baby out. I felt pressure and had trouble concentrating. Jeannette encouraged me to stay relaxed and reminded me to continue breathing! I immediately reached down and touched my baby's head. Within seconds, I finally birthed her!! Baby Olive arrived at 1136 am weighing 7.14.

This experience of birthing my baby naturally in my home has changed me and my husband forever! Thank you so much Jeannette.

Sara Hamilton

Brighton, Ontario