hospital. These suites would feature cozy amenities like a normal bed, low lights, reduced machinery, and birthing support gear like labor tubs and birthing stools. When Naomi woke on Jan. 2, 2023, she felt the first signs of labor. “I knew, deep down, ‘It’s starting,’” she says. After rest, food and a shower, she and her husband, Jonathan, headed to Family Birth Place and checked in to one of the midwifery suites. Heading to the Family Birth Place Jonathan hung up Christmas lights, and Naomi settled into labor. The lights were cozy and low, and the many cushions and balls helped her find the most comfortable positions. Soon the midwives, led by nurse-midwife Carissa St. Onge-Carneiro, filled up the laboring pool. Naomi slipped into the comfort of the warm water while the midwives got right down on the floor next to the tub to be with her every minute. When Naomi was close to delivering, the midwives helped her move back and forth between leaning into the bed and using the birthing stool. Naomi prayed her way through her contractions and soon delivered her son. She held him right away as the midwives tucked them both into bed. As Naomi settles into life with a newborn, she’s grateful for her experience with the Adventist Health Portland midwives. And when she and Jonathan decide to expand their family, she has no doubt she will return to midwifery care. “I would do it again,” she says. Education to Support Your New Journey Expectant parents can complete our online, self-paced classes at their convenience. Understanding Birth Understanding Natural Childbirth Techniques Understanding Your Newborn Understanding Breastfeeding SCAN ME Ready to get started? Scan the QR code to learn more. AdventistHealth.org/Portland 13
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