Ok, I'll admit, I was one of those people who said "Give me the epidural at the first twinge of pain". Everything was going good with my pregnancy and I was sticking to my plan, a traditional hospital birth. I wanted a pain-free labor, be handed my baby, and move on with my life. To tell you the truth I didn't know there were any other options.

When I was about 29 weeks into my pregnancy, my sister was due to have her son. She was attending Cascade Birth Center (which I thought was insane to actually want to have natural childbirth). But of course I supported her in that decision. I arrived there about two minutes after he was born. Just in time to see her hold her baby for the first time. This was my first visit to Cascade Birth Center. The feeling I had when I walked in was overwhelming to say the least.

We all rejoiced in my nephews birth, talked with my sister and reveled in the moment. Then I turned the focus on myself, being that I was close to the end of my own pregnancy. I wasn't quite sure what I was feeling. It was such a different atmosphere than I had pictured. I had only witnessed hospital births until that point.

As I sat on the couch, feelings of warmth, comfort, and kindness surrounded me. There was a strange pull I felt towards this place that I couldn't quite figure out. The midwives, seeing that I was large and uncomfortable, kept asking me what they could get me or how they could make me more comfortable. Here they were, after working hard to deliver a baby, and still focusing on what other people needed.
That was the first moment I considered this place might be for me. In the following days I researched my options. I was surprised to learn it was still okay to switch healthcare providers even this late in pregnancy. This made me consider it even more seriously. I quickly began learning about natural methods of pain relief and ways of coping through labor. By the following week I had made my first appointment with Darlene, my midwife.

I made my decision and became very excited about it. The rest of my prenatal care check-ups confirmed I was happy with my choice. It was the first time I felt at ease about everything. The first time I didn't feel nervous about labor. I think what made me feel so ready was that the power was now in my hands. All decisions were mine to make. Darlene was just there to support me in them.
The big day finally arrived. April 22nd, 2001…my daughter was born. What an amazing day. It was the experience I was searching for all along. It changed who I was and how I though of myself. I didn't know I had the strength inside to experience what I did. What a wonderful way to start our life together as a family. I've never been so proud of my husband, and of myself. I can't wait to do it all over again!

Love,
Cori, Nate, and baby Marina

Darlene,
Getting to know you over the past nine months has been an incredible experience. Our past experiences with our other births have pushed us to seek an alternate method of enjoying this incredible time in our lives. This search took us a number of midwives in the area. However, none could even come close to comparing with the warmth and friendliness that we have found with you. We knew right away that the Cascade Birth Center was where we wanted to bring our new family member into our lives, and that we wanted you to be a part of it.

No words can even begin to express the way we appreciate you, no thanks enough, se we chose to offer you this token of our appreciation in hopes that you will be as comfortable in it as you have made us feel. We will always remember you as a special part of our family.

With the warmest thanks and appreciation,
The Wise family. - 2001

Travis and I want to thank you for helping us bring our Ella into the world. That first night we happened by the birth center, we hoped that we would like the midwife that worked there. Well, that question was answered the moment we met you. Even though we weren't pregnant yet, you treated us with such care, answering all of our questions and encouraging us in our conception efforts. And most importantly, your great sincerity and warmth told our hearts that we could trust you with such an important part of our lives.
We were not disappointed. Throughout the nine months, you were there for all of the goofy little questions to the big concerns. We so appreciated being partners with you in the entire process; we felt that our opinions and desires were respected when any issue or decision came up. To put it bluntly, you never made me feel stupid, and that meant a lot to me! I only wish everyone could have the fun, wonderful, comfortable experience we had.

Then, of course, Ella made her entrance (early) and you were available to us every moment in that amazing day. I felt safe in your care, Darlene, because I knew that bringing our little girl into the world was part of your calling, not just your "job". I knew that it mattered to you that we had the beautiful birth experience we'd been planning for, and we did. Even though I was pretty oblivious at one point, I still knew you were there, making sure Ella and I were o.k., and that gave me comfort.

Once she came, I felt absolutely cared for; I can't even imagine going through that part in a hospital! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Works fall short, but I hope at least get the idea. You are amazing!

Love Pier, Travis & baby Ella - 2002

For anyone who is considering natural childbirth you may want to read on. This is one of the best choices you could make. I highly recommend Cascade Birth Center, but more importantly Darlene Curtis. My experience as a client of Darlene's was wonderful. I was treated with the utmost respect right from the first consultation. Darlene has a genuine love for her clients and the unborn. My husband and I made the educated decision not to have a hospital birth and we have never regretted it. Now we are expecting out second child, and there was no question that Darlene would be our midwife again. You will be comforted by her top notch professional care and loved as an individual. Darlene will always be a part of my family.

Love Amanda - 2002
(Amanda & Lewis had their second baby girl in Nov. 2002 at Cascade Birth Center)

© 2007 Cascade Midwives & Birth Center
2808 Colby Avenue, Suite A
Everett, WA 98201-3513
425-317-0157 (voice)
425-317-0756 (fax)
Updated October 2007