I was going to name this post an “accidental birth center birth”, but I thought that would be way confusing. Even though that is what it was.
When I have a family giving birth far away (in Los Angeles, any distance is relative to time of day!), I have them call me when they *think* they may be in labor. I would rather be halfway there and it be a false alarm than to be called late. In these cases, please don’t worry about bothering me if you are unsure. Bother away!
Getting the Call
This birth was intended to be a homebirth in Riverside. One day, momma and dad were out and about and decided to stop in at their midwife’s birth center. Something felt “off.” Everything was fine, and then a contraction hit. They still weren’t sure if this was it, so they rested a bit.
Meanwhile, here at home in Burbank, I was watching reruns of Sister Wives. Where exactly did the family fall off the rails? I watch this show as if I were personally vested in the outcomes. Why is Kody such a freak show?
I pick up the phone to hear dad’s voice. “We are in labor at the birth center”. “Everything seems to be fine and quiet for now”, he continued. I throw on some clothes, grab my bag and am out the door in 30 seconds.
The Drive
I am talking to Dad as I did a speed show through the streets of Los Angeles to get to the birth center. Miracle of miracles, there was very little traffic and I got there in record time. I didn’t know it was possible to make in from Burbank to Chino Hills in that short amount of time!
A Birth Center Birth
While not what they planned, the birth center birth was quite beautiful. The space was gorgeous, even though it did have blue lights (think editing–yikers!). The midwives and their assistants were so lovely, gentle, and knowledgeable. In case you were wondering, this was at AA Midwifery.
