“Two children deliver a baby”, was the headline for breaking news in Fremont. A mother of two gave birth to her third child on her bathroom floor while her husband was at work. The call to 911 was surprisingly calm as the children, 9 and 11, followed directions from the operator. Faith, 11, tied the umbilical cord with yarn while they waited for paramedics to arrive. The mother was still in shock and awe at what had just occurred. It was amazing to her that her kids were so well behaved and calm throughout the whole process. There were no screams at the sight of blood, except for her own proclaiming that “the baby is coming!”
Midwifery is a 75 year old tradition that traces its roots back to the rural areas of New York. A midwife is someone who provides care during and after pregnancy as well as delivery help. In rural areas, where a hospital was not located nearby, a midwife would come to help the mother deliver the baby at home. Midwives care for the mother and answer any prenatal and postnatal questions she may have concerning herself or the baby. During delivery, the midwife can deliver the baby herself or assist the doctor if there is one present. After the birth, the midwife helps with the care of the baby as well as the mothers personal care. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation Fremont Center has Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM’s) on staff as part of their care team. Although the CNM’s do not help in home deliveries, the Fremont Center has comfortable rooms for your stay. Relatives can stay nearby in a hotel fremont while they await your special delivery. In addition to physical health care, a midwife can also offer counseling care for one or both of the parents. the personal relationship formed with a midwife is a special one, and she can be a wonderful source of support for the family.