From the start, my experience with Glory Birth in Kansas City was a blessing. Having had previous births with a different company, I was very impressed by the way the midwives, Gloria and Rebekah, were able to be professional and yet simultaneously so personal and caring. The prenatal visits were intentional and left me feeling thoroughly cared for. I appreciated how well-rounded their knowledge base is, with so many tools to help with every part of the pregnancy and postpartum experience. Homebirth is such an intimate and wonderful experience and it makes a huge difference having a team of people who I could feel confident in their ability as well as at ease in their presence. They were very intentional about helping to create the birth that I wanted in every way they could from the atmosphere in the room to how they could best serve me during labor.

When the time finally came, I woke one morning with cramping and mild contractions. I wasn’t sure if I was actually in labor but as I was very uncomfortable I decided to cancel the prenatal appointment I had scheduled that morning. Gloria checked back in with me every couple of hours to see how I was doing and if things were progressing. As I hadn’t yet reached my due date, I had a hard time believing that I was experiencing true labor. I rested and did some light cleaning throughout the early labor. Around 5 pm my contractions finally became rhythmic and increased in intensity. I let the team know that I felt confident baby would be coming today. They said they would come as soon as I was ready for them. I reached out around 7 pm for them to come as my husband began setting up the birth pool. When the midwives arrived they brought with them a presence of confidence and ease. They were great about offering various pain management aids without being invasive. Soon it was time to get into the pool. The team helped set up the birthing area so that I had everything I needed ready to go. Once I was in the water things picked up quickly, and shortly after I felt the urge to push with my contractions. This part of the birth felt unsettlingly different from my previous birth but Gloria was very helpful in assuring me that everything was ok. The baby came soon after. I appreciated how they included my children and empowered my husband in the whole process. After the baby was born they were very attentive to make sure my baby and myself were comfortable and healthy. They were very thorough in the clean up process and took their time to set us up for success. They went over standard postpartum care information and other helpful tips. A couple of days later they came back for a checkup, and then once again at two weeks. The team made sure my recovery was going smoothly and that the baby was adjusting well to life outside the womb.