After a traumatic c-section, I sought out MaryBeth to help me have a VBAC. She was supportive, understanding and so helpful throughout my pregnancy, working with me in times of doubt or fear. As my due date neared and my anxiety about a possible second c-section increased, MaryBeth worked with the doctors, nurses and midwives at UCMC to get a plan in place for as gentle a c-section as possible, if that was what I ended up having. Having a plan in place helped to calm my fear, since it was a plan for a very different experience than my first birth. Communication between MaryBeth and my doctor and widwives was amazing as well, because of her excellent working relationship with them. That was so helpful because it kept me from being the middle man when I was alreafy stressed.
My water finally broke after 41 weeks, but my labor never really progressed. MaryBeth was calming and reassuring throughout, and helped me come to peace with a decision to have a second c-section. She was permitted to stay with me during my spinal, which I'm so grateful for. During my c-section, she kept me focused and helped to calm me. Once my baby was born, she was held up over the curtain so I could see her. Moments later, she was on my chest for skin-to-skin while I was being stitched up. This was one of the most incredible experiences, and completely took my mind off the rest of the surgery while I bonded with my baby. Soon, MaryBeth helped facilitate breastfeeding right there in the OR.
I was so scared of another c-section, but after my experience with MaryBeth, I would do it again tomorrow. I do not think I could have had such a healing birth without her. My husband and I view her as an invaluable part of our experience.
-Sara Baker
June 11, 2015
Changing Birth
Birth Fee: $725 to $1000