Quinn's Birth Story

Ephraim's Birth Story

Letters from families…..

Chenoa supported our family through two pregnancies and births. We are so grateful for the loving, peaceful support she gave leading up to and during our time at Porter Hospital. It’s hard to describe exactly what Chenoa’s warm, caring energy feels like, except to say it’s something like being wrapped in a soft, cozy blanket. Her efforts extended to my partner, making sure he was feeling supported as well, so he could continue to focus on me and the moment, without neglecting his own basic needs. Chenoa’s natural ability to help a mama feel at ease is bolstered by her many years of skill and wisdom, and we couldn’t be happier to recommend her to other women hoping for a gentle, calm, and cooperative birth environment. ~Amy

"Thank you so much for meeting with myself and my husband yesterday. When we first found out we were pregnant we talked a lot about the use of a midwife for a home birth, and my husband could never really wrap his head around it, (just like at one time he could never wrap his head around getting rid of Cheerios from our pantry or drinking Raw Milk.) Upon leaving the clinic yesterday, (actually we had not yet stepped off the porch,) Jesse turned to me and said, "Yes". When I asked what he meant, he said, "Well aren't you about to ask if I want to switch and work with them?"  With that, thank you so much for answering all of our questions so thoroughly and sharing your thoughts and professional opinions on many topics. While we have made HUGE strides over the last couple of years in the way in which we eat and live, we still have a long way to go! We really look forward to working with you and learning from you over the upcoming months." ~Kristen

Working with Chenoa was far and away one of the most important, and best, decisions I made for both my prenatal care and my birth. Early in my pregnancy, I wasn’t sure I wanted to work with a doula; however, after my experience with Chenoa, I now can’t imagine being pregnant without the support of a doula.

Chenoa’s wealth of knowledge as a CPM, and her loving support provided an essential complement to my hospital-based prenatal care. I felt taken care of, and that I could trust her to give me honest, accurate, and respectful feedback when I came to her with questions and concerns about my prenatal health. Chenoa was far more than a supplement to my standard prenatal appointments—her support was essential and holistic.

During my birth, she swooped in at a key moment, and helped to guide me through my delivery. She brought a confident, peaceful, and calm energy into the space. Once she arrived, I felt I could relax completely, and listen to my body. I trusted that she was watching out for both my baby and me, and I able to turn off my mind completely and surrender into the process. She coached me so well that I didn’t even realize I had gone through transition, and all of a sudden, it was time to push!

It was a gift to have her visit my home postpartum, and wonderful to know she was only a text away. Chenoa even generously extended the boundaries of the postpartum time, and welcomed me back to her office for a visit 6 months later, when I felt I still wanted to process and discuss elements of my pregnancy and birth. ~AW

 "It is hard to imagine many things that are more personal or intimate than having a baby. It is an event full of emotion and openness, a situation where you want to be (but many times aren't) surrounded by the few people you know and trust more than anyone else in the world.  The empathy and energy Chenoa and Nieve brought to the birth of our daughter felt like that of having our own two sisters in the room--two sisters who just happen to have a ton of experience delivering babies!  Amy and I were both able to feel loved, reassured and, amazingly, even pampered through what was undoubtedly one of the most important times in our lives.  I can't thank them enough for their love and support both before, during and after the birth." ~ Brian 

"Chenoa and Nieve made a great team for  our daughter's home birth.  Chenoa's midwifery knowledge and skills combined wonderfully with Nieve's acupuncture and massage support.  I am so thankful to have worked with them through such an incredible process. They attended me constantly, made sure I was as comfortable as possible and answered all of our questions before, during and after the birth, making it a lovely and complete journey." ~ Janet