Victoria Midwifery Care - Deanna Wildeman, Registered Midwife

Birth Stories

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

JANE J

Why Deanna as our midwife?

Our decision to go with a midwife was based on the need to address the concerns and questions we had regarding pregnancy including special nutrition, pregnancy exercises, preparing for labour, coping with adverse pregnancy symptoms and coping after the delivery. We were also concerned about what to expect when we brought the baby home. What would change? What were coping mechanisms for these changes? We realized in the first visit that the hour long time with Deanna enabled real conversation and concerns about the pregnancy, labour and post natal were better met with her than with a doctor.

Things we really liked about having Deanna as a midwife:

We liked the fact that she registered us at the hospital and continuously brought up questions and topics that would eventually need our attention. This 'homework' she gave us each week was the basis for in-depth and informed discussions during the visits about the birth plan, circumcision, and post-natal preparations at home. At the same time, it was not overwhelming, but well paced. We also found that it covered many of the same topics as our prenatal classes.

We also really liked the attention we received after the birth including how to tell if your baby is eating well, breastfeeding tips and the availability of community resources. Deanna was a wealth of information and was also supportive of my husband, who felt unsure of himself around the baby initially.

We both found Deanna warm, witty and obviously in love with her babies. We were amazed at how calm our baby became in her arms and we delighted in the smiles she gave him during examinations. She obviously loves her work.

Our birth story:

My water broke at 4:15 am, much to the shock of my husband who literally jumped out of bed when I announced it (a month before my due date). We called Deanna who calmed us down. Then I promptly cleaned the house, paid the bills and we went for a walk. I felt I didn't want to waste one last moment I had to get things done. I expected to be very busy when I returned and did not want any distractions. (By the way, I highly recommend this tactic because a clean house was not a priority upon our return.)

The labour went well. Deanna was with us continuously once the labour got going and as they say.. I really don't remember a thing. This surprised me afterwards but I can see how it can happen. When giving birth, you are so focused inward that you do not really pay attention to the outer world. I know I vomited, I know I used some interventions but I found myself asking Chris about the details because I really had no recollection at all.

One thing I did do before going into the hospital was to promise myself that I was going to just roll with whatever happened. I told myself that I would just do my best, and try and only control the pain. So, while my body did its thing, I tried to relax. (This was not an easy thing.) I also fully expected because of my age (37), to be having caesarian if necessary and told myself beforehand that I was not a failure if that happened. The next thing I remember is being told that I was fully dilated and to go sit on the toilet. At this point I remember the urge to push and trying to stop it because it hurt a lot. We got to the point where the baby was crowning and a mirror was placed so I could see it and although I had said that I really did not want to look - it helped me focus. It was especially rewarding to see the results of my pushing and amazing and totally weird to see another human being emerge from inside of me. I allowed the contractions to take over and with Chris and Kelly, the midwifery student, I pushed when my body told me to. The baby arrived half an hour later and our little boy was placed in my arms. What a miracle.

Our stay in the hospital was brief. only one day. We felt confident and ready to go home. Our confidence was buoyed by the fact that Deanna would be visiting us and we could ask questions of her if we wanted. Without a midwife, I would have stayed in the hospital as long as I could.

Looking back, I realize that much of the exhaustion of the first weeks of motherhood have to do with the recovering from labour and pregnancy and just dealing with the heightened awareness of having a new helpless little person around. However, the lack of energy returned slowly, as my body reverted back to its old self. Deanna asked that we not have any visitors for the first week or two, and we should have listened as they tired us out when they came. People, even strangers, were and are still very eager to see a brand new baby and it was hard to deny them. If I were to have another child, I would suggest leaving a note on the door asking people to visit later.

Our little boy is great. It has been fascinating to observe him grow and start to respond to different stimuli. Surprisingly, for people who love their sleep, I do not feel resentful at all at looking after our little one in the middle of the night. Each day his personality emerges and his face takes on more character. It is an amazing experience made easier by the fact that we had continuous care for the first six weeks of his life.

In conclusion, we highly recommend Deanna as a midwife as she made it a great experience.

Top of page