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

Waterbirth- Nature’s Epidural?

AE Johnsdottir June 11, 2015 Corvallis Midwife Blog Leave a Comment

Have you ever gotten into a hot bath or jacuzzi after a vigorous workout? If you have, you probably remember how the water soothed your aching muscles and melted away any tension that you felt. Giving birth is a lot like a vigorous workout, and the pain (sometimes) experienced in both is the result of your healthy muscles working hard! Numerous studies …

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 Madhumati Ricker
9/21/2019
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
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
As a first time mother choosing Ash as a midwife was the best decision I made during my early pregnancy. She is very knowledgeable in all stages: pregnancy, delivery and post-partum. Before I found Ash I had three appointments with my OBGYN. In my first appointment with Ash I learned more about my pregnancy than I had during all my previous OBGYN visits. Ash provides a comprehensive Handbook covering everything from pregnancy to child-birth and post-partum. I found this extremely useful and informative. At all times during Ash’s care I felt safe and confident in her skills and knowledge trusting in her ability to provide the best care possible, which she did. I could not imagine going through my birth without Ash as my Mid-wife, she empowered me, giving me the best possible birth imaginable!
I highly recommend Ash Johnsdottir!

Aubree Minten
7/15/2016
Had a great experience with Ash, this was my second baby and decided to do something different as it was not a good experience with my first in a hospital. I am happy to say home birth and everything was awesome. Ash is very informative and takes time to explain, she helped and guided me on things that helped during pregnancy and labor, was always reassuring and making sure I knew what my body was capable of. Would not change anything.

aide novella
5/15/2022

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.