Looking for Midwife

Good for you! You will be SO gald that you make the effort!! I'm "new" here, so don't have the contacts, but i know they exist, so don't give up or give in to anyone's suggestiong that you have to be in a hospital. I had 2 of my births with midwives outside the hospital (1 birthing center, 1 at home) and 1 in the hospital and HIGHLY recommend being in a more peaceful and less "sterile" environment when possible. Your babies will probably have a happier, healthier mommy... CONGRATULATIONS!

I have heard mixed reviews about Mercy and Truth, but I am sure that they would be worth checking out. If you are willing to travel to Topeka, there is a wonderful birthing center, that I have only heard good about there, http://www.topekabirthcenter.com/. I had my second child there. I have had relatively short labors, and with number 3 I am having it in a hospital again (my first one was too), because I just wanted the closest place that wasn't my home (I'm a little nervous about home birth, though all I hear is great, I've talked to people about it and everyone says if you don't REALLY want to do it, don't, but if you are interested in a home birth, there are many great midwives around here that I have heard of). I have had a fairly good experience with the hospital birth too, as long as you have a doctor/midwife who supports natural birth and I highly recommend a doula. A doula would be a great resource for a good midwife too, as they have seen most of them around. Check out the kansas city doulas at http://www.kcdoulas.org/. There is so much benefit to a natural birth, I say find your way to do it and do it. You'll be so glad that you have your birth your way.

K.

C.-

The only birthing center that I am aware of in the metro is Mercy & Truth (www.mercyand truth.com). I know a few moms who have had their babies there, and they all had wonderful experiences.

Another option is home birth. I had a home birth in Olathe two years ago (will have another next year... hoping to be preggers soon). My midwife was awesome, and I highly recommend her. Know lots of mamas who have birthed at home with her, and we all give her rave reviews. Her name is Suzanne Ryan, CNM (www.ksmidwife.com). She's a certified nurse midwife. There are also a number of great CPMs in the area for home birth. They all come with equipment that practically makes your home a birth center ;-)

Good luck, and PM me if you have any questions.

Alyssa

I used A Sister's Touch out of Kansas City, Kansas. They have since moved to Overland Park, Kansas. The Midwife I had is no longer with them, but the one they have right now was trained by her I believe. Either way, they were just wonderful and if I ever get another spark of insanity and go for child #3, I would go with them again in a heart beat.

I also wanted to recommend Suzanne Ryan for a home birth. I am planning one with her in August. I am afraid you will have trouble finding a birthing center, so please consider a home birth. Studies show that it is as safe or safer than a hospital for low risk mothers.