As a second-time mom, Roneisha Hackett, 29, knew she wanted a more fulfilling
and empowering birth experience than she had with her first son, Modest,
seven years ago. So, shortly after finding out she was pregnant, she called
her maternal aunt Isaline Simms, a midwife living in Crestone, CO –
a remote town known for spiritual pilgrimages, ecotourism and many diverse
cultures within close proximity.
Inspired by the emotional, physical and educational support she learned
her aunt offers mothers before, during and after childbirth, Roneisha
asked Isaline if she would be present during her labor and delivery at
Catawba Valley Medical Center. “I felt pretty strong about wanting
a natural, unmedicated birth in a calm setting surrounded by strong, supportive
women,” says Roneisha. To help me accomplish this, Isaline asked
me to write a birth plan detailing my vision of an ideal birth. I then
reviewed it during my prenatal appointments at A Woman’s View in
Hickory and the OB (obstetric) providers didn’t push back at all
- they accepted my plan and desires to have Isaline with me at the hospital.”
Roneisha moved in with her mother and stepfather so she could keep attending
classes at UNC-Charlotte where she will graduate with a bachelor’s
degree in Political Science this summer. She frequently called her aunt
throughout her pregnancy for holistic support including nutritional advice
and accountability to stick to her exercise schedule so her body would
be strong for a natural labor and delivery.
“We talked about how important it was for me to feel in control and
not frustrated like I was during my first birth at another hospital. There,
I was immediately hooked to a monitor and required to stay in bed the
whole time,” remembers Roneisha.
As her due date approached, Isaline flew to Hickory and was with her the
morning of February 11th when strong contractions woke Roneisha from sleep. After arriving at CVMC,
Dr. Anita Montes checked Roneisha’s cervix and determined she was
dilated to 4-5 centimeters. Dr. Montes encouraged them to keep following
the birth plan and let the nursing staff know if she felt the urge to push.
“A woman should always feel empowered to give birth her own way,”
says Montes. “Each labor and pregnancy are very different. So, while
we support a mother’s birth plan, we also prepare her to modify
it as necessary to ensure optimal safety for both mom and baby.”
Roneisha filled the hospital tub with warm water and climbed in to focus
on mindfulness techniques and relaxation. Isaline was there, not to assess
her, but to simply be with her and guide her as she managed pain during
contractions with controlled deep breaths and support to help Roneisha
believe in herself. The room was calm and quiet, void of harsh lighting
and distractions. Isaline encouraged her to walk some and then move onto
the medicine ball where she massaged Roneisha with essential oils, squeezing
her hips and lower back to relieve the intensifying pressure.
“When I was in transition, the most challenging part of labor, I
told Isaline I couldn’t do it,” says Roneisha. “She
reminded me that this is what my body was made for and that I was already
doing it. She said it didn’t matter what sound came out of my mouth
and to allow myself to do whatever felt natural.”
After six hours of labor, Roneisha felt the urge to push. Nurses called
Dr. Montes, and, with just three pushes, Greylyn Bleu was born at 7:55am,
weighing 7 lbs, 10oz. Roneisha’s request to delay cutting the umbilical
cord and keep the placenta were honored without hesitation. She enjoyed
bringing Greylyn to her breast when she was ready to breastfeed and enjoyed
skin-to-skin time with him in the hours following birth.
Two days after Greylyn’s birth, Isaline posted the following on Facebook,
“Being there to help welcome this beautiful soul, my Great Nephew,
Greylyn Bleu, was magical and so amazingly uplifting. Roneisha Hackett
- you are a warrior birth Goddess. So much respect and love for your strength
and grace to bring him in naturally and peacefully!”
Increasingly, new mothers are choosing to have midwives attend hospital
deliveries. At Catawba Valley Medical Center, there are a nine full time
practicing certified midwives. For more information about Nurse-Midwives,
please ask your Obstetrics provider.