Client Review: Rachel’s Strength, Her Partner’s Calm, and What We Can Learn

Every birth teaches me something new. Rachel’s birth reminded me just how powerful it can be when someone is deeply in tune with their body—and how important it is to pair that intuition with informed, empowered choices.

Rachel was a dream client from day one: intentional, intuitive, and deeply connected to her body’s cues. For weeks leading up to labor, we checked in daily. She was past her due date and had been having moments that felt like active labor for over a month. Each time, we wondered—is this it? We were all so ready. So excited. And when things finally shifted, they shifted fast.

Together, we navigated contractions with position changes, hydrotherapy, counter-pressure, massage, quiet rest, and emotional release. Her partner, too, was a calming anchor in the room. I often say birth brings out the truth of our relationships—and what I saw between them was nothing less than beautiful. He knew her. Every touch, every whispered word, every pause to breathe with her felt aligned and attuned. I truly can’t imagine this birth without him.

For much of the labor, the environment was calm, grounded, and hopeful. But birth doesn’t always unfold on our timeline. A few hours before her baby arrived, Rachel transferred from the birth center to the hospital. I won’t go into the specifics here, but I will say this:

• If you’re planning a birth center birth, review their policies ahead of time.

• If something doesn’t sit right, ask questions.

• If you’re uncomfortable, you can say no.

Rachel did say no when she needed to. She advocated for herself. Still, there were moments—particularly surrounding cervical checks—that were traumatic. It’s a painful reminder that not all midwives or birth settings are the same. Birth centers can feel more “natural” than hospitals on paper, but many still follow rigid timelines, monitoring frequencies, and protocols that feel surprisingly clinical.

One intervention I want to gently flag is castor oil (a stimulant laxative) — which was used twice in this birth. The second time, it felt more pushed than offered. And while some swear by its use, it’s important to weigh the potential side effects carefully. Especially when you consider how it might affect the body and bowels during labor, physically and emotionally.

My ultimate takeaway? If you have the means, the confidence, and the desire—giving birth outside of a medicalized environment can offer more rest, peace, and autonomy than people realize. But even in places that seem aligned with physiologic birth, like birth centers, it’s essential to understand the policies, timelines, and provider philosophies in play. Ask the questions. Get specific. Protect your space.

In the end, Rachel brought a beautiful baby girl into the world—joining her two older brothers earthside. Her strength, her intuition, her voice… it all stayed with me long after I drove home that day.

Rachel, thank you for letting me walk this path beside you.

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✨ If you’re preparing for your own birth—whether at a center, hospital, or home—I encourage you to explore your options, ask hard questions, and always honor your voice. You deserve that.

And if you want help navigating your birth, I would be honored to help. Contact me to schedule a doula consult to see if we would make a good team.