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My Birth Story

I searched for a new obstetrical team after my third son was born because I needed a routine exam. I had longed for not the sterile OB but the glory of midwifery that I had been told about even for people with difficult pregnancies. Each of my three children had been delivered differently by different obstetricians. For each birth I had felt such a sense of disappointment. With my third child my birth plan had been totally disregarded with my concerns and almost led to an Emergency C-Section simply from not listening.

On my first appointment to The Adler Center for Women's Health I was awaiting a midwife when my pager went off to let me know my mother was being rushed to the hospital so I ran out of the office. Joellen, the Stafford receptionist, even called to check on me the next day. I found out I was pregnant before my next appointment and was so nervous to meet the doctor.

I met Dr. Adler who could not have been more kind or understanding about my concerns and health. Unfortunately I went for my first ultrasound where we found out the news I was pregnant with twins that appeared abnormal. Dr. Adler and his staff were called to discuss the matter. My husband and I called a few times over the weekend and we were never made to feel bothersome or paranoid.

Over the next couple of weeks we were sent to two more radiologists and bombarded Dr. Adler and his staff with questions. The final dark day we received the news that our babies would not survive Dr. Adler sat on the phone with us and discussed everything and let me and my husband discuss our options. I went home shattered. The next day my Mother died unexpectedly 2 years after having a lung transplant and my husband called Dr. Adler at 3AM to prescribe something to help me sleep and for my nerves. The Adler Center staff called and talked to us several times before I eventually had to have a D&C the day after my mother was buried. Dr. Adler was never-ending in his support and the care he gave to me in the darkest time of my life. I had my story published in a short article of ePregnancy and kept an online journal of everything - the loss and eventually the blessing of Joseph Carlos.

Six weeks later I went for my follow-up visit and discussed getting pregnant again. Dr. Adler said it was ok and I became pregnant 2 months later. I started spotting and my husband rushed me in to meet Dr. Colon who was there for the first time by himself that day. He had just joined the practice and sent us right over for an ultrasound. The baby appeared normal and he reassured us it would be OK. He saw me for most of my pregnancy and not only feels like my doctor but a good friend. I saw each doctor and all the midwives and became friends with the entire staff from receptionist, to nurses, to midwives, to doctors.

Although it was a difficult pregnancy - I was on bed rest, I had a couple of hospital stays and numerous meds to keep me from having preterm labor, our fourth child had to be induced in the end and was born thirty minutes later. (I have always been blessed with short labors, hence the reason for the induction.) The birth was exactly as planned and the midwife who delivered us was wonderful.

My husband and I had vowed for him to have his vasectomy when Joey was born. It has been almost 2 years now and no vasectomy. Who knows, maybe we will see The Adler Center again. Five boys (or maybe even a little girl)??? I question my sanity and you might too after reading this.

- Shannon Sarmiento