My Birth Experiences:

Having my mom as my midwife...There could just be no other way. It's like, "you need water to live or the sky is blue". It was never a choice but an assumption. Mom would always deliver my babies - I never questioned this pre-pregnancy. My births, pregnancies...I couldn't even imagine without my mom. So it was with all four births, all four daughters, granddaughters to my mom, midwife, nana, friend and healer. Each birth incredibly different. Mom's presence consistantly stable and nurturing. Calming voice, soft touch, midwife wisdom, motherly worries, Nana's joy of becoming nana again... The differences in my daughters' personalities. The forsight of my births, the wonderment of the unfolding hours. The blur of pain and amazing happiness all shared with my husband and mother. How could we not share all this?

Rachel Enright (mother of Iluka, Kobie, Jada and Marley)

Having home/water births for all of my sisters I thought was great!
Being at Kobie's birth was very exciting and a little bit scarey because of all the blood. It was really great because I had a new family member as well as a playmate. It was a great excuse for my nana to come over for a visit and help with the delivery. Being at Jada's birth was great, because I was there for the whole labour and I got to help. Being at my sister Marley's birth was so awesome. My sister was so cute. I loved her at first sight. I am so lucky to have three sisters and a nana that is a midwife.

Iluka Enright, 11 years old

Being at my little sisters' births was exciting and confusing. It is nice to see the birth of your little sister or brothers. All the kids in my family were born at home. My big sister, Iluka, who is now 10, was born in a bed in America. Jada my little sister was born in the bath at Tweed Heads in Australia. My little sister Marley was born on the couch at home in Tweed Heads. I was born in Bilamble which is in Australia. Having my nan as a midwife is really cool, because we get to cut the cord and bury the placenta under a tree or a bush. My nan also teaches us alot about homebirths. I think it is interesting, cool, exciting and confusing.*

Kobie Enright, (written when she was 8)

* Rachel's last birth progressed so quickly. She was kneeling against the couch and I was running the bath as she'd asked me to. Suddenly she hollered, "Somebody help!" waking the girls and I ran in to find her holding Marley's head between her legs. The shouting was confusing to Kobie.

"I knew from our immediate connection that I wanted [Constance] to help me with my subsequent births. Her ability to be present, her sense of humor and her gentle nature were qualities I instantly noticed and loved."

"Thank you for helping me believe in myself and my ability to birth as I had hoped. It was a beautiful birth – everything that I had hoped for. It was an experience that has changed me forever and has reaffirmed my ability to listen to my instincts and know my power."

My entire family is blessed to have you in our circle. Thank you, thank you...

"Thank you so much for your love and attention. We are so fortunate that you were brought into our lives. I couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful birth partner and support mother than you. I feel blessed beyond words that you came into our lives at just the right time in just the right way. I thank you so much for all that you have given and continue to give."

"You were a tremendous help, and your presence transformed our baby’s delivery with your spirit."

"You are a special woman and I’m so grateful to have had your love and confidant touch at the birth of precious Ruby. It’s sweet to look back and recall the sacred and amazing moment of her birth..."

"It’s amazing how strongly all the emotions associated with my C-section came flooding back as I talked with (my friend) about her (second cesarean). I realized…how extremely fortunate we were to have you working with us on our VBAC.

Although my friend’s doctors were very sympathetic to her and accommodated her physical attempt to deliver, they really had no idea of how (or even why) they needed to help her lay a foundation of self-trust, self-confidence and self-empowerment. The most exhausting work of a VBAC takes place before labor begins. I am so thankful that you were there to point out the direction and areas I needed to work on to be clear about my goals.

Zachary, the end result of that happy birth is 5 already and started kindergarten this year. He’s a delight..."

"Thank you for your wise and constant support and guidance….You are a loving and strong person- noone could have been better to guide me through the most powerful and beautiful time in my life. You will always stay in my heart."

"Thanks for all your loving support through the pregnancy and birth, and for bringing the blessingway to us…how can such a huge thanks begin or end? It’s been lovely to share this phase of my life with you. You’ve made it so much smoother. What a magical time!....."

"The miracle of life and birth is truly that. I know that having Constance, an experienced, loving midwife, present truly brought the belief, energy and trust of the birthing process out of me."

"Thank you for the best gift I have ever received, Constance – bringing my beautiful boy, D.J., into this world with love, peace and ease! You’re amazing."

"Thank you for the beautiful journey. Thank you for everything you do. I could not imagine a more beautiful spirit to assist little ones into the world."

We are so grateful for your kindness, gentle love and nurturing support through our pregnancy, birth and postpartum........Thank you for letting my birth "happen" and for standing by, letting me birth my baby boy in my own way, in my own time. It was a fun, wonderful family birth with our children and beautiful support team.....there aren't words enough....

in laughter and love,
Heather and Adam Detrick.

Thank you for....helping me set my intentions, express my fears and manifest the experience I'd hoped for. Thank you for directing me back to my center, my core and helping me claim my strength and power......Thank you, Constance for taking my whole family into your loving arms. You have touched each one of us .... I hope our relationship continues to grow.

love, love and more love,
Jennifer, J.D., Isaac and Rosie

There is no way to thank you enough for all of your help, guidance and strength. You have been such a wonderful teach and friend....
Julia, Dennis and Rune

We are eternally grateful to you for your loving presence, invaluable wisdom, and all the support you have given to our family. Not to mention THE best cilantro-feta omeletter I have ever had!

love, Cecilia Bernard (mother of Mia and Sienna) and David Solis