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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.

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
I originally planned to have a regular hospital birth with my first daughter since I couldn’t find a midwife in my area that I was excited about, who would also accept my insurance.
I resigned myself to the whole hospital experience but could not shake the discouraging feeling I had before and after every OB visit. I had imagined pregnancy to be a special time in my life but left all my appointments feeling like I was being treated for just another medical condition.

Halfway through my pregnancy, I decided to scrap my hospital birth and search for a midwife and by some luck found Ash! And she accepted my insurance! Switching to Ash was the best thing I could have done for my daughter and I.

Ash was very accommodating and had no problem taking me on halfway through my pregnancy. She was exactly what I was looking for: extremely knowledgeable regarding the medical side of pregnancy and childbirth but also very in touch with her intuition. Many of the midwives I had looked at initially seemed to lean too far to the woo woo side for me personally. Ash is the perfect blend of everything, down to earth, spiritual, with heavy emphasis on medical practice, while also being very well versed in holistic care.

During my appointments with Ash, she thoroughly explained all the medical tests and procedures in a way that was easy to understand. She never jumped to worst case scenario, but instead outlined all the possible outcomes, how likely they were to occur, and what could be done to have a healthier pregnancy.
She always took my questions and concerns into consideration so I never felt silly asking her about anything, although she honestly does such a good job explaining everything that I rarely had many questions!

Ash’s home office is a breath of fresh air! Clean, comfortable and nicely decorated with soft lighting. Appointments with Ash always felt more like visiting a friend who also happens to be extremely knowledgeable in all things pre and postnatal. I really appreciated her attention to detail about what might make a pregnant woman more comfortable such as little pillows for lower back support, beverage offerings, as well as the light but not overpowering scent of citrus to calm a nauseous stomach.

During labor, I could not have asked for better support. Ash gave me plenty of space to labor alone with my partner during the early phase, as I had requested. When I went into active labor she never left my side and was the best cheerleader! She was gentle yet firm in her encouragement and never ran out of new positions or techniques to try if one wasn’t working for me.
All of her encouragement was true and genuine. I never felt like she was trying to give me false confidence or say something just to make me feel better.

Ash is not only stellar during pregnancy and birth, but exceptional during post delivery and the weeks after. I always felt like my babies were in good hands during post birth checkups. I was so impressed with the level of care I received postnatal, as it consisted of multiple visits instead of the single visit checkup so common with an OB. Even months after my care with Ash had ended, I always felt that she was available to address any questions or concerns that I might have, as well as fawn over cute baby pictures!

I’ve had Ash as my midwife for two pregnancies and couldn’t be happier. Her level of pre and postnatal care is outstanding! She is so knowledgeable, experienced and such a genuinely sweet and down to earth person.
I can’t think of a better woman to guide a child into this world than Ash 💕

Amanda Bristow
8/20/2021
Amazing! That's the words I would use!! I had two previous births, both in a hospital. I was looking for something different, something personal and unique. Ash was just that. She was thoughtful, caring, reliable, and really listened to my concerns and worries. She was always prompt in getting back to me when needed. As far as birthing, she came when I called no questions asked. I really couldn't have asked for better care for my in home birth. I highly recommend Ash!!

Katelyn Bobeda
8/16/2018
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.

Aña Marjenka
1/15/2019
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

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.