Sacopee Midwives

06/01/2026

This Thursday we will have Jackie Turner, LMFT joining us to talk about the concept of matrescence, or the process of identity transition that accompanies becoming a mother and giving birth.

We hope to see you there!

05/30/2026

Weight check!

05/24/2026

My Support Team

I can’t share this story without mentioning what an amazing birth partner my husband was. He was truly my rock, physically holding me up during surges, and whispering tender encouragement in my ear. His love and presence gave me so much strength.

My mom was incredible too, not only comforting me but also helping the midwives keep the pool water warm, bringing in fresh towels, bringing me snacks, and making sure the whole team was fed. Having her there was such a gift. She filled the space with comfort and familiarity.

And then, of course, my midwives and doula. They were nothing short of amazing. Their calm, confident, and skilled presence made everyone feel safe. They trusted the process, trusted me, and created an atmosphere where I could fully surrender to labor knowing I was surrounded by the best possible support.

And of course, the best part of it all, my beautiful baby boy. Holding him for the first time was an unforgettable, indescribable joy, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

05/24/2026

Reflections

Looking back, what stands out to me the most was how calm and relaxed I stayed the entire time. I truly lived in “labor land.” My body was limp, my jaw and face were soft, my shoulders and hands were relaxed. At one point, Steve offered me his hand and said, “Squeeze it!” I calmly replied, “No,” and everyone laughed. That little moment perfectly captured the vibe of my labor: I was committed to deep relaxation and focus.

My eyes were closed the majority of the time. I felt as though I was in a different dimension, almost like an acid trip. Besides making sure all of my muscles were completely relaxed, I focused on my breathing. I visualized my baby coming down the birth canal. I spoke to him silently, reassuring him that we were in this together, and letting him know how great he was doing. We made such a great team, him and I.

I kept repeating my affirmations silently:
Relaxing my mind relaxes my muscles.
Every wave brings me closer to my baby.
I can do anything for one minute.

I knew that fear could trigger the “fear-tension-pain cycle”, something I had learned in hypnobirthing, and I wasn’t going to let that happen. I never felt afraid once. I never once thought to myself that I couldn’t do it. I had complete trust in myself, my body, and my birth team. The entire time, I was surrounded and supported by a team that was there just for me and my baby.

Yes, birth was hard work. Yes, it was intense. But I wouldn’t describe it as painful, the way I had once imagined. Thanks to hypnobirthing, I was able to stay deeply relaxed, keep fear out of the process, and allow my body to work the way it was designed. The only moment I would describe as painful was crowning, and even then, it was manageable and absolutely worth it.

I came out of the experience stronger, more empowered, and filled with gratitude: for God and the way He perfectly designed my body to birth my baby: and for the support of my husband, my mom, and my incredible birth team.

05/24/2026

05/24/2026

The Unexpected

I labored in the pool for what felt like a long time, and when my midwife checked me again, she discovered an anterior cervical lip. They suggested icing my cervix and doing the Miles Circuit. I agreed, and soon the swelling had gone down.

But there was another surprise: my midwife felt a little finger! My son was trying to come through the birth canal with his hand pressed up against his face. Thankfully, she was able to gently guide his hand down and move the cervical lip behind his head so he could finally begin to crown.

We shifted to the toilet for pushing, but once crowning started, I was determined to get back to the pool. So there I was, basically walking with a bowling ball between my legs, making my way back to the water because I had my heart set on a water birth.

05/24/2026

Labor Begins

At 6 a.m., 12 days before my “guess date”, I felt and heard a very distinct POP. I instantly knew my waters had broken. Within minutes, light, period-like cramps began, and by 6:30, my surges were coming every 3-4 minutes. Things were moving quickly!

My doula and midwives headed over, while my husband scrambled around the house trying to get the pool filled and everything in place. We thought we’d have hours before active labor really kicked in, but apparently that wasn’t the case!

I labored for a few hours in various positions suggested by my doula, with the physical support of my husband. By 10:30 a.m. I was feeling ready to get into the pool. My midwife suggested a cervical check before I got in, just to make sure I was far enough along that the water wouldn’t slow labor down. I was shocked when she told me I was already 8.5 to 9 cm dilated. Wow, this baby is going to fly out of me, I thought.

05/24/2026

The Birth of Troy
By Faye Polidoro

05/19/2026

New beginnings 🌱

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to the mothers who raised us, the mothers among us, and the mothers we have the honor of caring for 💕