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
We feel so lucky to have had Ash as our midwife. It was my first pregnancy so we appreciated that she would spend at least an hour with us during each appointment answering all our questions. If she didn't know an answer she would openly admit it and then walk us through her logical, evidence based suggestion. Once on our way home after an appointment my husband voiced a worry that he had. I texted Ash about his concern and she immediately called us. Not because it was an emergency but because she wanted to ease his worry right away. She took the time to walk us through the evidence as to why it likely wasn't a concern and even offered that we could turn around and come back to do a stress test if it would ensure that we could be completely at peace from worry that evening. After each interaction with Ash our excitement in having her on our 'birth team' grew.

The home birth was beautiful and Ash's patience and expertise made it all go smoothly and peacefully.

Our postpartum period was very difficult due to nursing issues and Ash was the only medical provider that was recognizing that there was an issue. She checked in with us multiple times and even let us know that, while our contract had us ending care with her at 6 weeks postpartum, she would work with us as long as needed, until we got through our difficulties.

She went above and beyond to give us professional, compassionate care, time and time again. You get a sense of that right away from her client handbook. It's full of science based information for all the stages of pregnancy but in a book beautiful enough to be a scrapbook. She seems the perfect mix of very science based meets herbal/alternative medicine. If we become pregnant again we would have Ash as our midwife without hesitation and we would highly recommend her!

Jami Ivory
9/22/2021
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
My whole experience working with Ash was great! I was a little nervous to have a homebirth at first, but it ended up being one of my best experiences. All the pre-natal appointments were great and the birth experience was amazing. I'm a private person and so I appreciated that she and her assistant Anita let me do my thing in the birth pool with my husbands support without being up in my buisness. They were a strong and supportive presence in the room and helped me feel confident that if any problems came up, they would know what to do. I bled a bit more than normal after birth, and man I tell ya, they were wizards at making sure nothing got blood on it! :) Also, Ash knew exactly what to do to help the bleeding subside and I never felt worried or upset. Ash is a wonderful midwife and I am very grateful that she helped me have a great homebirth experience, especially during this pandemic.

Rebecca Luke
7/24/2020
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.