Though my Roots baby came in 2022, my story starts years earlier. I decided to pursue out-of-hospital birth and midwifery care after reflecting on the birth of my first son, who was born in a hospital.
During that experience, I remember feeling afraid and unheard. I wasn’t fully informed on what was being done to or for me, and I hated that. It felt cold and impersonal, and I knew that I desired a more holistic approach to birthing, one that supported me in trusting my body.
I knew this wasn’t the energy I wanted to birth more children in, so in 2019 I began searching for midwives who supported women of color.
That’s when I found Roots.
Empowered Births, No Matter the Outcome
I attempted my first birth at Roots in 2019 with my second pregnancy. After 12 hours in labor, I decided to transfer to the hospital because I was exhausted, and I just wanted to be done. I was supported in my decision, and when I got to the hospital, my midwife, Rachel, was a great support person. She made sure my needs were communicated. I delivered my son less than an hour after arriving, and it was a much different experience than my first hospital birth.
In 2021, I found myself pregnant again. About halfway through my pregnancy, we moved to Tennessee, where I found a midwife and delivered my next child at home. Although I didn’t get the chance to deliver at Roots, I was able to bring everything I learned during my previous care and labor with Roots into this birth. Using those skills, I was able to trust my body, which allowed me to feel confident during labor and delivery.
Determined to Have a Supported Birth
In 2022, I became pregnant with my fourth and was determined to have my Roots baby. Other than terrible morning sickness — typical for all my pregnancies — low iron, and an ER trip due to an allergic reaction, my pregnancy was pretty normal.
My due date was November 23, 2022. During Thanksgiving, my family was asking when the baby was coming, reminding me that I was overdue. I didn’t “feel” like it would be that night, but I think all the food I ate helped my baby decide. When the contractions started, I notified the Roots team right away as I thought it would be quick. I hung out at home until the contractions were close enough to go to Roots.
Finally, the Roots Birth of My Dreams
While I was there, I felt supported by my midwives and family members. I didn’t feel rushed — I felt heard!
My husband was not able to make it because he was out of state for work. My father and niece attended, which really helped to ground me. This was the first time my father attended the birth of one of his grandchildren, and he really did a great job supporting me!
My niece was a great support person, too. She made sure I stayed hydrated, asked questions, and observed everything. It meant a lot because I wasn’t always able to focus on hydration and eating during labor.
As I started getting tired, I remember crying and being upset that it was taking so long. My previous labor was less than an hour, so I assumed this one would be fast, too. Kiana sat next to me on the bed and listened to me. She then encouraged me and reminded me that I am strong and it’s OK to be frustrated, but it’s also important to remember that every labor and delivery is different. It seemed like a “duh!” moment, but it was the encouragement I needed.
After that, I decided to have my water broken. When it came time to push, my father held my hand through it. It was my favorite moment of this birth!
Welcome, Baby Sapphire!
After 12 long hours of labor, my fourth child was delivered in the tub just like I had imagined. Sapphire was here, and I finally did it!
The moment Sapphire was born, I felt a sense of fullness. I felt proud of myself and grateful for the space to manifest my dream. It may seem silly to others, but I am a very determined person. When I want something, I work hard to get it.
I was grateful for my previous births, but still felt a bit of sadness that I couldn’t experience them at Roots. So, the moment my baby came out in that famous tub, I was complete!
Fortunately, everything postpartum went well. My placenta came out intact, my bleeding was typical, and as far as I remember, my whole experience was very joyful.
Sapphire nursed almost immediately after delivery. I was nervous because my 1-year-old was still nursing, but Roots supported me and gave me the education and tips to feel confident breastfeeding both.
My Birth Was a Lesson in Trust
Looking back, I surprised myself by making it to delivery and not giving up after hours of natural labor. I’m really proud of myself and think my baby would be, too.
Throughout this experience, I believe I modeled an important lesson in trust for Sapphire. I trusted my body and the people around me. I believe that birthing in an environment of trust is a seed that will show up in life with the way I parent and the way my children learn to trust themselves and others.
If someone out there is considering their options for an empowered birth experience, choose Roots!