Willamette Birth - Ash Johnsdottir, Midwife Serving Corvallis and Oregon's Willamette Valley
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Home Corvallis Midwife Blog, by AE Johnsdottir MIDWIFE Embryology

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.

Embryology

Willamette Birth offers Oregon’s best Maternity & Home Birth Care.

Talk to a Midwife today by calling (541) 908-9188

or send a message through the contact form.

Recent Posts

  • Safe Home Birth in Oregon. Birth Certificate Data PROVES Planned Home Birth with Licensed Midwife is a SAFE Option, Comparable in Risk to Hospital Birth
  • Introducing the Resus-A-Cradle: a Midwife-Invented Support for Newborn Resuscitation!
  • If you only have one baby at home, make sure it is your first!
  • Pelvic Floor Health & Pregnancy: An Interview with Corvallis Physical Therapist Kerry Boysen
  • Birth Affirmations for the Skeptical Mother

Tags

Cesarean childbirth education corvallis dental health dentist Embryology first baby HBAC home birth homebirth insurance kids Midwife Midwifery Care Neonatal resuscitation Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy postpartum education pregnancy Resus-A-Cradle risk data Safety VBAC waterbirth Women's Health

Recent Comments

  • Whether You Should Have a VBAC or Not? on Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC/HBAC) in Oregon
  • Jazmin Johnson on Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC/HBAC) in Oregon
  • Stephanie Preston on Introducing the Resus-A-Cradle: a Midwife-Invented Support for Newborn Resuscitation!
  • Monica Wood on If you only have one baby at home, make sure it is your first!
  • Rocelle on Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC/HBAC) in Oregon

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  • Corvallis Midwife Blog
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  • 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 Avatar
    Amanda Bristow
    8/20/2021
  • Ash gave me the empowering prenatal and home birthing experience I have always wanted. From my very first appointment, Ash was compassionate and respectful of each choice I made. If I was unsure about a decision, she was there to provide objective and thorough information to help me. Her philosophy is a perfect blend of medical and midwifery practices, and she was readily available by call or text the entire pregnancy. I brought my 6-year-old son to most of my prenatal appointments and Ash was so great with him! He learned a lot through the experience and she was sure to always include him. When it came time for delivery, our in-home care was exactly as I had imagined. The experience was filled with warmth, peace and extraordinary care. I’d return as a patient of Ash’s without hesitation!

    Elizabeth Martinez Avatar
    Elizabeth Martinez
    1/27/2020
  • 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 Avatar
    Katelyn Bobeda
    8/16/2018
  • 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 Avatar
    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 Avatar
    nashira bohlman
    5/15/2022
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Willamette Birth offers Oregon’s best Maternity & Home Birth Care.

Talk to a Midwife today by calling (541) 908-9188

or send a message through the contact form.

Recent Posts

  • Safe Home Birth in Oregon. Birth Certificate Data PROVES Planned Home Birth with Licensed Midwife is a SAFE Option, Comparable in Risk to Hospital Birth July 12, 2022
  • Introducing the Resus-A-Cradle: a Midwife-Invented Support for Newborn Resuscitation! February 18, 2017
  • If you only have one baby at home, make sure it is your first! July 28, 2016
  • Pelvic Floor Health & Pregnancy: An Interview with Corvallis Physical Therapist Kerry Boysen May 2, 2016
  • Birth Affirmations for the Skeptical Mother January 15, 2016
  • Corvallis Childbirth & Postpartum Education for 2016 December 28, 2015
  • Morning Sickness, X-Rays, & Crazy Hormones- Dr. Laster Tells You Everything You Didn’t Know You Needed to Know About Keeping a Healthy Smile During Pregnancy! December 15, 2015
  • Resources & Referrals for Oregon Mothers in Crisis November 18, 2015
  • Simple Statements to Help You Cope with Anxiety During Pregnancy or Other Times November 13, 2015
  • The Cochrane Collaboration: Midwife Led Models Benefit Mothers & Babies September 17, 2015

Tags

Cesarean childbirth education corvallis dental health dentist Embryology first baby HBAC home birth homebirth insurance kids Midwife Midwifery Care Neonatal resuscitation Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy postpartum education pregnancy Resus-A-Cradle risk data Safety VBAC waterbirth Women's Health

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Recent Comments

  • Whether You Should Have a VBAC or Not? on Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC/HBAC) in Oregon
  • Jazmin Johnson on Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC/HBAC) in Oregon
  • Stephanie Preston on Introducing the Resus-A-Cradle: a Midwife-Invented Support for Newborn Resuscitation!
  • Monica Wood on If you only have one baby at home, make sure it is your first!
  • Rocelle on Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC/HBAC) in Oregon

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  • Ash is the best! She was extremely informative, caring, professional, and organized. Knowing our child would be born into her hands, provided our family with the confidence necessary to have a successful, life-changing at-home birth. Thanks Ash!!!

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    Joseph Maurer Avatar
    Joseph Maurer
    5/13/2022
  • 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.

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    Aña Marjenka Avatar
    Aña Marjenka
    1/15/2019
  • 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.

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    Elissa Carver Avatar
    Elissa Carver
    4/07/2022
  • We received excellent, individualized care from Ash Johnsdottir. 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!

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    Britta Hough Avatar
    Britta Hough
    11/07/2016
  • Ash was my midwife for my second child. She was great, always highly responsive whenever we needed to get a hold of her and she was great with my 4 year old. I gave her a 4 out of 5 stars only because she is medically minded and we had different beliefs in medicine but overall, my home birth was a success thanks to her!

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    Carolina Barajas Avatar
    Carolina Barajas
    6/25/2019
  • Ash was an absolutely wonderful doula. She supported me before, during and after my baby's birth by meeting with me to work out my birth plan, attending an appointment with me, answering any questions that I had from her strong knowledge base, and helping me to stay grounded and focused during labor for my successful unmedicated VBAC. She shared excellent resources with me including a binder of birthing and postpartum info and websites with current research to help me make decisions. She always responded right away to any communications and got to the hospital very fast when my labor was moving at lightning speed. She stopped by for her postpartum visit and jumped in to doing chores around the house. She was both friendly and professional. I would highly recommend her doula services and imagine that she is an excellent midwife as well.

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    Emmy Woessner Avatar
    Emmy Woessner
    1/21/2016
  • She was so helpful throughout the whole process. Let’s you make your own decisions and doesn’t judge you or push you. I highly recommend her!

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    gavin benton Avatar
    gavin benton
    7/30/2021
  • 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.

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    Kasey Eames Avatar
    Kasey Eames
    2/08/2017
  • Ash is a fantastic midwife. The personalized and comprehensive care you get from her practice is second to none. She was always there to answer any questions we had day or night and the appointments are lengthy so you never feel rushed. I also really appreciated the combination of modern innovations and practices mixed with a more naturalistic approach. We would definitely have her as our provider again!

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    Amanda Maurer Avatar
    Amanda Maurer
    8/10/2017
  • 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.

    Google Logo
    nashira bohlman Avatar
    nashira bohlman
    5/15/2022
  • 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!

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    Jami Ivory Avatar
    Jami Ivory
    9/22/2021
  • 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!

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    James Lewis Avatar
    James Lewis
    7/12/2016
  • 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.

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    Brytney Gillingham Avatar
    Brytney Gillingham
    7/15/2020
  • Having an at home birth with Ash was such an unforgettable experience! For the first time I can confidently say I couldn’t have asked for a better birthing experience. Having Ash as a midwife felt like having a friend that knew when it was time to put her professional hat on and she always took the time to listen to me and actually hear me. Ash helped me make informed decisions all throughout my pregnancy & always respected my choices. End of the day I felt supported and in control of my birth and it meant the world to me. Now our sweet baby is here and we couldn’t be happier! Giving birth at home was a dream, and that’s how I would choose to do it again if we were ever surprised with another baby! (; Thank you Ash!!

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    Aysha Ribordy Avatar
    Aysha Ribordy
    11/17/2022
  • 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!

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    Aleah Burris Avatar
    Aleah Burris
    5/16/2020

Ash Johnsdottir, BSM CPM LDM

Call 541.908.9188 to talk about Midwifery Care

152 NE Conifer Blvd, Corvallis, OR 97330

Willamette Birth is the midwifery practice of Corvallis midwife Ash Johnsdottir, who is a licensed & certified professional midwife serving women & families in Corvallis, Salem, Eugene, Springfield, Newport, the Oregon Coast, Albany, Philomath, Lebanon, Junction City, Sweet Home, & surrounding areas. Providing complete prenatal, birth, postpartum, and maternity care in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and beyond. Home Birth with Private Insurance, Regence BlueCross BlueShield, Moda, Kaiser Permanente, Providence, Tricare, etc.

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.

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