I’m so pleased to share the birth story of my third child. My two previous births took place in a hospital. The labor for my first child was 24 hours long and painful with drugs and an epidural. During labor for my second child, I had meconium staining, delayed labor, was given overdose of pitocin, and again had drugs and an epidural. Afterwards, my baby and I both developed life-threatening Staph. infections.
I decided to take charge of my health and the health of my family. This included looking back on my two previous births and the interventions that took place. I knew several women who had their babies at home in the water. Each of them had fast, joyful births. When I became pregnant for the third time, I was determined to birth at home without medical intervention.
After many interviews, I met midwife Sizzly Auer. I was especially grateful that she offered prenatal visits in my home and, also, that she respected my desire for a hands-off approach. I admit that I still had my doubts about my ability to birth naturally. The regular reassurance I received from her was priceless and I had much less worry than with my previous births. I was also lucky enough to speak with a homeopathic practitioner who recommended I take caulophyllum during my last trimester to soften my cervix. Sure enough, Sizzly said that I had one of the softest cervixes she had ever felt.
My labor began at 7:30am in August of 2010. As it intensified, I was surprised to find that sitting on the toilet was the most comfortable place. That also removed the need to get up and down as my body naturally purged itself. Sizzly was the first to arrive. She found me dilated to 2 centimeters. By 9:30am I was anxious to get in the water and Sizzly agreed it would be a good idea. During my prenatal visits, she said I needed to “give in to the process” and I tried to keep that in mind. At 10:30am, as my husband finished filling the birthing tub, my water broke. It was a nice relief but I knew things were about to get heavy. A few minutes later, I was in the water… what a fantastic feeling! I listened to my Hypno-birthing CD while Sizzly and my husband poured warm water on my back. I stayed as deep as possible in the birthing tub to take full advantage of the water’s buoyancy. I envisioned my cervix opening with each contraction and remembered that a friend once told me to “be a wet noodle”. I rubbed my tubby, told the baby what a good job it was doing and repeatedly said “come, Baby” … something simple I learned about in the Hypno-birthing book. It may sound a bit funny but nobody really knew what I was saying and it worked magic!
After a few intense contractions, I told Sizzly that I didn’t think I was going to make it. She immediately brought me a teaspoon of honey and that gave me the energy I needed to go on. Because I wanted to limit any cervical exams, we didn’t know I was in transition. In fact, my strongest contraction in the water felt much like the early ones I experienced during my hospital births. Sizzly suggested that I give a little push just to see if it felt right. What fantastic instincts she has! On the next contraction, I gave a tiny little push. My body responded instantly with two incredible contractions of it’s own. I let out a yell and everyone came running. LOL… they were as surprised as I was! Two or three pushes later, out came a beautiful, healthy baby boy. It was almost noon. I had
only a 4-hour labor and could not have asked for a more perfect birth experience.
I hope my story will inspire others to experience birth the way God and nature intended. It is an incredible and joyous event! The things that helped me the most are:
My wonderful midwife, Sizzly Auer
Good nutrition and homeopathic remedies
Practicing relaxation techniques (Hypno-birthing)
Giving myself positive messages (and staying away from negative ones)
WATER, WATER, WATER !
God bless you all and THANK YOU!
Sincerely,
Carrie Perez
Allimed Therapist
www.MRSAsupportgroup.org
Reviews
25 reviews received from actual customers
Average rating: 5
Dec 13, 2011
Rebekah M
Awesome interview
The midwife interview was fantastic. It was relaxing and comfortable. Hopefully my insurance comes through and approves a midwife! Highly recommended!
Dec 2, 2011
Lacey Thomas
Love Them
My whole experiance has been amazing. They have taken suck good care of me. I wish I had came to her for my first child and hope she's still around if I ever decide to have another child.
5
Nov 23, 2011
Jessica P
Warm and caring environment
So glad to of found this great place. The midwives here are very nurturing and kind, and very informative. They make you feel very comfortable right from the start. The environment is so relaxing and serene. I will recommend everyone here, if you live a little far, its worth the drive!
5
Nov 13, 2011
Michele Fuhrmann
Excellent
After experiencing a traditional OB/GYN and now having Sizzly as my Midwife, I cannot imagine going back. The care, compassion, time spent, and flexibility goes far beyond any expectations I ever could have imagined!
4
Oct 26, 2011
Laila D
So far so fabulous!
Sizzly was so warm, inviting and had awesome energy. Though there was a bit of disorganization involved with this initial appt, I think I simply need to remember that the business of delivering babies does not run on the same stringent schedule as corporate america (my profession). The office was clean and cozy, and I look forward to having this practice handle my birth.
5
Oct 14, 2011
Bridgitte T
AMAZING!
Sizzly and the whole team are absolutely fantastic. Caring, supporting, and well educated. Everything you would ever need. After my very first appointment with her I needed to go to the hospital and Sizzly and her doula Michelle went with me and stayed until I left. I felt so comfortable and supported and taken care of. I would HIGHLY recommend Childbirth options and Sizzly and her team to ANY pregnant women. They counseled my family and I and gave us the support we really needed. <3
5
Oct 6, 2011
Julie N
GREAT!!!!
I just had my first consultation with Sizzly yesterday and have to say that I felt great talking to her! She really made me feel at ease about a homebirth and especially because the delivery of this baby will be a VBAC. She thoroughly explained everything. It means the world to me to have found such a nice and caring midwife. I KNOW that it wouldn't be the same at an OBGYN's office! Thank you Sizzly!!
5
Jul 17, 2011
Emily M
Loved this place
After a long hospital wait and un answered questions, I called Sizzly and made an appointment with her. She saw me the same day and got all my labs done right away. I felt so secure with her and the doula that was there that I would recommend them to everyone! The place is inviting, cozy, and still state of the art!
5
Jun 28, 2011
E.D.
You want to go here!!!
It wasn't what I expected when I walked in to the office. (hospital smell, rude receptionist, long wait, etc). There was no wait, scented candles everywhere and also cosy. The midwives are professional, patient, and very friendly. I felt right at home. Oh and they dont charge you arm and leg for uneccessary checkups. Thank you guys!!!!!!! :)
5
May 16, 2011
stephanie e
Great people and great place
Childbirth options has been amazing and helpful. Sizzly is a wonderful person and has helped me realize my options, made me feel comfortable and welcomed me with open arms.
5
May 12, 2011
Sappho W
Wonderful experience
Sizzly and Bronwyn were a wonderful team and made my birthing experience wonderful. They were an awesome support when I had absolutely no strength left during labor. I had my first in a hospital w/an epidural and even though I it was harder this time around w/out it, I would totally do it again w/ Sizzly and her team.
5
May 11, 2011
Jennifer C. Ruiz
Much better experience
As soon as we met Sizzly we knew we were in the right place. We made an immediate connection and I knew she was the one. She has been super patient with me since I am a VBAC and understandably nervous about a home birth. She answers my calls and texts immediately and is always PLEASANT no matter what time it is. I feel like I am at a spa when I go to her office and so relaxed. I can go on and on and would recommend her to anyone. This has been a much better experience than my first born.
5
Apr 28, 2011
J.G.
Knew my concerns
I wasn't 100% that I wanted to go with a doula but knew that I had concerns about having the birth I wanted. I also had the added challenge of getting my hubby on board. By the time Sizzly left my house, I knew that she would be instrumental on our birth team as this was our first. She was on the same page with me on my concerns since I would be delivering at a hospital and had the experience and facts to prove it to my hubby. I called her up the next day as soon as I could!
5
Apr 14, 2011
Apryl Alamo
AWESOME SERVICE!!!!
I fell in love with Sizzely and her staff when my husband and I met them. She is so patient when it comes to her patients. She took the time out of her schedule to go over and beyond the initial consultation. I had an appointment to meet with another midwife after her, and canceled, because I was so impressed with the service I received, and the connection we made. I would recommend her to anyone!! Love you Sizzely!!
5
Apr 13, 2011
MT
Consultation
We had a wonderful consultation with Sizzly. She provided us with a lot of great information and made us feel very comfortable. She answered all of our questions and was very easy to talk to.
5
Apr 6, 2011
Mellody H
Meet and Greet
I have only had a meet and greet with Sizzly and Darwin, Sassitant, but with my husband having to be away. It was very important to the both of us for him to meet them. Hands down, it was the most rewarding experience. Both ladies are full of information and options. My husband and I felt very reassured that this was the best decision for us. From having anxiety to feeling extremly confident baby and I will be just fine while Daddy's away. Thank you ladies and we look forward to our appts.
5
Mar 30, 2011
Jackie Deestrada
Utmost Professionalism and Beyond
I have been more than pleased w the care and morale that the Midwives have shown me at Childbirth Options. They have shown me devotion and personal dedication that cannot be bought. The heart of the matter is just that, all heart. I will never forget the overwhelming feeling of blessing I received from my whole experience w them. Sizzly is one of the greatest people I've ever met! I learned a lot of valuable information. My mind was put at ease about many things. For this I am very grateful.
5
Jan 15, 2011
Caitlyn Loos
AWESOME PLACE
i went in for a blood test and it was the best blood test i have ever had. i didn't have to wait 20 minutes or fill out a hundred forms. it was like visiting a friend who just so happened to be taking my blood. Sizzly is so nice, she listens to you she laughs with you and at the end of the visit she hugs you. name one doctor who would do that! When i actually am pregnant (as my blood work came back negative) i will come back to Sizzly!
4
Dec 23, 2010
Jessica Devin
Sizzly is the one for me!
I knew from very early in our conversation that Sizzly was the right midwife for me. She has a warm, confident approach and a comfortable, friendly demeanor.
5
Oct 21, 2010
aynomous
Consultation
Sizzly is a very warm and caring individual. She projects an image of compassion, humor and professional competence. I am looking forward to working with her to have a wonderful experience.
5
Aug 5, 2010
monica sotolongo
It was great to meet you!
Thank you so much for coming to our home and sharing with me and my husband! You are incredibly friendly and helpful. In the time you were here we learned so much about a process that we already thought we were pretty familiar with! Thank you! You are wonderful!
5
Apr 27, 2010
Erica DiBartolo
Best Decision!
I haven't given birth yet, am due in a month, but this is definitely the best decision we've made for this pregnancy, I have two friends who are also pregnant and seeing Sizzly :) I will update after my delivery!! BUT WE LOVE HER!!!!
5
Oct 13, 2009
Beth Rosende
Great support person
We had a great experience with Sizzly. She helped us before, during and after delivery. I still contact her with lactation questions and she is always readily available and helpful. I would recommend her for others looking for a birth doula and my birth experience would not have been the same without her. I was always surprised that she responded to me so quickly any time I had a question; whether by phone email or text.
5
Oct 11, 2009
Maria Shaneknil
very flexible
she makes sure she works around your schedule . She gives you reading material and a bag of goodies. She is very informative and makes sure you understand and have all the information
Birth of Ben August 2010
