•OriginalNoise.Org
the players 
the bridge
“Mother & Child Reunion”
Paul Simon (1972)
Paul Simon
((( First Breath )))
Story by Theresa Defino
photographs by dave hogerty
On March 8, 1980, at exactly twelve minutes after noon, the world welcomed a new member — Jennifer Sejas, 6 lbs. 13 oz. But Jennifer entered this world in an unconventional fashion. She was born on a quilt-covered brass bed in a wood-paneled room, born in the presence of eight astonished and tearful friends and relatives who celebrated with champagne, born, her parents claim, in a more “natural” way.
When Joe and Martha Sejas said to each other one night last year after nearly four years of marriage “Let’s have a baby.” they
already had their dream of how the delivery would happen – in a warm, loving environment, without the aid of anesthetics. Their child would not be born in a hospital, and Joe would be there right along with Martha.
The Sejases chose Birthplace, 635 NE First St., as the setting for the much anticipated event. Established in October 1978 by four women, Birthplace is an alternative birthing center, one of a growing number of centers across the nation which handle only low-risk pregnancies, and are staffed by registered nurses and nurse-midwives.
Birthplace is an old, two-story frame house complete with four bedrooms, or “birthing rooms.” Homey treasures add to the friendly atmosphere. A brick fireplace, a gurgling fish tank, an open toy chest, jumbles of throw-pillows, and pictures of smiling babies pinned to a large bulletin board.
The Sejas’ decision to come to Birthplace was tempered by Joe’s hesitancy about the center, and the capabilities of a nurse midwife – fears he found unfounded.
I had fears because it was new. But I wanted something different, something more natural,” Joe said, sitting in the Birthplace living room.
Just meeting the people really swayed us to come here.’ Martha said, while burping Pamper-clad Jennifer.
They were very friendly and personal. As the months of Martha’s pregnancy passed, the Sejases became friends with nurse midwife Nancy Redfern. Their confidence in her to deliver their baby grew. “If you go in to see a doctor you can see him over an extended period of time and never get to know him,'” said Joe.
You go in to see Nancy, and you become very good friends. It’s really neat because you’ve made a friendship there. After nine months I felt pretty confident.“
Redfern, who has participated in more than 700 births, said she becomes “committed” to her clients. She smiled, hesitating before describing the emotion she feels while delivering a baby.
The kind of joy you feel … you get tears in your eyes every time. Jennifer’s birth was no exception.
The labor pains began on Thursday, May 6, two days before her due date, but Martha didn’t check into Birthplace until Saturday morning. She jokes that Joe had heard stories of women in labor kicking their husbands out of the room, or calling them names, “but I never did that, and he was really surprised.”
He said, “We really held tight to each other through the whole thing,” adding that neither were aware of others in the room.
What bothered Joe most as he sat behind Martha during delivery was the anxiety of waiting for Jennifer’s head to appear. The parents watched through a mirror propped on the bed as Redfern guided the emergence of the baby.
“Just seeing that (the emerging baby) helped me know that she was there,” said Martha, “that she was going to come.”
Joe cried when he saw his new daughter, and admits he was “a little freaked out.”
“That was the first time I had ever seen anything like that … She just kind of popped out, and it stunned me for a second.” Redfern then laid the newborn on Martha’s chest.
Joe gave the baby a bath while Martha bathed in the Birthplace tub. Champagne for all followed.
The freedom of Birthplace is what Joe likes best about the center.
“Here you are free to do a lot of things that you couldn’t do in a hospital. You are free to have as many people as you want in the room. You are free to have any kind of celebration after the birth. You can even bring a TV or stereo if you want.”
Although the Birthplace may have been the answer for the Sejases, some doctors contend that there are too many risks involved in non-hospital births, including getting to the hospital in time in case of emergency.
Some also question the medical capabilities of midwives.
But Redfern said midwives are certified and trained medical personnel who must complete a lengthy licensing certification process.
Acceptance into the Birthplace program, Redfern stressed, is predicated on “normal pregnancies.” A woman older than 36 having her first baby or one with diabetes or high blood pressure will not be allowed under the care of Birthplace, where a delivery usually costs about $1,000, compared to $2,000 for a typical three-day stay in a hospital maternity ward.
If complications arise during the term of pregnancy, the Birthplace client is referred to a physician at Shands Teaching Hospital or a doctor of her choice. If problems occur once labor is in progress, the woman is transferred directly to Shands.
The Sejases would like to have another child at Birthplace and agree that Redfern is a big part of the reason.
“Nancy’s so…” Joe pauses, at a loss for words. “She’ll take your baby and act like it’s hers. She’s just as happy as you are.”
Nancy said simply, “It’s a miracle every time.”
—30—
It’s A Family Affair
Sly & The Family Stone
There’s A Riot Goin’ On (1971)
((( >> )))
dave hogerty
“You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman”
Aretha Franklin
Queen of Soul (1967)
((( >>> )))
alligator
SEX AND THE COLLEGE GIRL (LAURA’S FIRST TIME)
Alligator columnist Laura Kelly’s view of college life was stark, naked, and always honest. Her pointed opinions pissed off as many readers as they entertained, and no one was shy about expressing their often personal opinion.
FOOLS IN LOVE
ERA (WHAT WOULD JESUS SAY?)
ABORTION (OPINIONS VARY)
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DECADE MAKES
ABORTION CLASSIFIEDS
“Nature’s Way”
Spirit
1970 — Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus
((( >>> )))
“It’s A Family Affair”
Keb’ Mo’
Big Wide Grin (2001)
((( >> )))
—30—