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TLC Birth Services
TLC Birth Services
TLC Birth Services
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Recent Birth Stories, Videos, and Pictures TLC Birthing Services Nanci Stanley L.M., C.P.M
Serving Houston and surrounding areas Cell 979-777-7344 Home 713-856-6131 E-mail: midwifenanci@att.net
Shae Edge, a recent client:
Nanci is a truly amazing midwife!! This was my 4th child and I had 2 of my others with another midwife and the first one in a hospital with a midwife 'section' of the hospital. Nanci was the BEST midwife of all. She was very patient with me at every visit and even more so during the birth. I truly had the best birth experience with her. I'm so glad that the other midwives I called first couldn't take me!!
I got pregnant a month before
I turned 40. People said I should have I could not find the one I'd used so many years ago, so I started a search online and found the midwives alliance page. I tried 3 that I thought were closest to me. One couldn't take me - too many in April. One never responded. One was very helpful but my husband felt like she was too far. So Nanci was the next closest and I emailed her. I think my email started off with "I'm old and pregnant..." so she HAD to know then I was not going to be a normal patient!!! She met me and my husband on a Saturday morning. She answered all our questions with patience. This is my husband's first baby, so he needed a little convincing that a home birth is WAY better than a hospital !! She made him feel so comfortable, and was such a happy person, that we decided to go with her for our midwifery needs! As time went on, she lent us videos to watch which completely transformed my husbands thinking about hospital births and he ended up telling everyone who asked anything about the baby that "we are having him at home with an awesome midwife!" and he would proceed to tell them the dangers of hospital births (whether they wanted to hear or not!!).
I also have this need to have people present at my births. So
pretty much anyone who showed interest I'd say "Hey, you can come
too!" I love being surrounded by people who WANT to be there!
I chose to do a water birth this time and it did feel much better
IN the water than when I had to get out. Nanci was amazing in her
labor coaching (despite the noise I was making!!), and when she
told me to breathe him out I did what she told me and by
doing that, she made it so I didn't tear at all (with all 3 of my
other kids I did!!) Dad was right there with amazement on his
face!! He did get to cut the cord - that wasn't something he
thought he'd want to do, but he did it! It was a great experience
for this first time dad!!
Nanci also told me many
things that no other midwife or even doctors had bothered to
mention to me about healing afterwards. So many things I never
knew and I'd already had 3 kids!! She's very knowledgeable about
so many different things relating to pregnancy, birth, and
healing.
Samson David Edge
Elisa Garza Kammeyer, a recent client: Nanci Stanley was my midwife for my fourth pregnancy, and she was always prompt for our appointments, thorough and kind in her care and knowledgeable in her advice. She's just a delight to be around! While the care I received during each of my pregnancies have been comparable in their excellence, this last delivery stands out as being the best. After having four children delivered with midwives in four different cities around the country, I have had the fastest and easiest recovery with this one because of Nanci: she is simply an incredible delivery coach. When it was time for me to push, her clear, concise and gentle instructions helped to guide my baby out in the most delicate way possible. And as a result, I had absolutely no tearing or swelling of any kind. Unlike my other recoveries, I had no lingering pain or sensitivity - and what a difference this has made in "bouncing back." I can't thank you enough, Nanci!
Click Here to watch Elisa's short video clip right before birth (may take a few seconds to load)
Click Here to watch Elisa's video clip right AFTER birth
(may take a few seconds to load) Birth Story from Jennifer, a recent client: "Our whole pregnancy experience with Nanci was fantastic. I really felt like we were in charge of having our child our way rather than being told what we needed to do each week as we were with both previous pregnancies at an OB's office. I knew who was going to be at our birth and even though this was my third time pregnant I learned a lot more because Nanci took the time to educate our whole family and answer any questions we had. My kids got to be a part of the whole process which most kids now days in our country don't get that kind of experience. They loved it and we as parents loved it. If you are looking for a phenomenal lady with a great heart and passion for helping families when they are growing and expecting a new addition, I recommend anyone to talk to Nanci and see if she and your family are a match for this awesome time in your life." Birth Story:
Angela H., a recent client:
Nanci Stanley has been a blessing in the life of my baby and I.
I decided to go with a midwife during my fourth pregnancy because I was tired of the medical world and the way I was always treated like a number.
Nanci was very in tune with my needs and kept a close eye on my health. I also learned a lot from her- things doctors never had time to share. My experience with Nanci was the best of all my births, she truly loves what she does because of the care she puts into it.
Thank you Nanci !!
Birth Story from Laura; a recent client:
Matthew’s Birth Story 3/15/10 This pregnancy was a complete surprise to us! Over the 2 years prior to Matthew’s conception, I had been working on taking better care of my body and spirit. I knew when we found out that I was pregnant that this would be a very different pregnancy and delivery from the previous 3. I immediately called the midwives with whom I had delivered my last 2 babies, but from the start, there were problems. At the first appointment, I was stuck in the waiting room for an hour before I even saw anyone, and it brought back all the bad memories of hours wasted during the previous pregnancies only to see the midwife for a few minutes and then pay a huge bill because our insurance was terrible. It just happened that I noticed a post for a “Meet the Midwife” session for homebirthing the day before my husband and I were to make an enormous decision about whether or not to renew our health insurance. I jumped at the opportunity! I met Nanci the next morning and pummeled her with questions about homebirth. I left the session feeling elated! I knew that having my 4th baby at home was what I was meant to do, and that Nanci was the right midwife to help guide my baby into the world. I called my husband, Rudy, immediately and he felt confident that this was the right decision, as well. Many wonderful months of healthy pregnancy later, I was (relatively) patiently waiting for my sweet boy to arrive. I was concerned that he might come a little early, as my other 3 children had, but Nanci continuously reassured me that I was much healthier this time, and my body was well prepared to grow a healthy, full-term baby. On Sunday night, 3/14/10, almost at a full 39 weeks of pregnancy, I decided that cleaning the kitchen was of lesser importance than getting a little extra sleep, so I settled on the sofa to watch a little TV before bed. I don’t think I watched 2 minutes worth, and fell straight asleep. I awoke at about 3:30am feeling uncomfortable from having slept in the same position for so long. I headed over to my son, Nathan’s, bed, knowing that he would be up shortly to ask me to sleep with him anyway. As I was drifting back off to sleep, I felt a few of what I thought were Braxton-Hicks contractions, and didn’t think much of them, since I had been feeling them for so many weeks. At 4:00am, as I was having another one, I felt a little pop inside my belly! I was floored! It took me a minute to really think about what had happened, and as I shifted positions, I felt a little amniotic fluid flow out of me. I got up right away and went to Rudy. I gently rubbed his shoulder and told him, “We’re having our baby today, my love!” He stirred, bolted up in bed, and then sprang into action! He was instantly awake! The contractions weren’t impressive at all, but I went ahead and called Nanci to give her a heads up. She said to call back when I had progressed a little. Rudy went to turn the water heater temperature up to the max, and to inflate my birthing ball. Now, remember that I had not cleaned the kitchen the previous night – I walked into my kitchen and discovered that sugar ants had invaded our counter! I went straight to work, as I just could NOT envision giving birth with a counter full of ants. Within a matter of moments, I was pausing my cleaning every 2 minutes to hold onto the counter to breathe through some serious contractions! I could not believe how quickly I went from nothing painful to some seriously distracting contractions! I only waited through a few more before deciding to call Nanci back and ask her to come right away. Nathan had been born within an hour of my water breaking, and this was progressing so quickly that I was afraid that she would miss the delivery if I didn’t call. She said she would be on the way immediately, and that her backup, Diana, would be following shortly behind her. Sarah, my oldest, awoke from the noise of my cleaning, and came out to see what was going on. I told her, “We’re going to meet your baby brother today!” She became very excited! I finished the kitchen as best I could, but by then I could hardly stand when each contraction would hit. Rudy let me use his shoulders to work through them, but my labor was so fast and furious that nothing seemed to ease the pain much. My other 2 children, Emma and Nathan, awoke, and there was a lot of commotion with the kids being very excited and Rudy trying to get them to calm down a little so that I could concentrate. I decided to see if the bath would help any. I managed to rip my clothes off in time for another contraction, and could barely climb in the tub! I was in a semi sitting/reclining position in the tub for quite a while, and really feeling the speed of labor progressing. I asked Rudy to call Nanci’s cell phone and let her know, and as he was hunting down her number, he must have heard her pull up in the driveway, and he greeted her at the door anxiously. She came in and went straight to work, pulling out my birthing supplies and bags that I had prepared. She asked few questions and let me work through the pain without intruding. I asked her if there was a better way to labor, as I didn’t feel like the bath was easing of the discomfort, and she suggested that I lie on my side in the water. I remember loving feeling the cool tub against my face, as I could feel the sweat pouring off of me. The contractions were extremely intense, and there was barely a break between them for me to catch my breath. Nanci patiently sat by me and let me do my work, undisturbed. Diana arrived, and Nanci attempted to introduce us, but I couldn’t open my eyes enough to look up at her. They listened to the baby’s heartbeat, and he sounded wonderful. I think Diana commented that she could tell his head was being squeezed in the birth canal already. I suddenly felt the familiar feeling of his head moving into the top of my birth canal, and I grew VERY excited, knowing that I would get to push my little miracle out soon.
The pain seemed to
lessen, and I was able to focus on the wondrous feeling of him moving
down in me. Very suddenly I could feel that I wanted to push. Nanci
asked if I wanted Rudy to hold my hand, but I felt like I couldn’t use
my arms for anything other than bracing myself – I was so comforted
just to have him there with me and be there for me. I felt a very
mild ring of fire, and pushed through it. I think Nanci told me to
slow down so that I wouldn’t tear myself. Sarah had been watching the
whole time, and Rudy ran to get Emma and Nathan. Nanci told me to
wait for just a moment while the baby turned, and then I was able to
push the rest of his little body out. Faster than I could comprehend,
he was on my belly, and announcing his arrival with the most beautiful
newborn cries. I was elated!
I spent a wonderful amount of time just lying there in the tub with him on my belly. Matthew Thomas was born at 5:17am with his oldest sister as witness. He came out so quickly that Rudy, Emma, and Nathan made it back into the bathroom just in time to see him placed on my belly! I think at some point during my labor, I commented that this would be the last child, as the pain almost seemed too much to bear, but as I lay in my own bed with my beautiful new son less than an hour old at my breast, I knew that I would gladly welcome any more miracles that God may have planned for me. I’m so grateful that God brought Nanci into my life so that I could have this amazing experience.
Birth Story From Nicole Carroll:
After Larry and I got over the initial shock and awe of becoming pregnant, I knew I felt very strongly about the people and energy I would surround myself with during the duration of my pregnancy. Although I was a novice in the world of birthing and midwifery; I knew I definitely was not going to have my baby in a hospital. That, I was very clear about! I had done all of my own extensive prenatal research as to what vitamins I should take and why, what foods properly coincided with my baby’s health and development, until all that was left was to find the perfect person to help us bring her safely into the world. That was a trip! The choices were copious, and the options seemed to vary daily. I didn’t know anyone who had even considered having a natural birth, let alone had actually had one; so all of my research was done by my husband and me through the internet alone. Every midwife I looked into gave me a feeling that I had a somewhat distorted view of what the field actually entailed. Through talking with a few, it felt more “business-like” rather than that warm, personable energy I thought by nature a midwife would possess. Being almost five months pregnant, we thought we would never find the right midwife! Then I came across Nanci Stanley's website. I gave her a call, and the first thing she did was congratulate us on our becoming new parents! That was the only time I’d heard that! Also, instead of asking a bunch of linear questions over the phone she asked if we would like to meet for dinner sometime within the next few days. We agreed…..and I already began to feel at ease with her. When we met for dinner, Nanci had a personality all her own. She felt so easy to be around as we talked about very common things; such as her being a proud mother to four beautiful children, and a wife to her high-school sweetheart. We talked about home schooling, and how she came about being a midwife; as well as where Larry and I were in our lives and the things we enjoyed doing. All of this, and then we discussed how the process of birthing with Nanci as our possible midwife might go. The whole ordeal was very casual, yet informative…..exactly what we wanted! I remember getting in the car afterward, and almost shouting “She’s the ONE!!” It was awesome after that. We alternated between her house and mine during my prenatal visits. She really encouraged me in educating myself on my body and pregnancy. She offered her library to me, and also let me borrow a couple of poignant dvd's. My entire pregnancy was pretty “textbook” as far as my health and the health of my baby was concerned, but (like all first-time moms?) a couple of times I questioned some of my decisions, and when I did, Nanci was there to support me and let me know that whatever I decided throughout my pregnancy, the choices were mine to make. Her support, and the fact that she didn’t try to push me toward anything meant the world to me; it ultimately led to my complete trust and faith in her. Well….when the day finally came that my daughter decided to be born, I was ultimately surprised…..even though I was measuring at 40” for the past two weeks! I started having heavy contractions about 7am, and by 10am I was calling Nanci. I alternated between the shower and my hallway, having Larry rub my belly and pacing my house. When Nanci came to the house I was sure I was in active labor. Our assisting midwife; came by shortly after. She and Larry were setting up the birthing tub and tying up a few odds and ends while Nanci was soothing me with a backrub and reassuring words. When I finally got into the birthing tub the intensity of my labor decreased instantaneously. The calming effect of the warm water was amazing, I truly felt as if the pain ceased, and all I felt was pressure. Larry, Nanci, and the assistant were by my side with all of the love and intent I could ask for; the rest was just visualizing my body opening up to this beautiful experience so that my daughter could make her journey into the world. After about two hours in the tub, I began to feel the need to push. I tried a couple of different positions, and found that bent over the rim of the tub was most comfortable. I patiently waited for each contraction as I looked up at my bookshelf, and listened to Nanci’s voice. She told me she could feel Olya’s head, and my goal became that much closer to my reality. The last push came to be, and I felt so primordial as I looked into Larry’s eyes and felt my daughter make her way through my body and out into our world. I was born again. Looking at this perfect little person. My Olya. Nanci wrapped her up, and Larry cut the last remaining physical tie that held us both together. Nanci told me to nurse her before I even birthed my placenta. That, in itself was the beginning of another profound experience. We weighed and dressed her, and soon she was sleeping safe in my arms. Nanci took care of tidying up while we spent time with our daughter before leaving. Nanci gave me such peace of mind throughout this whole experience. Her presence gave me a sense of security and strength. I needed that most of all as I birthed Olya, and she was there 100%. This experience changed me as a person, not only in my everyday life, but in my womanhood as well. I made the choice to take my birth into my own hands, and experience it as fully as possible. This was one experience I didn’t want to numb or water down. I see it as a defining step on my own journey. Olya was born into the world a healthy, beautiful 8 ½ lbs., and 21 in. long, and a pro at nursing! She hasn’t looked back since! Thanks Nanci, for all of your love, support, help, and prayers. You are an excellent midwife, and we wouldn’t have wanted to ever do it without you. Love, Nicole, Larry, and Olya
More stories coming soon!
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it "normal" at a hospital because of my age. I thought, well it
HAS been almost 14 years since I've had a baby, maybe I should...
So I made an appt with a "real doctor" and hated it! When I told
her I had my other kids with a midwife, her entire demeanor
changed and she turned rude. I decided as soon as I saw her eyes
change that I would NOT subject myself or my baby to a hospitals
ridiculous policies or a rude doctor!! So I started my search for
a midwife. 
two small places that didn’t need stitches even more!
