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Home Birth Stories

Please use this resource as a guide to help you make the right decision on your next birth experience. Simply click on any of the birth stories using the menu to the left.

Thank you.

Kellie Moeller
Certified Nurse Midwife


Jun 6, 2017 |
Home Birth Stories,  |
Kellie Moeller, CNM

Sept 15th, a day which will live in infamy (lol)

On September 15, 2016 my wife sent me a text message with this picture showing that she was pregnant. My first response was, "Who is the father?" jk. Let me just say that we were not trying. We certainly were not "NOT TRYING" either. We knew that we would take the same route that we have in the past, a home birth experience and here is our story... 

Meet Kellie
This is Kellie Moeller of HomeBirth Experience Inc. Kellie Moeller is the protégé of Pat Jones who is a mid-wifery legend in Texas and the rest of the country. Kellie has a earned reputation of being very passionate and professional with her practice. She informs all of her patients of the risk and rewards of a home birth. Kellie has birthed 2 of our previous kids. Our first home birth she was only present for 13 minutes before he jumped out. Our second home birth she was there for about an hour. Our third home birth... well more on that later. It's all the preparation that she gives that builds confidence in the event of her absence or an emergency. 


Meet the Squad(ron)

Leeanna, Ryan, Des, Devil Dan, Princess Dhara all have expectations of what to expect. At this point, we have no idea if we are having a boy, girl, or otherwise. Leeanna says she doesn't care what we have. Ryan says he doesn't care but secretly wants a girl. Des, says that he wants another sister. Devdan, says he wants another sister. Dhara says she wants another sister. I guess the truth is we were all hoping for another girl, so that we could even out the gender ratio in our household. We decided that we would wait until the birth to find out the baby's sex.

Preparation is Key

People always tell us how lucky we are to be able to have home births. Well Oprah Winfrey famously said, “I believe luck is preparation meeting opportunity. If you hadn’t been prepared when the opportunity came along, you wouldn’t have been lucky.” Now although Oprah's quote is more about prosperity, the principle of preparation is the same across the board. We have had amazing home birth experiences because of how we prepared. You may not always prepare for a pregnancy but you most certainly can prepare for the coming of a new soul in to your family. We attended a 5 week home birthing class and had a supply list as long as Noah's ark passenger list.

We also planned for every possible emergency scenario...

  1. Placenta Previa
  2. Preeclampsia
  3. Gestational Hypertension 
  4. Premature and Post Mature Labor
  5. Breached
  6. Chord around the neck
  7. Placenta Abruption
  8. Shoulder dystocia
  9. retained placenta
  10. Umbilical Prolapse
  11. ETC.

We created an emergency transport plan in the event that something goes incredibly wrong. Besides, hospitals are for emergencies only.

Waiting Game
I could write another paragraph on how life went on as usual and all the fun we had between conception to birth, but that would be redundant. Just go take a look at @XtrodinaryPilot steemit posts. I've only been on steemit for 4 months but you didn't miss much prior to me getting here. I shot guns, rode horses, hung out with my kids, chilled with my wife, played VR, and did nerdy outdoor stuff that just never made it to a post... I digress

Labor
I don't know the origin of the term labor in the birthing context. I do know that it is without a doubt some very hard work for those that choose to go through with it natural and holistically. If you've never been there to comfort someone you love through immense pain, you do not know what you are missing. Our first 2 home births were like an Olympic sprint. Labor to birth was 2 hours. This time we planned on pacing the labor to control the intensity of the pain. Sounds crazy I know. Labor started at around 11 pm on May 21, 2017. We had just gotten back from the pool and was trying to take it easy. She had a look on her face that let me know I shouldn't have a nightcap that evening. She did inform that our friend Maura would be coming over to photograph the labor and birth if she was free. I get waken up at about midnight that the midwife is on her way.
Remember I mentioned earlier that I would cover more on our midwife's role for our third home birth? Well here it is... At midnight a lady by the name of Melissa White knocks on my door. She is the replacement midwife because Kellie Moeller had a conference in Chicago at the time of our birth. Initially I am like, "Oh great, Brett Favre is stepping in for Mike Holmgren." $5 SBD to anyone who can explain this joke. 
An hour later, our doorbell rings again and it's Pam, a birthing assistant that was also sent by Kellie to assist in her absence. She is no stranger as she was present after our other two home births. These two ladies did an amazing job being there but also out of the way. They allowed my wife and I to embrace and experience the labor together. They assisted in ensuring that we were all comfortable. My 3 year old daughter wakes up about 45 minutes before the baby is born and the birthing assistant embraces her and comforts her while I am comforting my wife. I have to be completely honest. This is by far the best birthing experience I have ever had. I should probably stop while I am on top. 

After Birth

Immediately after the birth, I went to the room across the hall and woke up my 2 sons so that they could come in and meet their new sister. They came in a bit disappointed that they weren't awake during the entire process. I assured them that they did not miss anything lol. I had to persuade my wife to keep her ass off of Facebook that day, so that we could stay home and enjoy our baby for 24 hours uninterrupted. We all got to bond with the baby one on one. Mommy gets to take an herbal bath with the newborn which seems to bring them both joy. We were able to do just that and didn't start announcing her birth until May 23. It all worked out so perfectly. The typical response to our birth announcement was,

What's her name?

To which we would reply,

We'll tell you when we get one.

It drives people nuts but we believe that you shouldn't name your baby until you get to know them. Imagine if you were named something tranquil and you turned out to be a monster. My 3 other kids were named by me, so I told me wife that when she was ready, to tell me what she named our new baby girl. Well, today she informed me that she had chosen the name

Deveah Amira Brown 

It's pronounced duh-vey-uh

I can tell you that I am falling in love all over again. I'm truly blessed, lucky, amazed, and any other positive terms to express my emotions. She is so damn beautiful, she may start her own Steemit profile lol

BONUS FOOTAGE
I also have to thank @mrwang for swinging by with Ethan the other day to meet Baby Deveah

FOLLOW

AND I WILL TAKE YOU PLACES
mostly in Texas LOL

Mar 11, 2017 |
Home Birth Stories,  |
Kellie Moeller, CNM

Planning for a birth is inherently difficult. It’s the final stage of a series of steps biologically designed to send a strong message that you’re not driving the boat any more. As we’ve discussed in our previous posts, we decided early on to do a homebirth. Keep an eye out for a post on my (overwhelmingly positive) thoughts on homebirth in general…

Sep 1, 2016 |
Home Birth Stories,  |
Kellie Moeller, CNM

I honestly don't know what initially drew me to the idea of home birth but pretty soon after we found out we were pregnant with our first child I asked the only couple I knew who'd had a home birth if they would talk to us about their experience and possibly provide a reference since there were no home birth midwives in our area. We'd had a few appointments with a local OB and weren't impressed with the service or lack of patient education. It was as if there was a path that all patients took and that's what we were expected to do too. So when Kellie agreed to meet with us (despite our home being 90 miles away from her!) my husband and I jumped at the chance to learn more about our home birth options. The one question he had was "what do we do with our dogs"...haha! But our biggest concern was definitely the distance - she reassured us that it would be no problem and as the pregnancy progressed we completely trusted her.

Aug 30, 2016 |
Home Birth Stories,  |
Kellie Moeller, CNM

Hi Kellie!

I am doing great!! I LOVE being Wren's mommy!!! It is the best ever!!! I am so so thankful I get to be a mom and that Wren is our baby. I had high expectations of being a mom but they have been FAR surpassed!! Wren is sitting up now, just got her first two teeth and has just started to try solids (we skipped the rice cereal!)... really she is just tasting them for now... she still likes mama's milk best! Breastfeeding has continued to go SO WELL praise the Lord!! We both love it :)

How are you?! I saw on your fb page that you were able to go on your long trip after all?! That is so great! I hope you and your family are doing well!

I would be happy to write a review! We are so thankful for you!!

Callie

Review:

I am so thankful for Kellie!! It wasn't until my husband and I met with Kellie, that my husband, skeptical about home births, felt more comfortable with me having a home birth. I was able to get personalized, unhurried and attentive care with Kellie throughout my pregnancy (and afterwards).

Our birth did not go as I had dreamed of or had prepared for. I'm thankful that when things did not go as planned, and our baby was not on her way at 42 weeks, Kellie supported us by always being available and not pressuring us one way or the other but giving us the information and support to make an informed decision. For us, that meant that after 43 weeks and trying all the natural induction methods, we went to the hospital to be induced. Kellie met us at the hospital door and was by my side the entire time, encouraging me throughout labor and then after the delivery. She has a great relationship with her back-up doctor and that made the transition smooth.

I'll always remember the moment after the doctor told me I needed to have a c-section and my husband and I (with lots of tears) agreed, and Kellie said it was okay to mourn the birth you wanted to have but now you get to go and meet your baby.... that is exactly what I needed to hear in the moment.... instead of dwelling in disappointment at not getting to birth my baby naturally, I was so excited that I was about to meet my daughter. She helped me focus on what was important. We prepared for an intervention-free home birth, but even when our plans changed, Kellie was supportive through every decision.

Moreover, during postpartum care, Kellie continued to care for me gently as a whole person, physically and emotionally. During one home visit a week after giving birth to my baby, I was telling Kellie how well breastfeeding was going and with a huge smile and and hands in the air, she exclaimed "Yes!!" This portrays how deeply she cares and is with you.

We highly recommend Kellie!

Sep 30, 2013 |
Home Birth Stories,  |
Kellie Moeller, CNM

Baby Sharon's birth story starts, unofficially, in the middle of the night on Wednesday, September 7, 2011. Baby Sharon weighed in at 7 pounds, 8 ounces and 19 inches long. She was bright eyed and so alert just taking in all of her surroundings. She had her little fists right up by her jawline and I could imagine that was her favorite position while I was pregnant with her.

Jul 17, 2013 |
Home Birth Stories,  |
Kellie Moeller, CNM

My sister and my husband were kneeling in front of me. I had each by an arm, and they coached me through the contractions and encouraged me during the breaks. Kellie was on her way, and I remember my sister talking on the phone with her a few times.

Oct 22, 2011 |
Home Birth Stories,  |
Kellie Moeller, CNM

With Craig's hands in mine and him cheering me on with each push Quin was born in the water at 10:01 and placed in my arms. I was on top of the world. I accomplished my goal! After I held Quin for a while I was helped out of birth tub and into bed.

Nov 1, 2010 |
Home Birth Stories,  |
Kellie Moeller, CNM

Nora is our second child. She was scheduled for a c-section birth at the Women's Hospital of Texas in Houston, since her brother was a c-section baby. My husband Sunil and I weren't happy with the way Aron's birth turned out, since the doctor went to c-section route too easily. We also felt we weren't really informed, and were rather forced to follow the hospital's policy. I was fully dilated, my husband could see his hair, his heartbeat was strong and normal, and I only pushed for 2 hours. Yet the back-up doctor said it's enough to make it a c-section birth. The reason was because Aron was stuck in transverse arrest, which most likely was caused by the epidural I had taken. I wish I knew at the time that it had the potential of numbing my cervix muscles too much.

Jul 17, 2010 |
Home Birth Stories,  |
Kellie Moeller, CNM

Our birth was everything we had hoped it would be, spiritual, joyful, and drug free. Kellie was such a patient and calm motivator through the whole birthing process. She helped support me every step of the way before and after the birth. She really left the birth decisions up to us and it really felt like it was in our hands as the parents instead of the medical industry. We were educated and informed of all the options every step of the way. I felt so incredibly lucky to have had such a healthy birth free of intervention and in the comfort of my own home.

Apr 10, 2010 |
Home Birth Stories,  |
Kellie Moeller, CNM

With her calm voice along with my hubby’s calm voice I was able to relax. I didn’t scream or cry, I just whispered. I pushed only at the beginning of the contractions and breathed through the rest of it. 20 minutes later Eli’Jah was born. And I was more than overjoyed. I will never forget that experience ever! I thought I knew what to expect but I didn’t. This was definitely one for my records! Home birthing is great and I would do it all over again!

Nov 5, 2009 |
Home Birth Stories,  |
Kellie Moeller, CNM

I will offer this advise to those considering a home birth: be careful it is addicting. Faith is now 5 months old and I'm very nostalgic about her birth and ready to do it again if we are blessed with another. There are 5 years between my third and 4th children. During that time I went to nursing school and worked in an L&D unit for 2 years. I saw first hand how many women were set up for failure b/c of a physician's or their own impatience. I also began to ponder my own beliefs about God's design for our health. I realized that He gave us all we need to give birth, He designed it afterall. I realized that given the time I could give birth the way I was designed to.

Oct 18, 2009 |
Home Birth Stories,  |
Kellie Moeller, CNM

I was practically running downstairs to get into the pool – I had no idea I was this close! I get the urge to push – this is when my waters break. This urge is like no other and is a force all its own. It could not be stopped and I almost felt like I had no control over it which is actually relieving – like it is just nature how it should be.  Our baby was a whopping 8 lb 11 oz! 20 ½ inches long (the same as her sister). She had short dark hair and darker eyes than her sister. We named her Avaline Mae. It was all a wonderful experience, though I wish I had called Kellie Moeller much sooner in the process!

Jun 16, 2009 |
Home Birth Stories,  |
Kellie Moeller, CNM

During my first consultation with Kellie I became very fascinated with the whole homebirth approach she has been using in her practice for years. At that time I was twenty weeks pregnant and the possibility of a gentle birth at home without unnecessary medical interventions seemed very appealing to me. Sofia’s birth story will always be a true miracle to us that we feel we need to share with the rest of you. Alex and I hope it will help future parents to choose a gentler way of bringing their babies into this world.

Mar 5, 2009 |
Home Birth Stories,  |
Kellie Moeller, CNM

At all of our prenatal visits Kellie was always so gentle and took her time with us. She addressed all of our concerns. She took care of us both physically and mentally. I can still remember hearing our baby's heart beat for the very first time, tears came to my eyes and Kellie handed me a tissue she seemed to have ready just for the occasion. She was like a mother to my husband and me. On the contrast, when we went to the Doctors office to get our sonogram it was like take a number and the radiologist will get with you when she can.

Jan 9, 2009 |
Home Birth Stories,  |
Kellie Moeller, CNM

My baby came into this life calm, warm, and comfortable. The sweetest part was holding my baby in the herb bath just after the birth. He looked so peaceful and so relaxed, that feeling it gives you, is something you just don't get in any hospital.

Dec 19, 2008 |
Home Birth Stories,  |
Kellie Moeller, CNM

Our baby finally came. A girl weighing 7 lbs 15 oz, 13 3/4 in head, 20 in long. We named her Trinity Nicole Anderson. She was born on December 15th at 4:00 AM.

May 1, 2008 |
Home Birth Stories,  |
Kellie Moeller, CNM

 The way you let me control my birth while being ever-present was precisely what I needed. Eli was welcomed into the world in the exact way I wanted him to be, and I have you to thank for that!

Apr 15, 2008 |
Home Birth Stories,  |
Kellie Moeller, CNM

Lynne Marie was born at home on April 7, 2008. She was actually my second child. Since Lynne’s birth was a VBAC, I’ll give a quick rundown of Hank’s birth, my first child, since I believe it adds a lot to the story of Lynne’s birth.

Oct 2, 2007 |
Home Birth Stories,  |
Kellie Moeller, CNM

It was hard to write as nothing could describe the experience well enough. I just couldn't convey the awe, the trust, the feeling I had as RJ's head burst out but hopefully the reader will be able to see a little bit of it.

Thanks again. Finishing the story brought it all back to me and I couldn't have had the most incredible experience of my life without you Paula.