My first child was overseen and delivered by an obstetrician and I was unhappy with the experience. The OB/GYN office always had a wait of at least 45 minutes for every appointment. My child was diagnosed with Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) at around 30 weeks. It was a scary time and I did not receive the needed attention and emotional support from my doctor.

I was hoping to have a different birthing experience and came upon the Lone Star Nurse Midwives website. It sounded like a perfect match. They not only were able to manage me as a high risk patient, but I enjoyed getting to know them as real people. I had several scary episodes during this pregnancy which the midwives handled with grace and expertise. I had vaginal bleeding at 17 weeks around 11:30 at night. I quickly called the office and was able to speak to Jan within minutes. She directed me to the emergency room where I received great care. I continued to see the midwives as well as a Perinatologist to monitor and watch for IUGR or any additional problems. At 30 weeks it was diagnosed that my second child had severe IUGR and would need to be delivered early. I had hoped that I could have an unmedicated birth and I realized that for the health of my child I needed to let go of that dream. I still believed I could have an enjoyable delivery though and I knew that the midwives would be the best team to provide that. I trust that my body knows how to have a baby. The midwives believed in me as well. A few times I was worried that my child wasn't moving so I called the office and they let me come in for unscheduled appointments to check that the baby was okay. They still took time to check that I was doing okay physically and mentally even though I didn't have an appointment. We set my induction date for 37 weeks.

Four days before my induction date I had heavy vaginal bleeding and went directly to the Labor and Delivery department at the hospital where Lauren met me. I was very scared that something had happened to the baby, but there was nothing sweeter than the sound of her heartbeat and the comfort that Lauren provided me. I had an ultrasound which confirmed that I had a partial placental abruption. Lauren and I decided to have the baby early at 36 weeks and 2 days. I was taken to a room and labored through the night with my natural contractions which the bleeding had jumpstarted. I was so happy that I could experience normal contractions it was like they were giving me a hug. They increased in intensity throughout the night.

The next morning there was a changing of the midwives and Jan arrived. She wanted to see how far my contractions would take me. I was between about 2.5 cm dilated when my contractions fizzled out. Jan discussed with me that there was a chance that I would need an emergency C-section if the placenta detached more or if the baby was in distress. We decided that I would get an epidural and start the Pitocin at the same time that was if a C-section was necessary I could be awake for the delivery.

After a few more hours of good contractions I was really excited and hoped I was dilated to around 7 cm but when Jan came to check me I was only at 5 cm. I realized how tired I was and started to wonder how much longer I would have to go. I started to have a patch of sensation on my upper left side where I could feel the contractions and I was very uncomfortable. I requested additional pain medication but the anesthesiologist was in a C-section and would not be out for a while. Jan asked me to sit up in bed to help the baby’s head drop into place. I appreciated that she was letting my body naturally do the work. The contractions were getting more painful. I started to flip out a bit and I told my husband that I was finished. I started to cry and the nurse was starting to get nervous for me so she kept running and checking when the anesthesiologist would be back. The anesthesiologist came in finally but I was a wreck. Jan came in at the same time only to discover that my water had broken! My baby's head had dropped and I was fully dilated so it was time to push and have the baby! When Jan told me my water had broken I started laughing and sobbing and she couldn’t tell if I was happy or sad but I was elated that the end was near! The medicine hadn’t kicked in but I didn’t care, I was ready!

Jan was my saving grace. She talked me back into sanity and calmly told me that it was time to bring the baby into this world. She was focused and articulate and amazing. She controlled the whole room, got me into position to push (not in the stirrups) and reassured me that I could have the baby. She changed the entire feeling of the room and though I was in a lot of pain, I was so happy. They also let me know that the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) had been called and they would have to take my baby away quickly after she was born. Jan told me exactly when to push and my baby was born weighing 4 pounds 4 ounces. She had the cord wrapped tightly around her neck and looked purple when she came out but quickly regained color. She was beautiful and I was so happy to finally meet her.

Lauren and Jan were amazing during the birth and it was a great experience. I recommend the Lone Star Midwives to everyone I know.

I couldn’t be more happy that I discovered the website of the Lone Star Midwives after I found out I was pregnant. My mother used to be a midwife, and I was born at home with the help of her midwife friends. I have known all my life that I wanted to deliver my babies naturally with a midwife, and after interviewing several midwives, we found that Lone Star was the perfect fit. We used the Lone Star Midwives for the prenatal care of both my children, our four-year-old and our baby; and ironically, they were both delivered by Jan!

Our prenatal care was phenomenal. With virtually all of the doctors I have ever been to, I have felt that they are trying to diagnose the problem, and get me out. This is not so with the midwives. They took their time to listen to me—my concerns and my joys. I even looked forward each visit to stepping on the scale because of kind and always smiling Ophelia. After getting to know me, they recommended Bradley Method childbirth classes, which were exactly what we were looking for. A healthy pregnancy is not a medical condition, and the midwives treat it as the exciting experience that pregnant women are going through. And at the same time, they are carefully looking out for the health of you and your baby.

Many of my friends talk about how when they delivered their children, they saw the doctor for a couple of minutes here and there throughout the labor, and then again when the baby was crowning. Well that was not so with Jan. She was with me every step of the way. My second labor was quick and easy, but I labored long and hard the first time. I developed preeclampsia during labor and ending up pushing for five hours before my baby girl arrived. I know that had a doctor been delivering my child, I probably would have ended up with a C-section. But Jan monitored my baby and me carefully; respecting our wishes for a normal birth, and that is exactly what happened. I am so thankful to her.

I will never forget the days of my two children’s births. My husband and I fell in love all over again, not only with each other, but with our son and daughter. And I am so happy that we chose the Lone Star Midwifes to share those days with us. We could not have asked for a more helpful, caring, and normal, not medical experience. As a bonus, not only were both my children delivered by Jan, but so were the children of my two good friends who also chose Lone Star! What a treat for us all!

We are so happy that we found the Lone Star Midwives! My husband and I agreed from the start that we wanted a truly natural childbirth, and we knew that a midwife could give us the birth that we wanted. I myself was born at home with a midwife, and my mother was a midwife years ago, so I always knew that my children would come into this world through the help of a midwife.

My husband was not really comfortable with a home birth and wanted more insurance that we would be safe, so we were so pleased when I stumbled across the Lone Star midwives on the internet. We interviewed them right away and knew they would fit perfectly into the birth we wanted.

Our care throughout the pregnancy was like none I have ever received from any doctor. I felt like I was their only patient that day, as I was never hurried through my appointments. They really cared about what we wanted to get out of this pregnancy (besides our beautiful daughter.) We wanted a natural childbirth without medical intervention, unless it became absolutely necessary. They read our birth plan and really knew us and what we wanted. Because of our prenatal care and the Bradley Childbirth classes that were recommended to us, we felt completely prepared for labor and delivery.

Our labor and delivery went extremely well, and even though I suffered a minor complication, I was still able to have the natural childbirth that I’ve always wanted. Jan was there to welcome with us our daughter into this world! Jan spent more time with us during labor than any doctor would have. She was there for comfort and support throughout our labor, always keeping our birth plan in mind. I wish that all women could experience the knowledge and care of the Lone Star Midwives so that they could have as positive a birth as we did.

I had both of my children's prenatal care and deliveries assisted by the Midwives of Lone Star Ob/Gyn and I consider both experiences to have been wonderful! I've referred several friends and they also had very good experiences.

I became pregnant with my first baby in September of 2002. I was very excited when I saw that there was a group of Midwives that I could choose for my Ob/Gyn. My husband and I scheduled an interview with them, which assured me that their philosophy about natural, spontaneous deliveries was exactly what I was looking for.

My ideal labor has always been based on the experience of witnessing my younger brother's home birth in 1982. My parents were very poor and could not afford a hospital delivery. They found a trusted midwife and she delivered my brother. My mother was calm and quiet throughout the whole labor and breathed slowly. My older brother and sister were also present, and my father coached. When my little brother was born it was an exhilarating experience. My siblings and I marched around the neighborhood with a big banner afterwards to celebrate. From then on, that was what I knew labor to be like. Quiet, calm, joyful, and without any drugs. Whenever my sister and I played "House," one of us always calmly gave birth to one of our dolls.

My first son was born on July 9, 2003 and delivered by Georgette Trotcheck (now retired). I labored about four hours at home, breathing through contractions and laying in different positions. We headed for the hospital after timing my regular contractions for an hour, not knowing I was already in transition. A nurse checked me and found that I was fully dilated! The nurses prepared the room as quickly as possible while Georgette, the Midwife on call, hurried to the hospital. She and the nurses instructed me on better ways to hold my pushes and concentrate the energy into my birth canal, and it really made a difference. My little Caleb (8 lbs. 14 oz. and 20.25 inches long) was born soon after Georgette arrived. My husband always talks about how deeply worried he was until Georgette arrived. She brought with her peace and confidence, and everyone immediately relaxed. Afterwards, I heard one nurse comment to another, "Those deliveries with the Midwives are always so good! They are incredible."

I feel very happy that I was able to deliver naturally. Jan, Lois, and Georgette did a lot to boost my self-confidence during my pregnancy, and taught me that if I trusted my body and listened to its cues, I would be able to have a very calm and positive experience. This confidence boosting, on top of my natural delivery, gave me a lot of courage for my next baby. I felt very empowered!

I also appreciated the postpartum care. About 6 weeks after having Caleb, I became quite depressed as a result of sleep deprivation. My mom urged me to call my Midwives. I was referred to a helpful Postpartum Depression Psychologist and scheduled to come in to see Georgette. With their help, and with support from my husband, I was able to make necessary changes to get through the difficult adjustment period and begin to really enjoy my new role as a mother.

My second son, Timothy, was born on June 4, 2005. One of the factors that played into our decision of when to have another child was that we thought we might be moving in August 2005 and wanted to be sure to have the Midwives of Lone Star provide my care again. Once again, throughout my pregnancy Jan, Lois, and Gloria gave me a lot of sound counsel on nutrition, stress management, positive self-talk, and how to keep my mind focused on my body's signals.

The evening of Timothy's birth my husband and I got to the hospital around 8 p.m. and I felt very calm and alert. The nurse checked me and announced that I was 4-5 cm dilated, 80% effaced and the baby was at -2 presentation. Jan arrived and encouraged me to get out of the bed and do whatever felt comfortable and natural for me. Pacing felt very good. So, I paced back and forth alongside the bed. And I preferred no one to talk to me.

Jan was very intuitive with my needs as I labored. An hour after arriving at the hospital, Jan checked me again and I was 9 cm. She decided to wait a little longer before breaking my water and within minutes my pushing urges began. Jan took that as the signal to break my water and encourage the baby to come out. Jan was an excellent coach through my intense, though quick, delivery as it turned out that Timothy was face up, had his hand to his face, and the cord around his neck. As soon as she saw the cord, she told me to stop pushing. She flipped the cord over his head, off from around his neck, then said, "Now push, Michelle! Push!" I pushed with all my might and my hefty 9 lb. 3 oz. and 21 inch baby finally was out. All I could say was, "Relief!" He was born at 9:23 p.m. without any medication assistance. And I didn't even tear.

Both experiences, from beginning to end, were just the way I would want them. My appointments never felt rushed, my husband and I could ask all the questions we had, and we felt great confidence in each of these remarkable women. It was very reassuring to me that, no matter what, even if a c-section was ordered, one of them would be there at the delivery, because of their rotating on-call schedule. I will always continue to recommend my friends to the Lone Star Midwives!

  Indigo's Birth Story

Peaceful. Intimate. Seamless. Empowering. These are the words that describe the birth of my daughter, Indigo, with the Lone Star Midwives.

My first birth experience, with my son Jude, began with an induction and ended with a forceps delivery. It was the quintessential cascade of interventions that lead to a full year of recovery. When I discovered I was pregnant with my daughter, I knew that I would do things differently this time around. Rather than going back to an obstetrician, I chose to experience the midwifery model of care.

Having never gone into labor on my own, I didn’t know what to expect. My due date came and went and at 41 1/2 weeks I was worried that I would be facing another induction. In my efforts to avoid this I made an acupuncture appointment, and within hours I started contracting. I assumed I was having Braxton-Hicks contractions until I noticed some ‘bloody show,’ potentially indicative of the beginnings of labor. On the advice of
my doula I immersed myself in a warm bath and my husband started timing contractions. They were coming every three minutes and lasting for a full minute. My doula encouraged me to call the midwives and to go to the hospital immediately. I was reluctant; my contractions weren’t very painful and I wasn’t sure I was really in labor. I didn’t feel ready to go to the hospital. However, I called and spoke with Lois and she told me that I needed to come in. Given that my midwife, doula, and husband all thought I should go, I decided (thankfully) to
listen to them. My daughter was born approximately an hour and a half after that phone call.

When I arrived at the hospital, Lois greeted me with a hug. She lead me to the birthing room and we chatted while she checked me. I was about 6-7 cm dilated and almost completely effaced. After a few minutes of fetal monitoring she said that everything looked perfect. From that point forward there were no beeping monitors, no cables or wires to be tethered to; just my baby, my team and me. Lois had a suspicion that I might go quickly and she put in a heplock (in case I needed an emergency injection) but I was not connected to anything. I felt unencumbered and free to move my body however I needed; I felt trusted.

My husband and doula entered the room. My doula started filling up the labor tub and I went into the shower. My husband directed the warm water on my back and lower abdomen with each contraction. The contractions were becoming more painful, but usually difficult to manage only for about 5 seconds at a time. I was so thankful to be clear-headed and fully present, not drugged like my last birth. I swayed back and forth with each contraction, picturing my cervix opening easily. I repeated the words, “limp” and “loose” to myself, a relaxation technique that I had practiced during my pregnancy.

The labor tub was finally filled and I immersed myself in the water. My entrance into the tub marked my entrance into transition. It was so intense. I felt like I couldn't cope anymore. My doula told me I was close to meeting my daughter. My body wanted to be up and out of the water, so I listened. I walked to the bathroom. I thought I was going to throw up, but I didn’t. I made my way to the bed. I was mostly upright, holding onto
the top of the bed, each contraction coming almost immediately after the next. I didn’t think I could do it anymore. But Lois and my doula reminded me that I was doing it and that my baby was coming.

I started to feel the urge to push. It felt amazing. Exhilarating. I started pushing on my hands and knees, somewhat upright, still holding onto the top of the bed. Lois was supportive of this position but observed that moving to my side may help me to push more effectively. This worked well- I pushed as my body wanted to push. There was no counting, there was no shouting or cheerleading. Lois gave me gentle suggestions as my
doula whispered words of encouragement into my ear. She held my head in her hands, stroking my hair. I had complete faith in Lois’ ability to guide me as I pushed my baby out. As Indigo’s head was crowning, Lois invited me to reach down and touch her head. I will never forget the feeling of her wet, silky hair on my fingertips. Oh, how I longed to meet her! What a unique opportunity to touch her while I still carried her inside of me. It is a moment I will forever cherish.

After a grand total of ten minutes of pushing (and one hour after arriving at the hospital), my 8 lb 7 oz daughter, Indigo, was born into Lois’ hands and then placed immediately onto my chest. This early and sustained contact helped initiate breast feeding and enveloped us in a blissful calm. Lois, my doula, my husband and I sat around and chatted for at least an hour. It did not feel like a hospital environment. It felt like family.

My birth could not have been more perfect. My team and I worked together in harmony. There were nurses in the room but they were hands off, supporting me and following my lead. Being in the hospital was in no way confining; I was able to labor exactly as I had wanted. I was given the quiet, dimly lit, intimate environment that my body sought. Most importantly, I was trusted and respected by all around me, which gifted me with a tremendous sense of empowerment. My birth experience is an one that I absolutely treasure and will always hold close to my heart.

 They say people who work in the medical field make the worst patients. This was definitely true for me. After one too many bad experiences with doctors/providers who behaved as though I were just a “number” and in 2 cases didn’t even know my name, I hated making an appointment for anything! I first encountered Lois of the Lone Star Nurse-Midwives almost 9 years ago when I had to schedule a routine annual check-up. I prepared myself in the waiting room for what was sure to be a dreadful experience—one where I was too rushed to remember the questions I wanted to ask and where the Gynecologist would have the warmth and personality of a cold speculum. After talking 5 minutes with Lois, my preconceived ideas were blown away. For the first time I felt like I was “heard”, my questions were answered, and my overall health was addressed in a very friendly and professional manner. Amazing! I have since been a loyal patient every year and have made my appointments without anxiety over the experience. In 2007, my husband and I were shocked and blessed to learn we were expecting. I remember Lois’ compassion as I sat in the room laughing and crying at the timing of it all since I was in the middle of some intense schooling. It was throughout this pregnancy that I continued to see Lois, but also had the pleasure of meeting Jan and Amy. I was amazed to find that Jan and Amy were remarkably caring and gifted as well, and I felt so lucky to have found a group with such incredible practitioners. In October of 2007, Lois patiently coached me through a long labor with the birth of my son. She was skilled, confident, and interacted beautifully with my husband and family. After knowing her for so long, it meant a lot that she was there to deliver our little boy. I so appreciated Lois’ commitment as she stayed with me through the entire ordeal never leaving my side. In June of 2008, we found out we were pregnant for the second time and I received the same excellent care that can be expected from all three midwives through this pregnancy. On 1/26/09, we were blessed to have our daughter born under the exceptional and composed direction of Jan Olsen. My husband, mother, and sisters and I were greatly impressed with her calm nature and command of the delivery room. She created a peaceful environment in which to bring our baby and it was an awesome thing to experience! Over the past nine years I have recommended the Lone Star Nurse-Midwives to every woman in my family and church, as well as any woman who asks for a recommendation for OB/GYN care. It is extraordinary to be able to do so without hesitation and know without a doubt that woman will receive the best care available. Thank you Ladies!!

As an expectant mother, you are faced with thousands of choices: from nutrition, to childbirth classes, to baby registries. My pregnancy and childbirth experience taught me that the most important decision you make as a mom-to-be is your choice of health care practitioner. Other than you and your partner, the person you choose to help guide you through pregnancy and childbirth has the most direct impact on your path to parenthood. This person must be someone you can trust wholeheartedly to advise you and keep you and your baby's best interest their top priority. This is exactly what I found with the Lonestar Midwives. I had seen two different obstetricians before meeting with the midwives. With each of them, I felt that my questions and concerns were not truly valued. I tried "sticking it out" as long as I could with each doctor, but my discomfort never eased. At 27 weeks I finally met with the midwives and found a priceless combination of expertise, compassion, and experience. I knew I would not be compromising any aspect of my care by becoming their patient. 13 weeks later, (and after 26 hours of labor) Jan delivered our healthy, happy, ten-pound baby boy. Even with multiple patients giving birth at the same time I was, I knew my baby and I were a priority to Jan. Each time she was by my side, I felt a peaceful, encouraging presence. I could not imagine anyone else delivering our baby, and was thrilled I had listened to my instincts and chosen Lonestar. I believe it was the best decision I made during the pregnancy. I encourage every mom to "try out" as many practitioners as it takes to find one with whom you are most comfortable. I promise, it makes all the difference for you, your partner, and your baby. Each time I went to Lonestar after our baby was born, the amazing staff and caring midwives were excited to see both of us, even asking for pictures! They all will always have a special place in my heart for supporting me through this miraculous time of my life. Thank you, Lonestar Midwives and staff for all that you do for us and our babies!

Leanne and I wanted to write a brief note of appreciation to everyone at Lone Star OBGYN.   I confess that I had (irrational) concerns about using midwives and not doctors with the impending birth of our first child, but I thankfully trusted my wife's decision.   Over the last 3 years you have helped us grow and deliver two wonderful babies, and we have been overwhelmed by your kindness, nurturing and knowledgeable professionalism.   I am embarrassed about the doubts that I once had, they were clearly based in ignorance.   I am now a big advocate of midwifery and find myself regularly praising your care to others.   So much of medicine separates the individual from their anatomy, and to treat a pregnancy and birth, one of the most glorious times of someone's life, in this manner is a travesty.   Let me say thank you from everyone you guide through the experience of pregnancy and birth, your holistic care of the individual is appreciated more than you will ever know.    Thanks!