Roneisha Hackett's Natural Hospital Birth

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.

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