Nurse Midwives - Patient Experience

Dad's experience (Jason Howard)
I will never forget hearing my wife say, “You’re going to be a daddy!” To be married 11 years and then one day know your life will change in a less than a year is hard to comprehend. But I knew everything was going to be just fine when I looked into my wife’s eyes…this was just the beginning.

When the emotions settled some, the reality of finding good prenatal care became a priority. Once we met Ann Stewart, CNM, OU Physicians nurse midwife, we were thrilled.

It can seem a little awkward for a man when trying to deal with everything involved in a pregnancy. I had a good idea what my wife wanted out of her pregnancy experience. Being a strong-willed person, she wanted to call the shots (or at least think she was calling the shots) as long as there wasn’t any potential harm to her or the baby. An added bonus would be that I could feel comfortable asking questions. We would find that choosing a midwife to deliver our child would fulfill all of our expectations!

From the first moment I met Ann, I knew we were in great hands. She is down-to-earth and calming, yet very knowledgeable at what she does. Ann was the perfect match for us to start the next part of our lives. In the beginning, there were quite a few times I would hesitate to ask questions. Ann would pick up on that and reassure me that it was okay to ask. After a few visits, I was ready to ask and many times started the conversation with some of my own questions and concerns. Not too bad for a guy that was thinking of how to get out of going to the first appointments because of the how awkward I felt.

I recall past TV shows where the man nervously paced the hallway awaiting the word of a new boy or girl. My mind was conditioned into thinking that was how it was going to be, but I very much wanted to be involved in the birth of my first born. Through it all, Ann left no doubt as to my participation. It was my call as to how involved I would be.

Contrary to belief, midwifes do deliver in hospitals. We did not need IVs or monitors, but they were available if needed. My wife was able to walk around, use the hot tub and sit up. It was only when she wanted the bed that she used it. I was able to help with the lower back massages, coached breathing techniques, and cut my first child’s umbilical cord - all of which was an awesome experience. Every aspect just felt so right that it truly is hard to put into words how grateful I am to have a midwife helps us through life’s greatest adventure.