Allie Gunn

Lou Pizante

 

I’m writing this note about Allie not only to endorse her work but, also, to speak to parents (or about-to-be-parents) that are considering drawing on her accessible knowledge and invaluable support. 

 

My 42-year-old wife planned to have a VBAC.  The induction and cesarean birth of our perfect son was a miserable experience for her.  I believe that she felt robbed of a maternal rite of passage and, more importantly, that her (in her mind) negligent trust in her medical team caused unnecessary duress to our boy.  This time would be different. 

 

After much research and a whole lot of counseling, she decided on a birth plan that included a natural VBAC relying upon the assistance of midwives. The gender would be a surprise.  She was considering a doula but, quite frankly, she questioned whether the advantage gained, given the midwives’ attuned philosophy, justified the additional costs.  For me, the relatively modest cost of assembling a better team than that we had for our son’s birth was an obvious one worth bearing. 

 

My wife settled upon Allie.  From our first meeting, the wisdom of her choice was clear. Allie possesses a quiet, calm, supportive demeanor that is—and this is so important—authentic.  It is deeply ingrained in her character.  She spent whatever time we required to understand our birth plan and help us to improve the strategy and tactics we would use during the birth. 

 

When the day came, Allie gave me the support I needed to support my wife make a miracle.  She took over the delivery room, making certain every person attending to my wife read and understood the game plan.  She gave me tireless support, from psychological coaching to putting in the muscle when I was exhausted massaging, stretching, squeezing my wife.  I’ll never forget the midnight image through my exhausted eyes of Allie drenched, half in the shower, pressing against my wife’s hips to relieve her pain mid-contraction.

 

My wife did not have an easy birth and, but for out team, intervention was inevitable. Allie came to our home at around noon.  We left for the hospital at 4:00.  My wife was fully dilated at 10:00 PM and gave birth at 6:30.  Allie never so much as yawned.

 

When my wife was discouraged to the point of giving up, Allie encouraged her.  When I had to pass out for five minutes to get some strength back, Allie stepped right up.  In the final moments, Allie gave my wife the encouragement, support and courage she needed to live an experience that has given her the ultimate happiness (and that, otherwise, would have resulted in grave sadness).  And when our precious daughter arrived, it felt natural and wonderful that Allie was there to experience it with us.

 

What would it have been like without Allie?  Who knows?  I know this:  I alone lacked the empathy, knowledge and strength to give my wife what she needed in order to do the most courageous, miraculous and important thing I’ve ever seen anyone do.  I think we’re done.  But this I'm sure of too: If there is another, I want Allie there.