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Our pregnancy and birth was exactly the experience we wanted it to be. Carolyn opened her home to us and made it feel like our home too, every time we were there. After having a stressful hospital birth with our first baby, where my "no medication" wishes weren't respected, it was a breath of fresh air to be in Carolyn's care. It was a refreshing to be under the care of such a knowledgeable and caring midwife! Even though we didn't get to experience waterbirth because our baby was so eager to get here, it was an amazing experience we will never forget. In what could have been a very stressful and scary situation, where it happened so fast and the cord was around his neck twice, Carolyn still was able to bring our baby into a loving and calm environment. We were able to spend those first precious hours alone with our baby before she checked him out, and even then he never left our side. Even the post-partum care was exceptional. I loved that we didn't have to get our 4 day old baby out in the winter cold. Overall we couldn't have asked for a better pregnancy and birth experience. I strongly suggest home birth to anyone! What a calm and loving way to bring a child into this world. Rebecca, second baby, first home birth 2009, Cleveland, TN Carolyn, Thank you so much for helping us to bring our new family member into our home. This was our first child and our first home birth. I wanted to have a home birth because my mom had my baby brother at home. I learned from that experience that childbirth is a natural and beautiful thing and that there is no need for a lot of medical intervention. However, I was still a bit nervous because this was my first child. Your knowledge and experience was just what I needed to release all of my fears. I am convinced that the GOD sent you to us. With the HypnoBabies training, I was able to sleep most of the time only waking when there was a pressure wave. I was able to rest and sleep this way until I reached 8cm, after that I got up and walked around until it was time to push. When I did begin pushing, little Sophia was here in less than 15 minutes. To me it seemed like no time at all. After Sophia got here, there was a tense moment when I began to bleed a little more than I should. My husband is convinced that if you were not here that I would not be here today. However, I was not worried. I knew that you would be able to take care of any problems that did arise. Moreover, just like I thought you knew exactly what to do, and so I am here to write this little note of appreciation. April and Bryan, first baby born at home 2008, Rome, GA I feel so blessed to have met Carolyn before the birth of my first child. I was already leaning toward having a home birth, but I knew I would only feel comfortable doing that if I could find the right midwife. The combination of her knowledge, experience, and the relationship that developed during our prenatal visits gave my husband and me complete trust in Carolyn's care. In fact, we had such a great experience that we decided to repeat it, and I gave birth to our second daughter at home just 15 months later. Besides her excellent pre- and post-natal care, Carolyn is the ideal birth attendant. During my first birth, I needed a lot of guidance and encouragement, which Carolyn knew just how to give. The second time around, I was calmer and wanted to labor alone in my bathtub. She showed so much respect for my preferences, and didn't even bat an eye when I decided to stay in the tub for an unplanned water birth. I can't say enough wonderful things about Carolyn. She helped our daughters' births to be family-centered celebrations that we will always remember with such joy. Anna and Tom, first and second baby born at home 2007/2008, Chattanooga Our pregnancy and birth was exactly the experience we wanted it to be. Carolyn opened her home to us and made it feel like our home too, every time we were there. After having a stressful hospital birth with our first baby, where my "no medication" wishes weren't respected, it was a breath of fresh air to be in Carolyn's care. It was a refreshing to be under the care of such a knowledgeable and caring midwife! Even though we didn't get to experience waterbirth because our baby was so eager to get here, it was an amazing experience we will never forget. In what could have been a very stressful and scary situation, where it happened so fast and the cord was around his neck twice, Carolyn still was able to bring our baby into a loving and calm environment. We were able to spend those first precious hours alone with our baby before she checked him out, and even then he never left our side. Even the post-partum care was exceptional. I loved that we didn't have to get our 4 day old baby out in the winter cold. Overall we couldn't have asked for a better pregnancy and birth experience. I strongly suggest home birth to anyone! What a calm and loving way to bring a child into this world. Rebecca, second baby, first home birth 2009, Cleveland, TN
I wanted throughout the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. I had a hospital birth with my first child, and I was much more involved this time with my prenatal care. Laboring at home was wonderful, and Carolyn made sure I was organized and ready to give birth at home. She provided more thorough postpartum care for both the baby and me than I received after my hospital birth. Carolyn was wonderful with my 2-year-old, who attended all of my prenatal appointments, and she guided my husband so he knew how to help me during the birth and assist with the baby after the birth. She was willing to spend as much time with us as we needed, and genuinely cared about the well being of our little family. My experience with Carolyn was excellent. Carolyn knows what she is doing! It was refreshing to get away from the "medical model" of childbirth and welcome my child into the world in a natural and loving way. If at all possible, I would recommend that every pregnant woman give home birth a try. This experience was one of the top 5 experiences of my entire life. Shannon, third baby 2008, first home birth, Chattanooga After 5 hospital births I was determined to have a home birth. I interviewed Carolyn along with several other midwives, she was by far the best choice. I was amazed by the quality of the pre-natal care. Carolyn was full of helpful suggestions and information about whatever issue I might bring up to her. I was carefully monitored throughout my pregnancy and so I never worried about baby's health or mine. I really felt that I was in the hands of a knowledgeable health care professional. There were some complications during my actual delivery. However, I was still able to deliver at home, and my beautiful baby boy is fine and healthy! It is my firm belief that a less experienced or less knowledgeable midwife would not have had been able to deliver me safely at home. The only reason that I was able to deliver at home was because I had Carolyn. I also know that if transport had been necessary Carolyn would not have hesitated to begin that process. The post-partum care was wonderful as well. This was the first time that I did not have to drag my three day old baby out for his check up. Carolyn came to me! She came several times over the those first few weeks to check on me and the baby. I really was in very good hands. I would strongly encourage anyone considering a home birth to use Carolyn Drake. Anella, sixth baby 2008, first home birth, Kennesaw, GA. Dear Carolyn, Thank you so much for contributing to our wonderful pregnancy and birth experience. I truly enjoyed the comfortable care I received in your home at all my prenatal visits (and they were visits, not appointments!) You provided all the facts that I needed. In a non-judgemental way, you helped me to make my own decisions about my pregnancy and birth. I wish all medical care was as focused on the whole person (and whole family) as you are. Even though little Ellie arrived before you did, Carl and I never felt afraid. You had prepared all of us to have a natural and positive experience, even if it did not go exactly as we had planned. And the end result was better than we could ever have imagined: our wonderful, healthy, and perfect baby girl born at her own home in her own time and loved and cuddled from the moment she came out! We feel so blessed to have found you to prepare us and guide us through our childbirth experience. Thank you a thousand times! And hopefully you will be helping us again in the future. All the best, Molly, Carl, and Ellie Burick, first baby 2008, Trenton, GA Carolyn, Words really can not express how much we appreciate you. We were impressed with how professional and warm you were with us and everyone. Thank you! Jen and Jen, first baby 2008, Acworth, GA Dear Carolyn I vividly remember the first home birth story I ever read. After reading it I remember saying if the Lord wants me to have a home birth, He's going to have to do a mighty work in me and change my mind! That was 18 months ago.He did change my heart and led us to you. I couldn't ask for more. The prenatal care was so thorough and comfortable. Your calmness and experience during the birth was amazing. And the post partum care has been so reassuring. You are awesome at what you do. Thank you for helping bring little Emma into this world. What a story I have to tell her; being born at home in a birth pool in the caul in the dark with a kerosene lantern during a storm. Now, that's a home birth. I am already looking forward to the pregnancy and home birth of baby # 3. Blessings and love, Emily, second baby, first home birth 2008, Chattanooga
My son was born October 29, 2007, my 27th birthday, at Carolyn's house. The experience was wonderful. My husband was unsure about home birth, but birthing at Carolyn's, which is close to the hospital, made him feel more comfortable; and, I still got the opportunity to have an out of hospital birth. Carolyn's presence during the birth was non-invasive, calming and truthfully, I hardly noticed her there. However, there were a few moments, especially in the hour so before my son was born that I remember her being right there, keeping me focused and calm. I enjoyed my pre-natal visits with Carolyn. She answered all of my questions and I felt more informed of what was going on in my own body than the few visits I had at an OB/GYNs office. I felt like a human being, not just another patient to be rushed along. Carolyn's home is warm and inviting and her water birth tub was fantastic. I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to birth in a tub with calm lights and looking out the windows seeing the sun rise. If you want a safe, empowering experience, let Carolyn assist you in your birth. Thank you Carolyn. Leigh Anne Hancock, Mom to Liam, Wife to Damon, first baby 2007, Chattanooga Dear Carolyn, Thank you so much for your guidance, support and clarity throughout this magical event in our lives. Your strength and skill made us feel safe and well cared for, even though things didn't go quite as we had hoped and planned. However events unfolded, we are more than delighted with the end results, a happy, healthy baby! Here's wishing you many more happy homebirths, that your clients increase, that you have a wonderful wedding, and of course that you stay in touch! Lots of love, Paul, Karina and Zoe Bean, first baby 2007, Cleveland, TN Dear Carolyn, Jeremy and I cannot thank you enough for all of the caring support and advice that you provided to us during our first pregnancy and birth. You were a true godsend, and we would not have wanted anyone else as a guide during our entire experience. We learned much from your birth classes, although we were not able to attend all of them, and the pre-natal visits were informative and thorough. Even when a complication arose, you provided us with our options and supported us in our decisions; we could not have asked for more. Autumn arrived several weeks early, but you gave us much-needed calm advice and instructions during the birth of our very tiny little girl. Thank you for your nurturing care during this exciting time in our lives. We wish you all the best in your expanding practice in Chattanooga and hope to see you often around the city. Best, Rachel, first baby 2006, Chattanooga Carolyn, Thank you for helping us to create a wonderful experience and special memories of our beautiful little girl! I know you will continue to help women believe in their bodies and trust birth. Love, Keri and Billy, third baby, first home birth 2006, Atlanta Carolyn , Michael, the boys, and I want to thank you from the deepest parts of our hearts for all your support and help in bringing our sweet Sydney into this world. She is healthy and beautiful, and we feel like we couldn't have delivered her the way we wanted - and so safely - without you. It was certainly a surprise to have her arrive as quickly as she did, particularly with the shoulder dystocia, and it was your knowledge and experience that pulled her safely through. We felt prepared, confident, and calm throughout pre- and post-natal periods; you are an excellent teacher and a loving, nurturing midwife. We feel blessed to have had your caring hands ease our baby into this world. Thank you so much for all you have done for us. Much love -- Amy, fourth baby, first home birth 2006, Canton, GA Dear Carolyn I can not thank you enough for bringing another 'Fletcher' baby into the world. You made my and Shawn's second birthing experience a wonderful one. I never had a moment of doubt that I wasn't completely safe in your care. You did a wonderful job and my family is eternally grateful. Jessie and family, first home birth 2006, Woodstock, GA Carolyn, This birth was definitely what I hoped for! Carolyn provided comprehensive, caring, and knowledgeable prenatal support. I always felt that I could rely on her for calm words of advice, with the final decision resting with me. My labor went much faster than expected, so Carolyn wasn't at the birth, but her immediate postpartum support was excellent. The follow-up care was great, too, providing a good start for my changing family. Daniele, second baby, first home birth 2006, Atlanta Dear Carolyn, I can't express how appreciative I am that you attended my birth. You gave me the birth I wanted. I am eternally grateful. My gratitude, my blessings, and my love-- Mary, third home birth 2006, Atlanta Dear Carolyn, Thank you for the birth of our dreams. I feel very lucky to have met Carolyn at the beginning of my pregnancy and to have received her wonderful care for our second child. Having had our first child in a hospital setting, my husband and I knew the moment I found out that I was pregnant we would be having a home birth. Understanding my fears from my previous hospital birth, Carolyn was very supportive and helpful in guiding me through my concerns. When Carolyn, her assistant and my two friends arrived for the birth, our house was a bustle of activity at 3:30 a.m., but throughout the entire labor, from start to finish, Carolyn was amazing. Her calm reassuring presence kept me settled and feeling very well cared for. There was always a welcomed suggestion, be it a bite to eat to keep up my energy and strength or time to rest. I never doubted her words. I just felt confident and safe in her hands and a complete release to allow myself to let go and let her to be my guide through labor land. When it was time to start pushing, I was amazed at how different it was when provided a calm supportive environment, in contrast to a hospital crew screaming at me. Carolyn guided me through every breath, grunt, and push. She was even supportive in allowing my husband to be in the tub with me, so that he may catch our baby. I was also amazed to later find out that I had not torn at all, which was very much of a concern because I had suffered a severe tear from my birth with our daughter in the hospital. Postpartum, Carolyn made sure I was comfortable and that breastfeeding had been well established before leaving a few hours after the birth. Over the next several days, Carolyn checked in with us over the phone and by making home visits. Carolyn is a very caring and compassionate woman who has the gift of listening and truly understanding the individual needs of her clients. My husband and I were impressed by her vast knowledge of pregnancy, birth, and lactation support. We felt very comfortable in her care throughout the pregnancy and entire birthing process. I had read plenty of birth stories both good and bad, and, of course, always dreamed of having a baby at home, preferably in a birthing tub, and that it exactly what we did. Both my husband and I will be forever grateful for Carolyn giving us the opportunity to have the birth of our dreams. Every single moment of that day was absolutely beautiful and perfect. It really was a dream come true. Love, Scott, Marian, Phoenix and Gryphon Gunnar, First home birth 2003, Valdosta, GA |
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