Birth Stories

Annie's Story

I had a healthy pregnancy with my son, but everything felt like it went wrong at the hospital. I didn’t initially want an epidural, but the contractions that came along with the induction medication were intense, the hospital staff was pressuring me into it so I could stop moving with each contraction. I was fearful that I just might “need” it. When I did get the epidural, it wasn’t strong enough the first time around, but when they increased the medication I was so numb I couldn’t even feel my legs enough to effectively push. A large digital clock was placed on a metal table in front of me, and I was told I had a 2 hour time limit to have the baby or they were going forward with a c-section.

My son made it in time for my 2 hour limit, and despite having a cord wrapped around his neck, he made it through birth relatively healthy. He had to be measured and wiped down before I could hold him, and once I finally got to meet him and hold him, we only got a few minutes together before they took him away again to run tests on him. I had a tear that required stitches, probably related to the time limit and pressure to deliver. After a stressful birth, I was naturally anxious about my son. But instead of spending uninterrupted time together, the hospital insisted on taking him away for other tests, sometimes for up to 1 or 2 hours at a time. They also had me stay another 3 days to “monitor me for infections.” But I still ended up with an infection later that week, despite the longer stay.

This hospital is consistently ranked among the top baby hospitals in the country, so maybe I was just unlucky. But when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, I wanted to explore other options. When I met Khamissa, I was honestly still reluctant and very much terrified at the prospect of a natural birth. If my first birth hurt so badly and went so wrong, wouldn’t it be even worse without a hospital to help? But Khamissa’s gentle and joyful personality was so calming and reassuring to me. I was still quite nervous, but I felt comfort knowing she had seen every kind of birth, and I had a very strong sense I was in good hands. I was reassured that if anything went seriously wrong, I was still minutes away from a hospital that could deliver my daughter in an emergency situation. Unlike the prior doctor’s office, in my prenatal care with her I never felt rushed with my time, never felt like I had to defend myself for having certain questions, and I always felt safe talking about my fears, concerns, and preferences.

My daughter’s birth with Khamissa was a completely opposite experience from my first birth in every way. I wasn’t pressured to do this or that, I was encouraged to move around with each contraction, embrace my most comfortable positions, and I could use my fan, birthing comb, music, etc. Yes, natural birth was painful. But it was pain in a safe place. My daughter was born in a couple of pushes, without any tearing or complications. She had her newborn exam and tests run right beside me, bedside. I was back at home, reunited with my son, holding my daughter in my arms on my couch, within only 3 hours of her birth— versus coming home 3 days later after my hospital birth. Even after using insurance, my son’s birth was almost twice the cost of my daughter’s birth and prenatal care, which was self pay. I was genuinely cared for and loved in a way I wasn’t with my first birth. I had a truly wonderful experience that still makes me tearful thinking about it today.

But most importantly of all, it felt like a much better birth for my daughter. The moment she was placed in my arms, I could feel her tiny body instantly relax into my body, where she settled into my chest. No stress, no fear, completely at peace. I regret not being able to give this experience to my son, which is why I love to share my story to encourage moms who are curious or on the fence about their birth center or home birth options. I believe the first days of life matter both psychologically and physically to tiny infants. Because of Khamissa’s love, experience, confidence, concern, and care for our family, we brought our daughter into this world so that she could be born into a room surrounded by love. She experienced her first moments on Earth filled with feelings of safety, calm, and peace. Having our second birth with Khamissa was a blessing for our family and one of the best decisions we have made for our family.

Carly's Story

As a first-time mom, my dream was to give birth as naturally as possible—the way God designed it to be. But all I seemed to hear were negative stories about labor and delivery. Hoping for a more personal and natural experience, I initially chose to go with a midwife group through the hospital. Unfortunately, it felt more clinical than compassionate—lacking the personal connection I deeply needed to feel supported and at ease throughout my pregnancy journey.

Everything changed when I discovered In Due Season. That’s when I met Khamissa—and I instantly knew I had found someone special. From our very first meeting, she made me feel truly seen and cared for. Despite barely knowing me, she treated my pregnancy and birth as if they genuinely mattered. Her warmth, kindness, and deeply personal approach began to ease my fears and replace them with confidence and strength I didn’t know I had.

Khamissa became a pivotal part of my story. Every appointment was filled with thoughtful care, valuable education, and heartfelt compassion. She takes immense pride in her work, and it shows in everything she does. Her dedication is unmatched, and her passion for supporting women is something rare and beautiful.

When my baby arrived a week and four days past the due date, I was determined to deliver at the birthing center and avoid the hospital if at all possible. Khamissa truly listened to my concerns and supported me with natural induction methods to help make that dream a reality. When labor finally began—and the contractions hit hard—she and her incredible birth team stayed with me for ten continuous hours through the night. They never left my side. They didn’t sleep. They supported me through every wave, every moment.

With the unwavering support of my loving husband, my experienced and compassionate birth team, and most importantly, by the grace of God—I did it. And I couldn’t have done it without them. During labor, Khamissa guided me through my fear and anxiety. She even massaged my back during the most painful moments. Her presence was everything I didn’t know I needed.

If you are looking for a midwife who is loving, patient, deeply compassionate, and incredibly skilled, look no further than Khamissa. She pours her heart into her work and treats you like family. She holds a very special place in my heart, and I am endlessly grateful for the role she played in bringing my baby into the world.