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Introducing the Resus-A-Cradle: a Midwife-Invented Support for Newborn Resuscitation!

AE Johnsdottir February 18, 2017 Corvallis Midwife Blog 1 Comment

Note to expectant families: most of my blog posts are aimed at providing information to expectant mothers and their families. However, this post will mainly be of interest to my midwifery colleagues. Because I know some families may also be interested in this information, the first part of this blog post gives some background on the topic of newborn resuscitation. …

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
From the birthing person: Ash was such a wonderful choice for our family. All throughout my pregnancy I felt so safe in her hands and she had ready answers for any questions I might have - always asking permission before touching my belly or taking any vitals. During labor & delivery she was respectful of giving me space, but was there as soon as I needed her - which left me feeling empowered but also so cared for. She is deeply knowledgeable and I so appreciated her holistic approach with herbal & nutritional support. During the postpartum period, she was deeply caring and solution oriented, she made us feel so taken care of. Thank you Ash, from our whole family!

From the birthing partner: As a first-time father, I was of course very nervous going into the whole thing, and unsure of where to put myself and how to support in the best way. I found Ash to be so, so calming. she has such strength and confidence in the way that she directed the whole thing, and in the last hours of labor, she was an impressive force, gently and firmly carrying us over the edge and into parenthood.
10/10 would ask for her in the future, when we are blessed with more children.

Abigail Reno
6/08/2021
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
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!

gavin benton
7/30/2021
I’ve been assisting Ash at births for almost ten years now. I have also asked her at times to provide coverage for my practice, and trust her with my clients.

She is a kind, competent midwife and a good friend. My experience assisting her has been that her clients are happy and well taken care of.

Elizabeth Baer
11/21/2022

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.