Rebecca's Story

September 19, 2012 was a beautiful day in Huntersville, NC where I received a phone call from my MD with notification that I was approximately 4 weeks pregnant. I was about to be a first time mom at the age of 31. The day was filled with excitement, joy, surprise and a tiny bit of anxiety. Having been in the delivery room with my sister, Rachel, for both of her births and living with her during the beginning years of both children I felt confident in my ability to be a mother. Upon breaking the news to Seth that he would be a first time father we had a few decisions to make. Drawing my personal conclusions from my sister's birth experiences I assumed we would deliver in a hospital "just like everyone else". Although Seth was 3rd in birth order of 4 siblings all born at home, he did not try to sway my decision. Knowing this fact of his birth I began to research options. I know several of my friends who have used hospitals (each with their own unique story) and I also had a handful of friends who had shared their beautiful birth stories from CCMC. We made an appointment at the 10 weeks. We saw a well known OB practice in Charlotte for our 10 week, 12 week, 16 week and 20 week appointments. During all of this time, Seth and I began having discussions on how we hoped our birth experience would be. We defined our goals noting that we wanted a natural delivery and we wanted to be home as soon as possible. I began to read birth stories and information regarding natural births. During this research I noted each of my friends and family who chose to deliver in hospitals, I listened to their stories and experience. I also knew of a handful of my friends who had taken a more alternative approach and chosen to deliver at CCMC. As we became more educated on the subject Seth and I decided that we would take a tour of the SC facility. After our 20 week appointment with the OB we made the trip down to Fort Mill and were impressed with the facility and staff. My fears were settled when I realized this wasn't a "hippie" facility that would require me to hang a rope from a tree and squat. Not that anything is wrong with that approach but I was certain it wasn't for me (Seth might disagree). After getting a few more birth stories from friends we placed the call to CCMC to meet with a midwife. However, all of the midwives that came recommended from our friends had completely full schedules. Knowing that our preference was in the midwifery model of care Seth and I met Pam Wilson for the first time. We spent that appointment getting to know Pam, asking all of the questions regarding her education, background, experience and philosophies. Upon leaving that appointment we rested assured we were in good hands. Our previous 4 appointments with the OB were cumulatively less than the time we had with Pam in this one appointment. During our care at CCMC, each appointment lasted for no less than one hour and was laced with evaluations, education, planning and support. Each appointment Seth and I found that we left more informed on diet, exercise and overall wellness, before, during and after pregnancy. We also found that we left each appointment feeling supported, loved and empowered. Pam had taken a personal interest in our birth plan; she understood our wishes and challenged us to educate ourselves on many more topics including breastfeeding, circumcision, etc. On the night of May 31st after a full day of normal activity I went into early labor around 10pm. By 1am on June 1st, I was beginning active labor at home and by 330am we called Pam and decided to leave for the birthing center. Around 415am Seth and I arrived at CCMC, welcomed at the door of the birthing center quietly and calmly by Pam in a lovely dimly lit room. Upon arrival Pam checked my vital signs and the baby and we were informed that our dilation was a 7 almost 8. We labored in the tub, on the toilet and on the birthing ball (my favorite) and I moved freely between positions as I preferred. Throughout the entire experience Pam and Seth were by my side, the room was quiet and peaceful (minus my laboring groans) and we were confident in the care and education of our midwife and her helper. After 15 minutes of pushing from a standing position, at 718am our beautiful baby girl was born. After the birth, Pam and the 2nd midwife on duty quickly followed up with prenatal care for me and our baby, Sage. They worked alongside one another, almost as though they were 1 person. Vital signs and normal prenatal checks were performed as well as ample opportunity for bonding time with mommy, daddy and baby. Before discharge, I was helped to shower and given specific written instructions to follow at home. I was informed on how to care for my body, our baby and several warning signs to watch for. Pam also helped us secure Sage in the car seat for the first time and inspected our vehicle to ensure the baby was properly transported home. Our first few days were quite lazy, we only left the bedroom to go to the restroom and Seth would fetch drinks, food and anything else we needed. He also helped keep a handle on the amount of time visitors stayed and closely monitored the amount of rest Sage and I were getting. Throughout each day Pam would call and check in on us and our progress. Her calls would cover a gamut of questions and she continued to offer helpful hints regarding visitors, bonding, nursing and day-to-day caring for myself and baby. Post-natal appointments offered no difference in standard of care. Each appointment, phone call and follow-up was laced with preventative care, continuing education and a better understanding. Pam Wilson and the full staff at CCMC should be commended for their knowledge and level of care. We look forward to more of our children being born at CCMC and expect that the future care we receive will also be of the highest quality. We are so thankful for the midwives at CCMC and the care they offer to the community.