Claudette and her team are absolutely amazing. Claudette is a woman of solid knowledge and experience, and an uncanny wisdom. She is gifted. We came to Claudette desiring a home water birth. I'd come from two experiences fraught with medical challenges and intervention. The outcome was far less than desirable, save for the arrival of two beautiful baby girls. Third go round I wanted to attempt a VBAC. However, shortly after my second daughter's arrival, all local hospitals had changed their VBAC policy. They were virtually forcing women into surgery, regardless of the uniqueness of their situation. I began to research my options and found, time and again - from women in Sacramento, Fairfield, and beyond - that Claudette and her team were recommended. One of the women was a doula and heavily involved with ICAN, International Caesarean Awareness Network. She had also delivered at home after having had a surgical delivery. I scheduled some time to meet up with the Claudette and her team. When we sat down I found Claudette to be a strong woman with clear focus. As she spoke, you could see her experience and knowledge. She has a strong personality, and though it can be disconcerting if you are unaccustomed to dealing with strong people, who better to be your and your baby's advocate? Claudette has a busy practice, but always had time for me. I'm not sure how she does it. When I was with her she seemed a little scattered, but this was deceiving. She's really anything but. I trusted her implicitly. This is crucial when in the vulnerable place of labor and delivery. When we had the difficulty of some health issues arise, Claudette was concerned but didn't do anything to alarm me. She did her research and waited for my test results (which she put through quickly), and after conferring with her team, colleague midwives and medical staff, determined we were not in a safe circumstance for home delivery and that delivery needed to take place very quickly. We had done all the right things, but I found myself with preeclampsia, a condition needing medical supervision in a hospital. Her ego does not interfere with her good judgment, and as a result, my daughter and I are alive and well after a rapid arrival of a life-threatening situation. I am grateful we worked with Claudette. She even spent some time with us as a coach in the hospital, until a mom delivering at home with an early arrival, needed her help. She then returned to check on me and gave me samples of tea to help my milk come in since I was not with my baby as she was in NICU and I was healing from a difficult delivery. Today I tell everyone considering a home birth to talk to Claudette, and to realize the tender heart she has for her mommies-to-be. Don't mistake what appears to be an abrupt manner as such, as she is concentrating on you and your child's well-being and she really cares. She is funny and fun, intuitive and smart. She and her team works hard for you and though brisk when it's needed, is tender and will always put your safety and well-being ahead of everything else.
Our health issue was not her fault, but I do hold her responsible for the insight that saved me and my daughter’s lives. I am pleased beyond words that soon she will deliver my new nephew or niece. (She was highly recommended to my sister-in-law by several people, including myself.)
Meet with her, ask her questions, and then decide if you want to have her work with you. I'm certain you'll be glad you did. I know I am.
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