I have a confession to make….in the busyness of life and actually BEING a midwife and catching babies, the poor website is grossly underserved. I am making a change in how I add births and stories, which will be much more simplistic and seemingly random. So many beautiful moments and memories, and they all deserve the utmost attention, but the time for that is sadly lacking. So please enjoy the posted stories, pictures, and baby announcements even if they’re not complete or in order. Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your amazing journeys!

2020

#21 - Olive Claire

Wellborn baby #21 made her precious way into the world in the early morning on March 20, 2020. After so many months of preparation, mama Cassie was so happy to finally be able to call and say, “this is IT!” No more false alarms or wondering. Her baby would be here soon.

Hours of patience and the sweetest intuition later, as the birth team relaxed on the couch downstairs and gave her space, her mom came downstairs and announced, “she said she wants a C-section!” Here’s the beautiful part about continuity of care with midwives and all the in depth conversations we have prenatally…I knew that was her subconscious sign that baby was almost here! We chuckled and ran upstairs, and sure enough, it didn’t take long for 6lbs 10oz Olive Claire to slip into the waiting hands of her grandmother (with minimal guidance by the midwife!). Cassie looked up in shock and awe and said, “I just had a baby!” Yes, sweet lady, you sure did, and you made it look easy. The whole experience was made perfect as big brother Solomon woke up to finally meet his sister, and cut the cord like he had been asking to. Needless to say, he’s in love. 🙂

Congratulations Cassie, Peter, and big brothers!! We love you so much!

#20 - Meadow Shalom

While Wellborn baby #20 created some drama for her mother during the pregnancy, her labor was beautifully efficient, and she was in her mother’s arms just over one hour after the midwife arrived.

Meadow Shalom was joyfully welcomed by her parents and siblings (especially her sister, who is over the moon to have another girl in the family.)

Congratulations Bursha family on Meadow’s arrival. We pray that she brings much beauty and peace into your lives.

Meadow Shalom Bursha
2/6/2020
8:44am
8lbs 6 oz

#19 - A Very Loved Baby

Wellborn baby #19 arrived with little fuss and little fanfare in early January. Her family prefers limited social media, so we will not be posting any pictures or details, except that she is beautiful, and her siblings are SO in love! It was an honor to be able to serve this family.

2019

#17 - Florence Elizabeth

You’ve read all the excitement. The comings and goings, flexibility of birth workers and laboring mamas alike. The last one to deliver was Ruth and Charlie, first time parents who had done every bit of preparing they could, layette and birth classes included.

The first time Jennifer arrived at the home, Ruth seemed to be having intense contractions and was working hard. Ruth joked that she better not be only 2cm…which of course she was, because isn’t it just lucky? But instead of that discouraging her, she set to work to relax. To breathe. To move. To dance around her house. To distract herself and sleep by turns. She just simply did what she needed to do. There came a point when she was in the tub and the midwife said, “you’re going to hate me, but why don’t you get out and onto the bed and let’s do some position changes you can’t do in the tub.” Ruth told us later how that really struck her, because in her tired, emotional state, she was sure that the only thing that would be suggested for her pain and progress was to transfer to the hospital. That was definitely not needed and some hours of work and pushing later, delightful little Florence Elizabeth was born into the hands of her joyful father. Flo weighed 8lbs 8oz and was 20.75” long, and she started her life by serenely laying back in her mother’s arms, eyes wide open, stretching her toes out, and taking in the world. It was perfection.

Little Flo is Wellborn baby #17, and puts a beautiful end to 2019. We love you Owen family!

#16 - Second Christmas Baby

After leaving our first Christmas baby, Jennifer checked in on our other two mamas, and in a few hours headed to her brother’s for some food and a quick nap. I ran home for a quick shower and bite to eat after the arrival of Christmas baby #1, then headed over to #2 when we got the call that things were picking up. I called Jennifer when it became apparent that things were moving right along. Within 10 minutes of her arrival, she got the call that #3 was feeling pushy, and flew out the door, while I stayed to serve this family. (We are also grateful for collaboration, as we were able to get an assistant in quickly)

The family has asked that we share no personal details other than to acknowledge that their little one, Wellborn Baby #16, arrived in the wee hours of Thursday, December 26th, 2019.

Welcome little one! It was a privilege to serve you and your family.

A Christmas Tale

On Christmas-Eve-Eve I was lulled into a false sense of security by my prophetess partner (that would be Amy. Ahem.) who said, “I’m not worried about Christmas. We won’t hear from anyone until at least the day after, because they’ll be more focused on Christmas than going into labor.”

Christmas morning, 4:07am....Amy calls to tell me somebody is in labor. Because she typically goes quickly, I rush over there, not repacking my own birth supplies in my car because “it will happen fast, I can’t take the time, and I’ll be home by 10am.” Student Karla was given the blessing to not come so she could have Christmas morning with her family.

Christmas morning, 9:04am...client’s husband texted with a report that her water broke earlier that morning. Well isn’t this exciting?! Since she was a first time mom, that birth would take a little while to happen, so I wasn’t stressing. Called Karla who was on her way out of town with her family. She went back to get another car so she could come if needed.

Christmas morning (see where this is going?!), 9:53am...”Merry Christmas!! Just wanted to let you know I started having contractions this morning.” Karla, come back, and stop at my house and get my birth supplies will ya?!

There is SO much more to this story, but in the end, I was at 3 labors (bouncing around between them all), drove 160 miles, caught one baby, Amy caught two, we had amazing help that came in to assist when called upon, and finally crawled back in my own bed at 7am, the day after Christmas.

Babies born 3pm, midnight, 2:30am.

This whirlwind keeps us shaking our heads and laughing at the “can you believe that just happened?!” It makes me realize several things...

1) having a TEAM and partners makes this work so. Much. Less. Stressful, and so much nicer for our clients. We went where we were needed, and mamas didn’t have strangers showing up on their doorsteps.

2) our clients are stellar. Having your midwife leave your (albeit early) labor to go to someone else’s had the potential of being discouraging. I knew that. But they all said go! I’m fine! It comforted my heart immensely and let me focus on the next thing. Btw, it happened to ALL of them.

3) and this one is the most important of all, Amy is never allowed to prophesy again!

#12 - Christopher

Squeezing into the last day of October, Wellborn baby #12 made his sweet little appearance with no muss, no fuss. Mama chose a home waterbirth after a stressful first birth in the hospital, and what joy to help her achieve the birth SHE wanted! It’s always wonderful to leave smiling faces tucked into bed, baby contentedly nursing, and all right in the world. This precious little peanut weighed 7lbs 7oz and was 21” long, and is well loved by his big brother. Congratulations Yvonne and Jed! Welcome to the world, Christopher! 💖

#11 - Indy Gabriel

When Wellborn baby #11 decided it was time to come meet his family, he came in a hurry. His was, what the midwives call, a butter birth. Although EVERY birth is hard work for mamas (They all have to dilate to complete, whether they take a couple of days, or a couple of hours to do so.) not every birth is hard work for the midwives.

Indy decided to make his appearance midday. The first midwife arrived just 9 minutes before his arrival, and within a couple of hours, we were tucking this super chill, low drama little guy in bed with mom and dad... and left the house with no trace that we had been there, except for a load of laundry in the washing machine, a bag of trash outside the back door, and.... most importantly, a CUTE little man in mama’s arms.

Welcome Indy Gabriel Johnson, 8 lbs 6 oz.

#9 - William “Gabriel”

*Trigger warning - infant loss. Pictures included at the parents’ request.

Of all the birth announcements we’ve made, this is the hardest to actually put into words.*
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As National Midwife’s Week drew to a close, and Infant Loss and Awareness month began, the unthinkable was confirmed. Sweet William “Gabriel” had moved his final time, and peacefully slipped away heavenward before he ever got to come earthward. Born on his due date on September 30, 2019, he weighed a precious 5lbs 4oz, and measured 18.5” long.

Those statistics seem so lacking and cold, just laid out like that. It’s because this midwife is having a hard time putting into words the meaning and pain behind the tears welling up in my eyes even now, and every time I have considered what to say about sweet Gabriel and his family.

It’s not supposed to be this way, you know. As a midwife, I form a bond with each of my clients and their unborn babies. It’s not purely clinical things that are happening in our office every week. It’s getting to know you very personally. It’s knowing what makes you laugh, how passionate you are about topics, what makes you sad or is burdening you, what your home life is like, the nesting you’ve done for that little one, even what you do or don’t want said during labor. We KNOW you. We pray for and sometimes with you. We discuss your needs in our staff meetings. And we love your baby. It’s always a delight when he or she kicks back against my confining hands as I palpate or wiggle a little head to check for position. It’s a delight when growth happens as it should, and ultrasounds come back with “all within normal limits”. It’s a delight to hear that early faint heartbeat become more and more vigorous and strong as baby gets bigger.

It’s also the greatest heartache to lay gentle hands on a mother’s belly and just know. To not feel that kick. To hear silence where there should be abundant life. It’s almost debilitating to listen to the cries of first time parents as they mourn the baby they will not get to take home. It’s the most helpless feeling to not be able to stand in the gap between them and harm, even if there was nothing you could have done. To feel like you got there just a little too late and are trying hard to just make it as smooth as possible. To hold space and help them find their way on this unforeseen journey.

It’s also the humblest, most heartbreaking honor to stand by their sides as they go through the process of bringing their little one forth. To watch them become parents with tragically empty arms.

Yes, those statistics up there seem too black and white. But behind Gabriel’s simple weight and length stands the most loving of parents, supportive grandparents, his aunts and uncles, and even a nurse who tenderly spoke to him as she gently bathed him. Every time I think of him and his family, I picture strength, an abundant love that’s not of this world, and a peace that passes all understanding.

Gabriel, you little love, you went from mother’s womb to the Heavenly Father’s arms, but you’ll never be forgotten. Thanks for those saucy little kicks and letting me know you. You’ll always be our Wellborn baby #9.

Will and Hannah, you’re so dear to me. Thank you for letting me walk the path with you. I’m so proud of you both.

Love, Jennifer

#8 - Jason Cordell

After experiencing two uncomplicated pregnancies, and having one little one fly to Jesus during her first trimester, Carolina’s fourth pregnancy was just different. She and Reuben were amazing as they navigated the ins and outs of some complications, that, while they did not make her high risk, did require extra diligence and effort on mama’s part. Her pregnancy was an opportunity for many lessons in learning trust, patience and diligence.

The birth was no different. Carolina worked SOOO hard to bring this little guy to her arms. After some amazing strength and endurance on mama’s part, she FINALLY got to hold and love on him.

His two sisters are absolutely in love! And if the course of his pregnancy is any indication, he is going to be a strong man, not easily swayed by the opinions of others.

Welcome to the family Jason Cordell! 7lb 15oz

#7 - Levi Van

When I think of this birth, the word that comes to mind is “empowering.” It is such a joy to work with strong women who are willing to question “societal norms” and do what they believe is best for themselves and their families.

As little Levi was being born, the sun streamed through a skylight above and spotlighted the birth in such a beautiful way! Many people voice the concern, “What happens if there is a cord around the neck?” My response is always, “Then, we slip it over the baby’s head if it is loose enough, or somersault the baby out in order to not pull on the cord if it is tight.” This little guy not only had 2 loops of cord tightly around his neck, but also had a hand up by his face! Although these things added to mama’s back pain, they did not create problems for him or the midwives.

Born September 22, he definitely had no problem voicing his opinions about his birth, and the world around him!

Levi Van Jones, 8 lbs 1 oz and 21” of cuteness, it is a privilege to introduce you as Wellborn baby #7.

#6 - William Wallace

His siblings call him Wally, but his mama calls him a very dignified William Wallace. On August 19, 2019, a lusty fellow weighing 8lbs 7oz and measuring 21” long, made his way into the loving arms of his mother during the wee hours of the morning. Our Karla was specifically requested to be the one to catch him, and she did a fabulous job receiving Wellborn baby #6! This birth was a good example of what midwifery care is truly all about - patience, the ability to do nothing when mom and baby just need to find their groove together, and knowing when it’s time to really be present. I love the memory of the very low light in the room, dad playing his guitar and singing to her, as they did their own patient waiting together for this little one to arrive.

It was such a joy to serve and get to know this sweet family. Their hospitable arms often welcomed us into their home, and it was a pleasure getting to know the older siblings, too. You’re not just midwife to the mama, you’re midwife to the whole family!

Congratulations Bob and Lisa on your perfect baby (who is now the chunkiest delight) and for showing us how simple birth can be. We love you!

#5 - Ephraim

Prenatal appointments were spent discussing how fast birth had gone before for this mother expecting her third baby. So when the call came that labor was probably starting for Wellborn baby #5, the birth team gathered nearby and were just five minutes away when the final head’s up came through.

We had 24 minutes to spare! Little Ephraim lost no time making his appearance, as beautiful scripture played in the background and his sweet mama focused on her breathing. In fact, the little stinker came before she could even get in the pool. He must have known there was a very special family waiting to receive him! He weighed 7lbs 11oz and was 20.25” long, and is just the most delicious little thing.

This is one of those births where it’s almost surreal. You slip in, set up, catch a baby, clean up, help mama with breastfeeding, then leave them all snuggled in bed, all in less than 4 hours’ time. It’s a midwife’s dream, so thank you! ;)

Congratulations Jonathan and Marjorie on your little one, and for allowing us the privilege of serving you!

#3 - Zoë Annette

It is with overwhelming gratitude that I, proud “Auntie Jen”, announce the arrival of Wellborn baby #3!! Zoë Annette arrived May 29, 2019, weighing a beautiful 7lbs 11oz, and measuring 21.25” long. While she was never stressed about the hardship she put her sweet mama through, her parents worked tirelessly and patiently together to conquer days of prelabor nonsense and the eventual successful arrival of little Zoë.

My little brother is near and dear to me, and what a privilege it was to be asked to be their midwife, to have them be the first ones to say “well of course we’re switching to Wellborn!”, and hear him say during the birth process, “whatever Jennifer says to do, that’s what we’ll do. We can trust her.”

Thank you for that. Thank you for having the first baby which made me and Amy friends, which made me move to SC, which allowed me the honor of catching Zoë, too. Thank you for trusting the team of Wellborn. We love you! ♥️

#2 - Titus Martyn

The full moon was hard at work, because just 10 hours after our first birth, Wellborn baby #2 decided it was time!

Titus Martyn made his entrance into the world, weighing 8lbs 1oz and measuring 21.5“ long. He was so peaceful upon his arrival, and seemed to love stretching his long legs, splaying his toes, and enjoying the roominess of the world around him.

Mom, dad and his 3 siblings are all just absolutely in love, and continue to marvel at his cuteness.

Thank you Naomi for choosing Wellborn to serve you during this special time. It is a rare privilege for an aunt to get to deliver her nieces and nephews, and it has been a joy to catch all 4 of your little ones. I’m so happy to continue serving you as a part of the Wellborn team!

Welcome to the world Titus! Aunt Amy, Jennifer and Karla were so honored to be present for your birth, and look forward to watching as you grow.

#1 - Brooks Taylor

Here he is!! Our very first Wellborn baby! Brooks Taylor was born at home to his adoring parents, Katie and Taylor, on Sunday, May 19 at 8:59pm. At 7lbs 5oz and 21“ long, he’s a precious little guy. His siblings are smitten and loving all over their new baby. We are so honored to be a part of this special event in the lives of the Suppiger family. Thank you for letting us serve you, and thank you for choosing Wellborn! ♥️