I had the privilege of being the first client of Inside Passage Midwifery to successfully deliver at home. This was my fourth child and I had actually worked with both Inside Passage midwives before. I knew them to be very experienced and knowledgeable, as well great people. The time period around the pregnancy and birth of my fourth child, a wonderful baby boy we named Samuel, was very stressful and difficult for me. My husband was going to school full-time, I was homeschooling, we had recently bought and renovated our first home, two weeks before giving birth my brother was killed in a motorcycle accident, and simultaneously my oldest son kept complaining of leg and knee pain. We were to find out shortly after Samuel was born that he had a tumor in his leg...So needless to say, having a baby was one of many things on my mind at the time.

One of my main decisions for changing my care from the birth center I had been attending for the first part of my pregnancy, was the opportunity I had to have my monthly and weekly visits performed in my home. While I had no complaints about the care I received from the birth center, it is frustrating to find babysitters for three children. I felt not only was it a HUGE convenience, but also a wonderful opportunity to involve my other children in the learning process and to prepare them to be comfortable with the midwives, and the birth experience; all in a familiar environment they felt secure and could be easily occupied in. I also felt it to be very imperative to increase and support other options for women in the community. I had decided that since we now owned our own home, that I would like to do a home birth. I had two of three children naturally in the birth center and while the birth center does cater to the homebirth situation, most of its clients depend on the center itself for a place to deliver. So the niche that Debbie and Johanna were trying to make for themselves, was one I was eager to see take root in our community. I believe the more choices women have, the better experience they can make for themselves.

However, my choice to have Inside Passage Midwifery handle my pregnancy and delivery became so much more than just an added convenience, or a cause I was supporting. Because their practice was just starting out I know I had the privilege of their almost undivided attention as far as care was concerned. But I believe they make, and will make each of their clients feel that way. They blessed me with not just caring for my physical needs, but my mental and emotional needs as well; helping me talk about my worries, making sure to always find the answer to my questions, even ones not related to pregnancy. They were very respectful of my beliefs and birth plan, as well as supportive of role my as a homemaker and mother.

I am eternally grateful for the service rendered me under their capable hands. While home birth is not for everyone, if you are considering this experience for yourself...first of all learn as much as you can about the process, and while looking for a safe and comfortable environment and caregiver, seriously consider these two midwives. Debbie and Johanna have deep respect for the birth process, and a wonderful ability to support and encourage women to accomplish what God designed for their bodies to do....I whole heartedly recommend them to any one with the courage to experience the natural and beautifully complex experience of a home birth.

Sincerely,
Tannis Kearns