“I actually met with Quincy when I was in my third trimester of pregnancy. I had in my mind much earlier, even before I became pregnant, that I may want to birth my last baby at home. Previously, I had a cesarean with my first child, a VBAC with my second baby and a couple miscarriages in between before carrying my third to term. Through each one of these births and pregnancies, there were various instances in which I felt either unsupported, not listened to and forced to do things I wasn’t necessarily comfortable with, but did them because I felt like I had to in order to birth my child. It took me a while (almost to the end) to decide this is what I wanted to do. And thank goodness Quincy was willing to take us on as a client!
My husband was completely on board when I told him I wanted to have this baby at home. We started doing our research because we didn’t have much time left. Luckily at the same time, a client I had worked with had posted about also having her third baby at home, so I reached out to her, asked her some questions, and she gave me a recommendation for Quincy.
Once meeting Quincy, I knew immediately she was going to be a great fit. She was incredibly kind, knowledgeable, encouraging, and had a sense of calm that alleviated any fears. She answered all of our questions at each prenatal visit (sent home a large packet of information) as well as taught my husband so much more about birth than we knew possible— and this was our third child! I knew under her care, I would be able to birth my baby at home, the way so many mothers have done before me.
About a week and a half before my “due date” around 5:30am I felt a slight gush of water as I was getting out of bed. I could tell this time it wasn’t urine. Contractions were slow to start and mild at first. I took Quincy’s advice to rest as much as possible to prepare for the journey ahead. It just so happened we had a previously scheduled prenatal care appointment that morning with Quincy via phone. When Quincy called, I told her I think my water slightly broke and contractions were starting. We both laughed, because neither of us were expecting for me to go into labor that day 🙂 She immediately put me at ease, reminded me to rest and told us to call her when contractions start to pick up. She also said she would call again at 3:00.
By 3:00, contractions had just started to pick up a bit, but still bearable. Quincy got the update of how I was doing and how things were going. She said she would call again around 7:00 I believe, but of course call her sooner if I need her or when contractions are consistent and a few minutes apart. At about 7:00 I believe my contractions were 3-5 minutes apart and starting to intensify. Quincy called and we decided it was probably time to make her way over. After she arrived, her and Aisha (her assistant for this birth) immediately and quietly started setting up. I was in active labor at this point so I appreciated the calm and quiet so I could focus on contractions.
After they set up, Quincy suggested it was time to get into the pool. I was hesitant at first because I couldn’t tell how far along I was. My VBAC labor was 36 hours and it took an entire day to get to 4cm, so in my mind I didn’t think I was anywhere close. But Quincy is incredibly experienced, knows what she is doing and could tell by my contractions that I was indeed close.
I got in the pool which helped a lot. Quincy and my 6 year old daughter, who they encouraged to be there and involved, took turns pouring water on my back as well as her and my husband placing counter pressure during contractions. Quincy helped me breath through my contractions and helped me focus. I believe I asked her at some point when she thought I would be “in transition” and she assured me I was already there. Very soon after that, I felt the first urge to push.
I knew with each contraction I was closer to meeting my baby. It was incredible feeling my baby move down with each contraction. Pushes were unlike what you would experience in the hospital. There was no countdown and push with all you might until you’re out of breath. As a contraction came on, my body did most of the pushing itself. When Quincy said she could see our baby’s head, it was an amazing feeling knowing I was so close.
Eventually with one harder push, our baby’s head was out and with the next push our baby was earth side. What an incredible experience. She was born a few minutes past midnight.
Once I was able to deliver the placenta, Quincy and Aisha helped me out of the pool and into my bed so I could continue holding our baby. Once she was fed and I felt ok, they helped me into the shower and then back into the comfort of my own bed.
She checked and made sure both baby and myself were healthy as well as attended to all of our needs well into the night while we were all exhausted. Quincy and her assistant then cleaned up everything immaculately to where you wouldn’t have known a birth had just taken place.
Overall, Quincy and her care created the best environment possible to bring new life into this world. Calm, safe, and supported. I truly feel she is a miracle worker when it comes to delivering babies in the comfort of your home. I would not hesitate to have a home birth under her care. I wish I had had the confidence sooner with previous births!
— Brittany De Jager
