This review is long overdue, and it is easily the most well-deserved one I've ever written. I had my baby girl at Thrive almost 6 months ago. I received nearly all of my prenatal care from the midwives at Thrive, starting very early in my pregnancy. Long before starting a family, I knew a hospital setting was nowhere near my idea of a childbirth-friendly environment. I've never been a fan of hospitals, nor have I ever felt like I've received outstanding care at routine doctor's appointments. I've never liked the feeling of being a "patient" when nothing was wrong with me, and I certainly, even more so, did not want that experience while pregnant or while giving birth.
When a close friend of mine decided to switch her prenatal care from a hospital setting with doctors, to midwifery care at Thrive, I was all ears! Hearing about the difference in care and how happy and empowered my friend felt, it further solidified my feelings. I knew I wanted to have my baby at Thrive, too. Fortunately my pregnancy was low risk, which enabled my dream to come true.
My husband had never heard of anyone having their baby outside of a hospital and this scared him, so naturally we butted heads over the idea. After we met with Jasmine for the first time, and toured the facility, my husband fully understood why I felt so strongly about having our baby there. Although he did have anxiety about it throughout much of my pregnancy, the midwives at Thrive were phenomenal at calming his nerves as well as thoroughly educating him. The midwives, as well as the Holistic Childbirth Class truly opened his eyes to how beneficial midwifery care is and to how having our baby outside of the hospital was not only safe, but it would enable me to have the birth that I wanted, without intervention, and with so much love. I felt so much more comfortable with midwifery care for many reasons, a big one being that childbirth is what they are specifically trained in, unlike doctors.
I grew very close to each of the midwives at Thrive. From day one I felt like I had known them for years. Each hour long prenatal visit was more like therapy! We talked about everything from A-Z, and I always left feeling more than well-cared for. To be honest, leaving my appointments was hard for me! I would have spent every day at Thrive if I could! I almost didn't want my pregnancy to come to an end because I knew I wouldn't be seeing them on a regular basis after 6 weeks post postpartum! Outside of the amazing prenatal visits, I was able to text the midwives anytime I had a concern, and I can't tell you how valuable it was for me to have that sort of access to them throughout my whole pregnancy.
Caitlin, Lara and Rachel gracefully guided me through each contraction, every push, and each and every feeling, position, and thought I had. They knew when I needed the support, when I needed to be left to handle things myself, and they were super on top of checking vitals and keeping me hydrated and as comfortable as possible. They made me feel so powerful, so strong, and kept me focused on meeting our baby. I'll never forget the affirmative words and touches from these women. They also cared for my husband, making sure he got the breaks he needed to keep his energy up. Caitlin got some great photos of the experience, to top it off!
I remember telling myself as we headed to Thrive after my water broke that I was going to do this in 6 hours. Of course, during contractions and all the motions, you have no concept of time, so I had no idea how many hours had passed. Once our girl was in my arms, and they announced her time of birth, I realized that I did it in almost exactly 6 hours, and I know this was all due to the environment, the type of care I was receiving and the emotional mindset I was able to get myself into with those two things present. 6 hours is pretty damn good for a first baby, if you ask me! ; ) The three of us relaxed together at Thrive until the early evening, and headed home to sleep in our own beds that night. So awesome!
The midwives came to check on us at home after the birth which was tremendously helpful with how tired and sore I was. Well-checks eventually moved to the Thrive facility, perfectly timed with my healing process. If I am lucky enough to give birth again, without a doubt I'll want Thrive again, every step of the way. read more