Lauren's Story

Prior to having my own children, I was always terrified of the thought of birth. I operated in a fear-driven mindset and often made comments about being content with not experiencing it. I told my husband I’d like to build a career first and if kids came along the way afterwards, that would be fine with me. 

The Lord began an unraveling of my heart and completely deconstructed my misconceptions about his design for the process. Ironically, we became pregnant with Charlie 9 months after saying I do and the timeframe of how he molded my heart was expedited. I was absolutely enamored with the idea of her, but continued to let fear reign. I wondered if I could even handle birth and even being a mom if we are completely honest. 

Outside of the Lord, Courtney Luoma was the most instrumental human in this process. At every appointment she spoke life over our pregnancy, truly edifying me. I began to believe I could operate within God’s design for childbirth and I chose to pursue a holistic vaginal delivery. 

As we entered the hospital, we were met with challenges and opposition to our plans. However, the atmosphere changed when Courtney arrived to deliver. Every aspect of my birth plan was acknowledged and protected by her. After arriving with a dilation of 9cm, Charlotte made a speedy entrance and was born without any interventions or complications. Visiting with Courtney following our birth is still one of my favorite memories. I have never in my life had a medical provider who cared so much for my well being. 

When we became pregnant with baby brother, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I wanted Courtney as our midwife. I fully believed in and trusted her vision for The Birth Center. While we were hoping to be one of the first clients to experience it with Charlotte, getting the opportunity with the second pregnancy was just as great. Courtney of course met us with so much excitement and enthusiasm. Having her as our medical provider was one of the sweetest blessings. We truly looked forward to every appointment at the Center, Charlie included. Big sister attended each one with us and fell in love with the process. From the beginning, the midwives were so patient with her and eagerly let her listen with the Doppler or help in a variety of ways. She became known around The Birth Center for her pink gloves and the pink stethoscope that Courtney graciously gifted her. If you ask Charlie what she wants to be when she’s grown, she will confidently answer, “Courtney, so I can check on babies!” To be quite honest, I think I feel the same. As a mom I think there would be nothing sweeter than to have a daughter who works so diligently to bring life into the world in such a peaceful way. 

Our admiration for Courtney grew this Valentine’s Day with the birth of our second child. Our pregnancy had no complications and we prepared for a delivery at The Birth Center. We entered the center around 9:20 that night and I began working through contractions. Shortly after, I entered the birth tub. The atmosphere was so peaceful and labor progressed quickly. I remember opening my eyes as contractions let up to see the dim lights and both my midwife and birth assistant gently humming along to my favorite worship song. Around 11:30 I got out of the water to change things up. Contractions intensified and we knew baby was near. As it became time to push, baby’s heartbeat began decelerating quickly. Courtney remained calm, and helped to expedite the delivery. She broke my water, led me through two intense pushes and brought baby earth side at 11:39. His umbilical cord was wrapped tightly around his neck 4 times and he was visibly in distress. Courtney and her birth assistants quickly began clearing his airways and began providing oxygen. Jake and I anxiously awaited his cry. The room was heavy and you could feel the concern tangibly. While it felt like a lifetime, the team raced to ensure his safety. I have never experienced so much anxiety, while also simultaneously having complete faith in someone. Baby Dawson cried around 5 minutes later and was quickly placed on my chest. We later learned that he was the 300th baby to be born at The Birth Center and the smallest baby born in 2025, weighing only 5 pounds 12 ounces. In that moment and throughout the days since, I remain confident that we were exactly where we were supposed to be. The Birth Center environment allowed for individualized care, peace in a trying situation, and providers who operate with the utmost compassion and expertise. Even with a “deviation” of normal, I whole heartedly believe that the Birth Center is equipped and has competent staff who are ready to handle all. 

Courtney is truly a godsend and has an incredible calling on her life. We are forever grateful to have had her deliver both of our children.