Bonne Fête Maternity | Shreveport-Bossier Business Feature
Covid 19 has everyone stressing and anxious. It’s crashed the entire world's plans, which is kinda wild to think about.
But one thing that isn’t stopping worldwide, babies being born.
Man, babies come when they want to and they do NOT care about our plans. It’s one of the most beautiful realities we have.
See my own birth story as evidence of babies not giving a crap.
Sometimes though, babies don’t come when they want. Sometimes they come via induction or cesarean.
Then there’s the fact that cesarean rates and maternal death rates in the USA are higher than any other developed country and maternal death is on the rise (1, 2). Also, higher infant mortality is associated with higher cesarean section rates (3).
As I’m no medical expert AND nearly had to have a cesarean myself (and was induced), I’m not going to dive too deeply into that, but I wanted to highlight it.
However, I am going to spotlight one thing that expecting families can do to help them have more say so, safety, and comfort during the birthing and prenatal process.
Go to Bonne Fete Maternity!!
This is Shreveport’s first and only freestanding birthing center. It’s a step in the right direction for our city and it is centrally located in the Highland neighborhood, right off of Line Ave on College St.
In general, using a midwife is a great decision if that fits your wants and needs. They can be a great add on to your hospital birth or you can birth at the Shreveport birthing center! They really create an amazing whole care environment that is equally focused on Moms and babies! The best part is they can really improve maternal and infant outcomes (4).
But, especially in a time where hospitals are filled with covid-19 cases and pregnant Mom’s are at risk. A hospital birth can be scary.
Bonne Fete is committed to your safety and comfort. Jaime, the Bonne Fete midwife, is one of the kindest people and is dedicated to helping her community, getting care that is best for Moms and babies, and working to make her care more accessible!
Another awesome part of Bonne Fete is that there are some awesome classes offered at the birthing center, such as her quarterly period parties for young girls. GOSH how I wish this existed when I started my period! There’s also things like cloth diaper education and Le Leche League meetings.
I really love everything that Bonne Fete stands for and how they focus on building up the community and they don’t trash hospitals or OBGYNs. They are just all about kindess and all the good things.
Here are some things that my amazing friend Carrie had to say. And let’s note that she just birthed with Jaime at the Bonne Fete birthing center during a pretty scary storm we had! (Those babies love to come during storms and the fact that she still called her birthing experience calm is remarkable!)
Kimberly: What was your favorite part of your experience with Jaime?
Carrie: It’s hard to say what was my favorite. I really like how much time they take with you and how much they care about your health(mental and physical). I love that they spend so much time with you and the baby postpartum as well. On my fifth pregnancy, I felt better than ever. They worked with me closely on supplements, a healthy diet, exercise, and encouraged me to try out chiropractic care(which was amazing). Its truly hard to stop here!
K: What was the biggest difference in her care and birthing experience vs a Drs office/hospital?
C: Peaceful is the word that pops in my head. Peace from the classes they provide that equip you(even on my fifth go round)to have a healthy pregnancy and to make wise informed decisions regarding your birth. Peace coming from a gentle yet, confident, skilled midwife and supporting team. Peace from the environment they have created at the center. It just has a very chill vibe. The hospital can feel very opposite of that. It has a very personal, intimate feeling to it, not having to enter a hospital for prenatal care as well.
K: What made you choose Bonne Fete?
C: I have had four natural births in the hospital but we had always wanted to take steps to have a home birth. After a few families shared about their great experience with Jaime and Bonne Fete, we felt led to go check it out. After our consultation, I fell in love with the idea of birthing at the center and their passion for healthy pregnancy, education, and really trusting the body for what it is made to do.
K: What would you like to tell expecting Mom's in regard to using Bonne Fete, especially during our Covid19 times?
C: You will not regret taking the plunge to switch care. You will learn so much and walk away with great friendships and community. And I would think the birthing center would be even more appealing during this pandemic. Jaime has been posting her thoughts on the virus. I have no doubt that she is being very thoughtful about it all. If you are interested, set up a consultation with her. She will answer any questions you might have and help you navigate pregnancy during this uncertain time.