Amanda overcame a deep fear of childbirth by working to become as educated about labour and birth as possible. Once pregnant, she planned for an unmedicated birth at an independent birth centre.
Amanda went into labor on her due date and progressed quickly. Her midwife, initially evaluating the situation over the phone, did not feel Amanda was far enough along to warrant leaving for the birth center. When the midwife finally arrived at Amanda’s home to assess her in person, she was already 8 cm dilated. Given that the birth center was at least an hour away, Amanda and her husband felt it was safest to transition to a home birth. Amanda’s baby boy was born after 3 hours of pushing, about 11 hours after labor began. She describes the day as being incredibly positive, empowering, and the best day of her life.
Amanda Fonesca Bio
Amanda lives outside of Toronto with her husband, son, and loyal dog. She is a certified clinical research professional (CCRP) and has focused her work in the area of oncology. Her efforts to overcome an initial fear of childbirth has led to a great passion for all things related to pregnancy, labour, and birth. Amanda enjoys cooking, literature, and music. You can connect with her via email at amandafonzie@gmail.com .
Resources
- The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin
- Ina may’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
- Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
- Know Your Options childbirth course
- Movies: The Business of Being Born; More Business of Being Born
- Doulas serving the GTA and surroundings: Kim Nielsen, Teresa Maskery
- The Positive Birth Company hypnobirthing course:
- Evidence Based Birth articles for questions/topics I was unsure about regarding natural induction methods including evening primrose oil, dates, caster oil, red raspberry leaf tea
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