Tag Archive

Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been tagged as “Embryology”

Growing a Human - Corvallis Oregon Midwife

How to build a human

AE Johnsdottir July 23, 2015 Uncategorized Leave a Comment

How to build a human.

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
What I appreciate most about Ash as my midwife, is her constant respect for my body. I She always asks for my consent before touching me, talks to me honestly yet compassionately about the choices regarding my body, pregnancy and birth. She is a great blend of western medicine and natural alternatives, and my partner and I left our appointments feeling well informed.
Laboring and giving birth at home was a deeply empowering experience for me. Ash’s lack of intervention, gentle instruction and encouragement let me know that I could trust my body fully and that I was already doing what I was supposed to do. It felt so good to bring my baby girl into this world in my home knowing every step of the way that I was doing a great job.
After giving birth, I felt very emotional, and struggled a lot with the physical changes my body was going through. Ash listened compassionately, spoke frankly about my options and was so kind with the support that she offered. I always felt better after talking withy her. She was easily available by phone, and always called me right back if she missed a call or received a text.
I’m glad I chose Ash as my midwife and would recommend her to anyone seeking an empowering home birth experience.

A Google User
1/15/2019
I came to Ash seeking Doula support for my upcoming labor after realizing that I needed support around my chronic anxiety, childhood sexual trauma, and fear of labor pain. At our first meeting, I instantly felt comfortable. She treated me with so much kindness and gave me tools to feel empowered. She is extremely knowledgeable of women's pre & post partum bodies, and was generous in answering every single question I asked. I texted her at all hours, and she cheerfully and thoroughly answered me, ending every phone call with a deeply sincere "Thank You So Much for calling me". My labor started at the Birth Center and ended at the Hospital. It was my choice to leave and get an epidural at 6 cm dilated. She helped empower me to make that decision when no one else but my Husband could. During pushing, it was her voice I clung to because I couldn't hear anyone else. She knew how to pull me through. We trusted her so much that we decided to pursue some postpartum care with her for myself and our daughter. She helped us through multiple bouts of Mastitis, Bacterial Infections, Nursing problems, and exhaustion. And now, eight months later, I still turn to her when I cannot get the answers I need for post-partum issues I'm experiencing. My husband and I are so grateful for her presence in our lives. She is a freaking amazing Midwife/Doula.

Miriam Ruth Ricker
9/21/2019
Ash is absolutely wonderful!
She was always sure to make me comfortable during each visit, and during my labor she was wonderful!
I am the type of person who wants personal space and she was very respectful of that.
As an LGBT couple we were a bit nervous about finding the right midwife who would be accepting and she was just that!
I have recommended her to several friends already and I will continue to recommend her!

Aleah Burris
5/16/2020
We received excellent, individualized care from Ash Johndottir. She is an incredibly intelligent person, as well as a very kind soul. I especially love how she bridges the gap between the medical and midwifery realm--taking the best of both worlds to provide the best care for her clients. Her in-home office and patient library is very cozy and welcoming, and she is always sure to ask consent before doing any procedures (even one as simple as touching the baby belly). She answers all questions as thoroughly as possible within the realm of her knowledge, and goes out of her way to research further if necessary. She was always a phone call or a text away, I felt like I could ask her anything at any time and receive her full attention. She treated my family and my unborn baby with the utmost respect, and when my daughter was born successfully at home she provided us with incredibly efficient medical care, as well as genuine warmth and affection, at the birth and in the 6 weeks following. So grateful for Ash and highly recommend her!

Britta Hough
11/07/2016

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.