We choose Juneau Family Health and Birth Center for many reasons. I wanted to be completely comfortable while in labor.  This was accomplished by knowing everyone that was in the room during labor, and my attendants not only respected my birthing plan but held simular philosophies themselves.  Not to mention the home atmosphere, long prenatal visits where you got to really know the midwives and have your questions answered, and the awesome birthing tubs!  Another very important reason for choosing the birth center over the hospital was I wanted to avoid any unnecessary stitches.  This was definitely accomplished!  I had a 8 lb 14 oz baby and a 10 lb 7 oz baby with no stitches.  I was given two amazing births. I'm pretty sure that if I had been at the hospital I would have had a cesarean birth and at least pitocin and an episiotomy with my second because she took over three days of off and on strong labor and because she was so big.  She was super healthy and my body just needed the extra time to open up.  Her water birth was the most empowering thing I have ever done!    

I didn't choose a birth room until I arrived in labor, that way my mothering instincts could tell me where I felt the safest. With Valor's birth, my first (he's 1 1/2 now!), I choose the Rose room for its view, layout and the large bathroom.  I loved holding my newborn boy in my arms as the new sun turned the rock wall outside my window a warm orange color surrounded by the brilliant snow and ice.  For Melody's birth, my second (she's 10 weeks old now), I choose the Forest room because it was summer and daytime, and I wanted to see the grass, trees and flowers blowing in the wind, and hear the waterfall just over the hill. 

I also wanted a bigger room to fit everyone because I choose to have a doula with my second birth.  I don't feel disappointed with my first birth but Shayna sure helped me in my second.  It was nice to have a trained professional friend (as I like to call her) there, that is what she has come to be, we did belly casting and relationship building before hand, helped to get labor going with back rubs and pressure points, brought me water and took pictures (as well as many other tasks  to help and relieve my husband) and after she has provided me with postnatal support.  She comes over a couple times a week to give me hour breaks where she cooks me a nutritious meal, listens to my new baby concerns,  takes the kids for a walk so I can relax or does a few loads of dishes.  I'm really glad I choose to have a doula.