Benjamin Levi's Birth Story
October 23, 2023
The Birth of Benjamin Levi
By The Birth Center client, Beth
During my first two pregnancies, I saw a wonderful OB whom I loved. Both of those babies were born in a hospital about two hours north of Sacramento in a rural community. I had good experiences — unmedicated like I wanted. However, my OB was not the one there for the births. I got whoever was on call at the hospital, so that was a disappointment.
When I got pregnant in 2022 after moving to the city, I started researching OBs. I talked to fellow pregnant moms and read reviews online. One thing I noticed was that most of them had been induced; it seemed to be the norm, so doctors could keep you on their schedule. I wanted as natural a birth as possible.
My sisters-in-law had seen midwives and had great experiences, so I began reading about midwives in our area. Ruth had sunny reviews and testimonials. I interviewed her and one other midwife in downtown Sacramento. Ruth loves families and had no problem with me having my husband, mom, and sister in the birthing room. The other birth center was very strict about who could be in the birth room. I knew I wanted to go to The Birth Center for my prenatal care and birth.
Unfortunately, that pregnancy ended in miscarriage. Ruth was so kind and thoughtful during that time. I wasn’t sure if we would choose to have another baby, but when I got pregnant in 2023, I emailed Ruth and she immediately added me to her schedule. Because of the previous loss, I felt apprehensive, but Ruth was supportive throughout the whole pregnancy.
During my prenatal care, Ruth was very personable, and we had a great connection. I have a thyroid condition, but Ruth guided me toward the right testing, made sure my levels were optimal, and advised me on different doses — all to make sure I felt my best and the baby would be healthy. She really wants the best for her patients and provides individualized care. Plus, Ruth never minded if I brought my older two kids to prenatal visits. In fact, she has a room set up for children and offers toys. She let them stand right next to her and help measure my tummy. My other OB wouldn’t let other kids come, so it was awesome to have that with Ruth!
While I did not have any serious complications during my pregnancy, I did have some questions that Ruth was always willing to answer. She assured me that my anterior placenta was not a problem, and she provided education about Braxton Hicks contractions. When I had nerves, Ruth gave me facts. She was very reassuring.
My due date was October 31, 2023. Around 38 weeks, I began having prodromal labor, which I had never experienced with my other pregnancies. Ruth gave me guidelines so I would know when I was in active labor. She told me what to look for and empowered me to be in charge of the process.
At 5 a.m. on the morning of October 23, when I was almost 39 weeks, I went into labor. The Birth Center is about an hour away from our house, so I texted Ruth and we left later that morning. My husband, Matt, and I arrived at The Birth Center around 11 a.m., and my mom and sister joined us. My other two deliveries were very fast, so I figured this one would be, too.
Soon after we arrived, Ruth examined me and said I was seven centimeters dilated. She also let me know that the bag of water was blocking my cervix, which was something that could hinder progress. Ruth said I could labor for a while and think about whether I wanted her to break my water. One thing I loved about The Birth Center was that Ruth and her team were hands-off. They were there, but they let me labor in private and in peace, which is so different from the hospital. Every 30 minutes or so, they would peek in and see if I needed anything.
As I labored, we figured that the baby was stuck on my pelvic bone. The doula taught me how to move on the birth ball, doing hip spins, pelvic tilts, and figure eights. She also coached me on breathing and encouraged me to do squats. She said all of these techniques would encourage the baby to get into a better position. I think my baby would appreciate all of those squats. I did so many squats during labor, trying to get him into the right position. It was not easy, especially during contractions. I loved the doula’s guidance, which was so different from the hospital environment, especially because I did actually labor for a lot longer than with my previous births.
After about two hours, I asked Ruth to re-examine me. I was not progressing — still at seven centimeters! I had been hesitant to let Ruth break my water, but we didn’t want to prolong my suffering. Ruth had given me her medical opinion and allowed me to choose. I was tired and ready for her to intervene. I felt like it was my call, unlike in the hospital when the doctor broke my water without asking me!
After reminding me what breaking my water would look and feel like, Ruth did so and repositioned the baby’s head. I had been on the bed, so I stood back up and did two squats. On the second squat, I could feel the baby’s head coming out. I’m an internal processor, so I quietly told Ruth that I thought I needed to push. Ruth was very calm. She said, “Beth, get on the bed and let’s push him out.” It all felt crazy and scary.
Ruth suggested hands and knees, so that’s the position I got into. By that time, the baby was in the correct position. I pushed him out, and Ruth caught him. He came flying out! Benjamin Levi was born at 1:30 p.m., weighing 6 pounds, 8 ounces, and measuring 19.5 inches long.
Ruth immediately placed him on my chest, and that was my favorite moment of the whole experience. She reassured me that he was doing well and everything was OK. I felt a huge sense of relief. It was a very special moment. Being able to hold him skin-to-skin was amazing. We had that whole first hour together, and Ruth was very protective of that hour. With my other two in the hospital, I had had only a few minutes with them, and then the staff took them.
After the birth is really when I felt like delivering with a midwife and being at a birth center really shines. Ruth practices delayed cord clamping, waiting until the blood is done flowing from the cord (somewhere between 30-60 minutes!). The Birth Center is set up like a home, and we were in a beautiful room with a beautiful bed. As Matt and I relaxed with the baby, Ruth helped me nurse and made sure Benjamin had a good latch, which was perfect. The team also assisted me with going to the bathroom, made sure I was drinking water, and gave me food and snacks. Birth is messy, but they cleaned up everything.
By 6 in the evening, the baby was doing great and we were ready to leave The Birth Center. Matt and I were able to have that evening alone in our house together with our new baby. With the other two, I had to stay in the hospital for 48 hours. That was stressful! One nurse would tell me one thing, and another would say something else. I always got conflicting information.
Ruth called me 24 hours after the birth to make sure the baby and I were doing OK. She said if anything was wrong, I had the opportunity to go into The Birth Center. Everything was going well, so we had our first postpartum visit at the typical 48 hours. Ruth examined the baby and made sure his latch still looked good. She said he had a mild tongue tie, but it was never an issue. By his two-week visit, he was back to his birth weight.
With Ruth, the postpartum care was wonderful. A lot of times, the mom is forgotten, but Ruth is always monitoring for postpartum depression and anxiety. She made sure I was doing well mentally and emotionally. Her care is so intimate. I knew I could call or text Ruth if I had questions. To know I had that access was so comforting.
As I reflect on my birth experience, I’m thankful for my support people. My husband does not do well with blood, but he was at my side the whole time. My mom was extremely supportive. She, Matt, and my sister all provided verbal encouragement, and I loved being able to see their faces and their excitement.
Even though I had medication-free labors with my first two babies, I’m always so proud to be able to do it. It’s so exciting that I was able to have the birth I planned for. I know birth plans are very popular, but I didn’t feel like I needed a written plan with Ruth. I could’ve written one, but she knew exactly what I wanted. She really listened during my prenatal appointments and respected each decision I made. I really appreciated that about her.
If I could say anything to another mom considering The Birth Center, without hesitation, I would say, “Do it! Ruth is the way to go.”