Victoria Midwifery Care - Deanna Wildeman, Registered Midwife

Birth Stories

Anita ~ Beth ~ Elizabeth ~ Heather ~ Jane ~ Jennifer ~ Jessica
Josie ~ Kristine ~ Marlee ~ Marlene ~ Melanie ~ Shannan

ASTRA T

Long before I knew it was even possible to have a home birth in Victoria - I wanted one. I always thought that hospitals were for people in need of serious medical attention not for a natural uncomplicated childbirth. Hospitals are full of illness, germs, noises and disturbances. The comfort of my own bed, low lighting and soft relaxing music seemed the perfect welcome to our long awaited child. Regrettably, it was just not meant to happen that way.

I had a perfectly normal, healthy pregnancy but our baby insisted on a breech position. In Victoria, a breech baby translates to a Caesarean birth and a minimum three-day hospital stay. We tried all sorts of interesting maneuvers to try and get her to turn. We started with some simple exercises at home, moved on to acupuncture, then a traditional Chinese medicinal technique that we dubbed 'Smoking the Toes' (my husband, Ross burnt Moxa sticks (similar to incense) near my little toes) and finally visited a chiropractor that specializes in children and pregnant women - all to no avail.

Deanna referred me to an OB/GYN who tried to manually reverse our baby. Unsuccessful, he scheduled our baby's birth for September 11. We were devastated. The thought of my baby's first views of the world being the bright, sterile operating room and being surrounded by strangers poking and prodding her made me weep. Unfortunately, we were out of options.

On Friday, September 6, I started having mild contractions. Deanna instructed me to lie down and rest and eventually the contractions faded into nothingness. Monday morning they were back and Deanna decided it was time!

We arrived at the hospital at 9:30 AM, and the C-section was tentatively scheduled for 1 PM, we were continuously bumped until 8:15 PM when a nurse burst into my room saying there was an opening in the Operating Room. I was rushed to the Operating Room for prepping while Ross went to get his scrubs on. I sat on the operating 'table' and watched nurses count the scalpels and other instruments that would be used to birth our baby. I tried hard to put on a brave face but I was terrified. Deanna's soft calming voice explained what various nurses were doing, what would happen next and reassured me everything would be fine. I can't imagine what the experience would have been without her by my side.

The plan was for me to get a spinal anesthesia and Ross to come in the OR for the birth. Unfortunately, the anesthesiologist, after trying 45 minutes, was unable to correctly place the needle. It was decided that a General Anesthesia be used. Ross had to wait in the hall - neither of us were present for the birth.

Joselle Darby Todd was born at 9:23 PM on September 09, 2002!

In the recovery room, despite wanting to see and hold our new bundle of joy, the power of the anaesthesia was unshakeable. I vaguely remember being introduced to our beautiful baby girl and having Deanna show me how to get the baby breastfeeding. Sadly, all I wanted to do was sleep.

Despite my initial hesitations, I quickly realized the advantages to staying in the hospital. It was reassuring to be able to push a button and have assistance immediately, especially while learning breastfeeding. The nurses were friendly and a fantastic help.

Having a midwife was an exceptional experience. The amazing quality of the care we received from Deanna far exceeded that of any traditional doctor-patient relationship. Many long appointments and knowing that she was always only a phone call away are just a few of the benefits.

We are already looking forward to having Deanna care for us with our next baby!

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