Christine Fiscer, Traditional Midwife

In 2004, Christine Fiscer had a beautiful baby boy.  She also had a completely unnecessary cesarean section.  In her quest to avoid another cesarean, Christine researched and read until she was convinced that birthing at home was not only safe, but the best option for most women.

This research led her to a beautiful VBAC experience at home with a midwife, and eventually led her to become a Traditional Midwife herself.

Christine now serves women in the St. George area at her practice, Joyful Birth Services.

Utah Childbirth caught up with Christine to find out more about her amazing journey:

Utah Childbirth: How have your experiences with VBAC advocacy and your own cesarean affected your midwifery practice?

Christine: Because of my own cesarean and VBAC experience, I am more apt to help women that even some other midwives would not be able to assist.

Beautiful Twins

As long as mom still meets criteria that I consider low risk, I will take her. I am more passionate about helping the women that are most likely to end up in the operating room – such as twin or breech moms, or moms who have had more than 1 or 2 cesareans.

If I can help keep even one mom from having surgery again, I will. So many women are told that they “can’t” have a VBAC if they have had more than one or two cesareans, and it simply isn’t true. The research shows that a VBAMC ( Vaginal Birth After Multiple Cesareans ) has a VERY little increase in uterine rupture rates, and that women should have this option open to them.

Utah Childbirth: What service do you offer?

Christine: I offer pre-conception counseling, complete prenatal care, the option of a waterbirth, complete labor and birth care, postpartum care (until 6 weeks), and complete breastfeeding support.

Under safe conditions, I will attend moms who are carrying twins or a breech baby that will not turn.

Utah Childbirth: You mentioned on your website that you spent some time in the Phillipines.  What was your most valuable experience there?

Christine: It was an amazing personal experience, not just in the way of birth.

Breech Baby Girl

My most valuable experience was, oddly enough, the complications that we encountered on a regular basis.  I don’t think women here in the U.S. understand how wonderful we have it, for the most part.

It reaffirmed just how much good nutrition counts for in over all health of pregnancy and birth.

I saw women’s uteri come down and out with their baby, which is a rare occurrence here without any intervention involved in labor. I saw women tear horribly, even though perineal massage was used, and the head was birthed as gently as possible.

So even though it may sound odd, the complications were the most valuable part of my experience there.

Utah Childbirth: What do you do for fun?

Christine: I love to sew. My current project is to learn how to use a serger. I also read a lot. I love anything from birthy books, to complete fiction. If I can get lost in a book, it’s a good one.

Utah Childbirth: What can a woman in your care expect from you as a midwife?  In other words, what is unique about your approach to midwifery?

Christine: I am completely hands-off, unless an emergency arises. I believe firmly that labor and birth, will unfold best if left alone.  This hands-off approach results in fewer complications, and a more sense of empowerment for moms.

Women are more than capable of giving birth without me. When I have the honor of attending a woman’s birth, I am more of a lifeguard. I simply make sure that things continue safely and jump in only if needed.

Birth is such an intimate time. I do my best to interfere as little as possible, so that it remains an intimate moment … not a medical event.

Christine and Joyful Birth Services is another wonderful birth choice for women in Southern Utah!