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First Cesarean Risk

Risk of the First Cesarean

AE Johnsdottir September 4, 2015 Corvallis Midwife Blog Leave a Comment

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.

Emmy Woessner
1/21/2016
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.

Brytney Gillingham
7/15/2020
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!

Carolina Barajas
6/25/2019
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 Madhumati 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!

A Google User
5/16/2020

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.