Birth Announcement! Vivian Arminda
This lil' darling girl is a brand new arrival! Happy *birth* day to Vivian Arminda, born yesterday September 7, 2016 to her ecstatic parents Melissa and Bert!
Vivian is a petite 5#14 oz and was born at 4:03p, welcomed by Mom, Dad and big sister Vanya.
What makes her story extra sweet? Vivian is a VBAC baby! In and of itself, that's just normal birth. But here in SW Florida? It's super sweet because she was born at the hospital with an OB practice that is not known for being VBAC friendly or supportive in the past. Some major changes in VBAC policy just last year (that I am proud to have played a small part in as one of the members of the VBAC Advocates of Lee County) helped make this option for a hospital VBAC a reality for local families.
A part of Melissa and Bert's preparation was a private 5 hour Birthing From Within class, plus Distance Doula Care. They were able to consult with me in late pregnancy, create a simple yet powerful birth plan to suit their family's needs, gain access to reading material for their specific situation, learn Spinning Babies exercises for a more straightforward birth, learn the ins and outs of Lee Memorial's VBAC Policy, including their patient rights, and finally Bert was able to consult with me on speed dial while Melissa was in labor, helping to determine what was "normal," when to head to the hospital, and other concerns.
Way to go, Melissa and Bert! Welcome to the world, baby Vivian! Congratulations to your whole family.
