Post Archive by Month

Below you'll find a list of all posts from November, 2015

Resources & Referrals for Oregon Mothers in Crisis

AE Johnsdottir November 18, 2015 Uncategorized Leave a Comment

Information for Oregon mothers in crisis- abuse, addictions, suicide, eating disorders, alcohol and tobacco. Information for uninsured mothers. Download the free PDF referral list for Oregon Mothers in Crisis

Simple Statements to Help You Cope with Anxiety During Pregnancy or Other Times

AE Johnsdottir November 13, 2015 Uncategorized Leave a Comment

Many women deal with anxiety, but it can be more common in pregnancy & postpartum due to hormonal changes. It’s definitely something that I’ve seen women struggle with in my work as a midwife. A tricky part about anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum is that some women who have used medicine to help cope with anxiety may need to stop …

And the year was 2020....
I was hoping to have a homebirth with my daughter that ultimately ended up a hospital birth and a very traumatic one at that. When I found out I was pregnant in late 2019 I was 100% going to respect my partner and his wishes for a hospital birth, I guess to make us both feel better just in case something went wrong this time around and then a pandemic hit and everything I wanted for my secure hospital birth went out the window and I started seeking out midwifes to have a homebirth.
When I realized I would have to wear a mask in labor and delivery and my daughter wouldn't be able to meet her sibling immediately after birth I was pretty upset by both these factors and to add in only one support person or no support person could be present, I threw the idea of a hospital birth out the window and knew a homebirth was the way to go for me, personally.
In a way I wanted to redeem myself and say "I did it, I birthed my baby at home, my way!" And I 100% did and it's all thanks to Ash!
When I first met Ash I really felt I vibed with her and she was definitely going to be the midwife to help me deliver my sweet babe. I contacted her at about 35 weeks and was uncertain if I'd be able to have a homebirth due to insurance but I was very low risk and passed with flying colors. At about 37 weeks my partner and I weren't in a great place and I didn't think I would be able to continue care with Ash but when I talked to her she put my mind at ease, told me everything was going to be okay, that this was my path and it'll all work itself out, and it absolutely did.
Ash is so special and a kind soul and she got me through a very rough time in my life and this pregnancy and I absolutely recommend her.
Ash has an assistant midwife, Anita. When my doula didn't show both Ash and Anita kept me calm and helped me birth my little guy. At one point during contractions I didn't think I could really do it and was ready to throw in the towel and go to the hospital, I was already invested at this point. Ash reassured me everything was fine, it was going to work out and everything in this moment is perfect and she was absolutely correct. Everything worked out the way it was supposed.
I'm so thankful and grateful for both Ash and Anita. My baby had a shoulder distocia, they knew exactly what to do when to do it. I feel if I was in the hospital things might have not worked out the exact way it was supposed to and ultimately I'm not sure what would have happened.
I completely redeemed myself with this birth and am overjoyed with the way things fell into place, in a way this birth helped me heal from the traumatic one I had with my daughter and 100% of that goes to Ash, she got me through it and knew I could do it when I doubted myself. Ash absolutely knows what she's talking about and can help you birth your baby, your way!
Thank you Ash for all you do, you're a saint and an absolute asset to the community.

Brytney Gillingham
7/15/2020
Ash is such a great midwife! She made me feel secure and knowledgeable about our home birth. She also adapted very well to my family's needs and performed her services up and above the standard midwife. 10/10! See you next time!

James Lewis
7/12/2016
I've had two homebirths now with Ash as my midwife. They were both wonderful experiences.

Ash is a very knowledgeable, skilled and respectful midwife. She always laid out all the information for me and then respected my decisions.

With Ash I always felt like a person first, an individual, as opposed to my previous OB experiences where to them I'm just another patient.

I really appreciated how she took the time at each appointment to not only answer my questions, but also teach me how to do certain things myself like feel for my baby's position and use the fetoscope to listen to my baby's heart beat.

She was amazing and so kind with my two littles and made sure to include them when they attended appointments with me. She even let my 5 year old use the Doppler and blood pressure cuff!

Between appointments if any questions or concerns arose Ash was available via phone call, text, or through the patient portal and was always very prompt, (most of the time immediate) with a reply.

If you're looking to step away from a hospital birth and step into the midwifery model of care I highly recommend Ash and Willamette Birth.

Elissa Carver
4/07/2022
Both of my children were welcomed to the world by Ash, and I would choose her again in a heartbeat.

She gave me tough love when I needed to do my part in setting up for the easiest birth experience possible, she stayed cool headed yet compassionate when issues came up, and was consistently respectful of my physical being and my choices for my child. (The latter of which is especially important to me and rather hard to find in a health care provider.)

Ash is incredibly skilled and knowledgeable, and was an invaluable guide through both of my pregnancies and into motherhood. I couldn't be more grateful to have found her.

nashira bohlman
5/15/2022
I made the decision to switch from an OB to a midwife at 20 weeks because I was determined to receive personalized and gentle care, and that is exactly what I received from Ash! I never once felt rushed during any visit, she answered all of my questions professionally and unbiasedly. Ash was incredible throughout our home birth... Calm, patient, and supportive. I appreciated her extensive knowledge and techniques, and her unique combination of classic midwifery and modern medicine. If you are searching for an intelligent and encouraging midwife, Ash is your gal.

Kasey Eames
2/08/2017

Willamette Birth Ash Johnsdottir, MIDWIFE Serving the greater Willamette Valley.

Call 541.908.9188 to talk about midwifery care or submit this form to ask a question or request a consultation with midwife Ash Johnsdottir, BSM CPM LDM.