Father Loses 2 Young Children In Tornado
Why It's Hard To Get Along With Your In-Laws
Mom gives birth alone in birthing center parking lot
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When Monica Walters-Wolfe went in to labor, she followed the plan set out by her midwife, Coleen Goodwin. She phoned her and the two agreed to meet at The Baby Place birthing center in Meridian, Idaho. When Wolfe arrived just after midnight, nobody was there.
The baby wasn't waiting for anyone and Wolfe ended up delivering her son by herself, alone in the parking lot of the birthing center. After the baby was born, she used her coat to keep him warm and walked to a nearby house to call 911. "Oh my God, it was horrifying. It was the scariest thing I've ever done in my life," she said.
She did a great job on her own and she and the baby are just fine . But what about the missing midwife? Apparently, Goodwin mistook Wolfe for different expectant mother who lives far from the birthing center. She thought she had plenty of time to get there when in fact she only had minutes.
The new mom feels the miscommunication was just a tragic mistake and encourages others to research alternative care providers carefully. Wolfe's mom, however, isn't taking it so well and has vowed to put the midwife out of business. "I'm telling you I'm on a campaign to do it. That is my daughter and my grandson that almost died," said Kim Alberson.
Currently, Idaho doesn't regulate midwives and Alberson is hoping to change that by bringing her daughter's story to the attention of state legislators.
Oh, in case you are wondering, the new dad was reportedly home sleeping while his wife was giving birth in the parking lot.
The baby wasn't waiting for anyone and Wolfe ended up delivering her son by herself, alone in the parking lot of the birthing center. After the baby was born, she used her coat to keep him warm and walked to a nearby house to call 911. "Oh my God, it was horrifying. It was the scariest thing I've ever done in my life," she said.
She did a great job on her own and she and the baby are just fine . But what about the missing midwife? Apparently, Goodwin mistook Wolfe for different expectant mother who lives far from the birthing center. She thought she had plenty of time to get there when in fact she only had minutes.
The new mom feels the miscommunication was just a tragic mistake and encourages others to research alternative care providers carefully. Wolfe's mom, however, isn't taking it so well and has vowed to put the midwife out of business. "I'm telling you I'm on a campaign to do it. That is my daughter and my grandson that almost died," said Kim Alberson.
Currently, Idaho doesn't regulate midwives and Alberson is hoping to change that by bringing her daughter's story to the attention of state legislators.
Oh, in case you are wondering, the new dad was reportedly home sleeping while his wife was giving birth in the parking lot.
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
5-09-2007 @ 12:10PM
Jessica said...Maybe Grandma should go after the deadbeat dad instead. What a creep!
Reply
5-09-2007 @ 1:15PM
Paige said...I am in total agreement!
Maybe there was a lack in judgement on the midwifes part, but we also don't know what info the mother gave her.
But the Dad, what kind of man has the soon to be mother of their child drive them self to give birth!
Sounds like the wrong person is being attacked.
Reply
5-09-2007 @ 1:36PM
emjaybee said...What if the midwife had had a car accident on the way? Would it be worth changing the law then too? And where was Grandma, anyway?
And unless there's part of this story missing, neither the mom nor baby "almost died". She gave birth and resourcefully got help for herself and her son. She should be commended. She should probably also get a cell phone the next time she gets pregnant, just in case!
Reply
5-09-2007 @ 1:34PM
Ann Adams said...I can understand a breakdown in communication between midwife and mom. I can understand dads not always able to be there. That happens too.
But sleeping while she drives herself? Give me a break.
Reply
5-09-2007 @ 2:40PM
Groovymarlin said...This story has "publicity stunt" written all over it. The new father stayed home in bed while Mom went to give birth? Really? The linked article doesn't mention that, where did you get your information?
Otherwise, it's still pretty unbelievable. Like this woman didn't have a cell phone with her to a. call the midwife when nobody was there or b. call 911? Get real.
Reply
5-09-2007 @ 3:32PM
CLM said...The information about the father is in an April 22 article in the Idaho Statesman.
Reply
5-09-2007 @ 5:24PM
Keri said...GroovyMarlin, there are still some people who don't have cell phones. Me, for one.
I had to laugh at this post. The mother and baby are fine not near death as the grandmother implied. Yes, it's scary to give birth alone but it does happen quite often (I know three people who gave birth at home because the baby arrived before the midwives could arrive). I was surprised that the midwife made the identity mistake but then again, Wolfe is a pretty common last name. This post was just another reminder why I love being Deaf: people can't forget who I am! I know my midwife wouldn't. ;)
Reply
5-15-2007 @ 2:50PM
megan said...Yikes - The grandma has a whole lot to say publically! My family was not into the mid wife thing but they got over it. I do have to wonder what knid of a relationship the mid wife had with her patient that she did not ask a few questions like where are you? where is the future dad?And why did the mid wife not say DO NOT DRIVE BY YOURSELF! It was all over my paperwork the mid wife sent home with me. Dhoy.
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