Rachel’s Home Birth Story

I was pregnant at age 37, ooooh, what does that mean? Not a whole lot, you're just older having a baby and you can find out gender early with genetic testing, which is covered by my insurance, yay!

It was my fourth baby, so needless to say I have been there done that right? Well, it's been almost seven whole years since I have given birth, and it felt like a whole lifetime ago. When I was looking for care, I knew my same interest was little to no intervention as far as labor and delivery. Well, that's when I found Anacortes Midwifery. Miranda Montellano was my initial Midwife and WOW! I have never met someone who was so calming and reassuring for midwives in my experiences. Miranda had such a great point of reference throughout my whole prenatal care. She assisted me with so much more than just my pregnancy, she was a prior U.S. Navy Nurse, which gave me reassurance with my own Naval career while being pregnant. She had an abundance of information and seamlessly streamlined my care so I didn't have to think about it. I honestly didn't feel like I was in the military any more and had so many options.

So, again, Miranda was who I knew I was going to deliver my baby, well, during my pregnancy, the current hospital had a shortage in staff during my due date, and I started to be worried Miranda wouldn't due to me possibly being referred to another hospital. Scary right? Well, yes, I know I could do it with or without her, because again, it was my fourth baby, but I was legitimately worried. As I was reaching my 37 week mark and Miranda was like, "Hey, you meet the requirements for a home birth, you wanna?" My response was in fear of the unknown, like serious fear. What would it be like to do this at home? Safe? Who will be there? What do I have to do? All these questions and fears were running in my head. After I calmed my thoughts, Miranda broke down the experience and explained it would be with her new partner Midwife, Kelly McKittrick. Little did I know after my consultation with Kelly that very week, I was going to go full throttle for this new experience.

Kelly reassured me that I was a perfect candidate for a home birth and had so much patience with all my questions. She included my whole family in the experience and showed my children the science behind birth. She was great with my kiddos, which put me at ease and I knew I was ready and more than prepared for a home birth. I was all ready equipment and supplies-wise because Kelly provided me with a great list of things I would need. So, the day came, well, at least I thought it was. My body went through a false labor, but that didn't stop the whole birth team showing up at my home and taking care of me and my family.

A week later, the day finally came, and Kelly was there from the morning to all the way to the end. Our labor and delivery was roughly eight plus hours from water breaking to pushing out my beautiful baby girl. The day was amazing. I was able to relax in my own home while in all phases of labor. I made a pot roast, let the dogs out, moved freely around, kissed my kiddos and just enjoyed my labor. Once I went into my intense labor, I had my birthing pool nearby(highly recommended). I was amazed how much love and care was given to me. The midwives and assistants let me be my own manager of my labor. Let me tell them when I was ready for every stage.

I was in control of my body, FREE. I never remember feeling that way with my past labors.

Once I was ready to push, I felt the team relax and let me do my thing. Post care was truly phenomenal, I didn't have to lift a finger. They cared for me and my family beyond expectations. I will never forget this beautiful experience and am so grateful to share it with all who want to listen. The Anacortes Midwifery know what they are doing and have a great community to support all women. I will always refer to families that are expecting, especially the military, because we are so used to serving and when you are shown the service from the team here in Anacortes, is breath of fresh air. Forever love them! Thank you.