A Dad’s Point of View on The Birth Center
Based on births of two sons - in 2012 and 2023
A Dad’s Point of View on The Birth Center
By Joe , husband of The Birth Center Client, Jenn
My wife, Jenn, and I have two boys, both of whom were born at The Birth Center. Jackson came into the world on May 2, 2012, weighing 9 pounds, 8 ounces and measuring 22 inches long. His little brother, Jasper, made his entrance recently on April 27, 2023, with similar stats: 9 pounds, 14 ounces for weight and 21 inches for length. They’re big boys, and their mom had to do a lot of hard work to birth them.
We found The Birth Center because Jenn wanted an alternative to a regular OB. Plus, she knew she didn’t want to have an epidural, and she hoped to be fully present during Jackson’s birth. Jenn did research and learned how everything in the mom’s body goes to the baby. She had concerns about how interventions and medications would affect the baby in the long run. I have a child who’s 16 from a previous relationship who was born in a hospital, but I told Jenn, “If you want to go to The Birth Center, I support you.” I knew birth was something that humanity has been doing forever, and even though not a lot of people give birth outside of the hospital, I thought it was really cool.
Starting with her first prenatal appointment during Jackson’s pregnancy, I was on board with birth center care. I noticed that Ruth and The Birth Center team were special. They take care of everything during pregnancy, checking on Mom and Baby and making sure they’re both healthy. The whole staff is attentive, and the atmosphere is calm, not like a hospital-based practice where it’s manic and there are a lot of people waiting.
From the beginning of the process when Jenn was pregnant, I knew she was safe. When there were doubts and worries, we got confidence at every appointment. Anytime she had questions, Ruth was always just a phone call away.
Thoughts on our Sons’ Births at The Birth Center
When it came time for our babies to be born, my role was obviously very different from my wife’s. Still, I thought the birth experiences were surreal and amazing. It was almost like a meditative state fills the room — as if there’s an opening for life to come in, a presence, a synergy that’s floating around the space. It’s not something you can see, but it’s beautiful and you can definitely feel it. I would describe birth as an out-of-body experience; it felt like a dream as I was watching. It was quiet, yet there was so much energy in the room.
As Jenn was laboring, the staff made sure she was as comfortable as possible and encouraged her to breathe properly, to get in the right headspace. When Jenn said she couldn’t do it, they reminded her that she could. “This is what you’ve been waiting for,” they said.
To support Jenn, I gave her sips of water or juice between contractions and sat with her on the bed. Anything she needed, I made sure she had it. I wanted to be there for her to lean on. Occasionally, I felt concerned because of the physical stress on Jenn and the baby. The process itself is pretty crazy. I had to remember to stay positive. Because I had been to plenty of appointments with Jenn, I trusted Ruth. She’s very confident and knows what she’s doing. She has so much experience as a nurse-midwife. As Jenn was trying to accomplish the goal of birthing a baby, she was putting all of her physical life into it. The midwives and nurses backed her up 1,000 percent, motivating her and saying, “You’ve got this!” The Birth Center’s crew is the best you could have.
With Jasper’s birth, we felt even more prepared and confident because it was our second baby. Jenn was in the birth tub, and the nurse was standing, watching her. She was totally focused on Jenn. It was humbling to see a person standing watch and listening. The Birth Center brings the birth experience back to what childbirth should be. With all the team’s encouragement, they help Mom and Baby find a smooth birthing process.
When our boys were born, I saw them come out and catch that first breath. Ruth immediately placed the baby on Jenn’s chest. I could see their skin changing, the oxygen bringing that pink color. Jenn was done, but she found that extra energy to cuddle that little bug. I watched the bond as his face touched her breast. Even while he was still attached, Jenn was slowly gathering herself after the long push.
One of the best parts of unmedicated birth at a birth center is that the baby seems to be more responsive and alert. Jackson was there for Jasper’s birth and was excited to hold his baby brother. After Jasper was born, other family members came in and visited. It was like a welcoming party, where the whole family unit gathered around the new child.
We stayed at the birth center for three or four hours after the birth. During that time, the staff continued checking on Jenn and the baby, making sure they were both healthy and doing well. They are all so sweet, humble, and down-to-earth, which gives The Birth Center a stress-free, home-like feeling.
Encouragement for Dads to Support Birth Center Care
As Jenn recovered, I went with her to postpartum appointments with Ruth. It’s so nice to see the same provider, not like a huge hospital where you’re handed off to other doctors. At The Birth Center, you get the same person who’s been there your whole pregnancy, checking on you and your healing. We really built a relationship with all the people there.
In this day and age, everything is fast paced. The Birth Center allowed us to get back to some of the natural ways of doing things. Childbirth is truly an amazing process when Mom and Baby are working hand in hand.
If I could encourage other dads, I’d say you’re not alone. You’re there to be part of the process, but you don’t have to carry everything. Bring an empty space within your heart. Shed all the protectiveness and make this all about her. Enjoy the experience. It seems like it’s going to take forever, but before you know it, it’s over and you think, “Wow, that was awesome!”
Are you interested in learning more about prenatal care and birthing services at The Birth Center? Schedule a tour by filling out the form on our website or calling 916-344-1860.. We are happy to offer you, too, the benefit of a Birth Center birth.