I had four children, all of their births attended by fabulous midwife Ann Kilroy! 13 + years ago, I was newly pregnant and living in Cambridge, so I began the process of calling around to both lay and nurse midwives, educating myself about birthing options. It quickly became clear to me, that if I wanted to be in control of my own body and decisions during my pregnancy and labor, I wanted a home birth. I knew I needed someone competent but relaxed, someone who would support my choices, but someone who wouldn't hesitate to refer me to a medical practitioner if necessary. When the time came for my oldest son's birth arrived, If felt confident and excited. Fourteen hours later, (including over 3 hours of pushing, monitored closely but without any interventions that disturbed the process) Ryan arrived, rocketing into Ann's expert waiting hands. Since his birth, I have had three other children born at home with Ann in attendance, two of them very fast labors, under three hours total! Ann's presence was always reassuring, with equipment ready in case the newborn or I required extra assistance. Her postpartum and breastfeeding advice were invaluable. This past weekend, my oldest became a teenager, and thanks to Ann, I reminisce about his entrance into the world as both an empowering but biologically routine experience. I can't thank Ann enough!
-Krista A