The Birth of Sapphire

Though my Roots baby came in 2022, my story starts years earlier. I decided to pursue

out-of-hospital birth and midwifery care after reflecting on the birth of my first son, who was born

in a hospital.

During that experience, I remember feeling afraid and unheard. I wasn't fully informed on what

was being done to or for me, and I hated that. It felt cold and impersonal, and I knew that I

desired a more holistic approach to birthing, one that supported me in trusting my body.

I knew this wasn’t the energy I wanted to birth more children in, so in 2019 I began searching for

midwives who supported women of color.

That’s when I found Roots.

Empowered Births, No Matter the Outcome

I attempted my first birth at Roots in 2019 with my second pregnancy. After 12 hours in labor, I

decided to transfer to the hospital because I was exhausted, and I just wanted to be done. I was

supported in my decision, and when I got to the hospital, my midwife, Rachel, was a great

support person. She made sure my needs were communicated. I delivered my son less than an

hour after arriving, and it was a much different experience than my first hospital birth.

In 2021, I found myself pregnant again. About halfway through my pregnancy, we moved to

Tennessee, where I found a midwife and delivered my next child at home. Although I didn't get

the chance to deliver at Roots, I was able to bring everything I learned during my previous care

and labor with Roots into this birth. Using those skills, I was able to trust my body, which allowed

me to feel confident during labor and delivery.

Determined to Have a Supported Birth

In 2022, I became pregnant with my fourth and was determined to have my Roots baby. Other

than terrible morning sickness — typical for all my pregnancies — low iron, and an ER trip due

to an allergic reaction, my pregnancy was pretty normal.

My due date was November 23, 2022. During Thanksgiving, my family was asking when the

baby was coming, reminding me that I was overdue. I didn't "feel" like it would be that night, but

I think all the food I ate helped my baby decide. When the contractions started, I notified the

Roots team right away as I thought it would be quick. I hung out at home until the contractions

were close enough to go to Roots.

Finally, the Roots Birth of My Dreams

While I was there, I felt supported by my midwives and family members. I didn't feel rushed — I

felt heard!

My husband was not able to make it because he was out of state for work. My father and niece

attended, which really helped to ground me. This was the first time my father attended the birth

of one of his grandchildren, and he really did a great job supporting me!

My niece was a great support person, too. She made sure I stayed hydrated, asked questions,

and observed everything. It meant a lot because I wasn't always able to focus on hydration and

eating during labor.

As I started getting tired, I remember crying and being upset that it was taking so long. My

previous labor was less than an hour, so I assumed this one would be fast, too. Kiana sat next

to me on the bed and listened to me. She then encouraged me and reminded me that I am

strong and it's OK to be frustrated, but it's also important to remember that every labor and

delivery is different. It seemed like a “duh!” moment, but it was the encouragement I needed.

After that, I decided to have my water broken. When it came time to push, my father held my

hand through it. It was my favorite moment of this birth!

Welcome, Baby Sapphire!

After 12 long hours of labor, my fourth child was delivered in the tub just like I had imagined.

Sapphire was here, and I finally did it!

The moment Sapphire was born, I felt a sense of fullness. I felt proud of myself and grateful for

the space to manifest my dream. It may seem silly to others, but I am a very determined person.

When I want something, I work hard to get it.

I was grateful for my previous births, but still felt a bit of sadness that I couldn’t experience them

at Roots. So, the moment my baby came out in that famous tub, I was complete!

Fortunately, everything postpartum went well. My placenta came out intact, my bleeding was

typical, and as far as I remember, my whole experience was very joyful.

Sapphire nursed almost immediately after delivery. I was nervous because my 1-year-old was

still nursing, but Roots supported me and gave me the education and tips to feel confident

breastfeeding both.

My Birth Was a Lesson in Trust

Looking back, I surprised myself by making it to delivery and not giving up after hours of natural

labor. I’m really proud of myself and think my baby would be, too.

Throughout this experience, I believe I modeled an important lesson in trust for Sapphire. I

trusted my body and the people around me. I believe that birthing in an environment of trust is a

seed that will show up in life with the way I parent and the way my children learn to trust

themselves and others.

If someone out there is considering their options for an empowered birth experience, choose

Roots!