Its been 4 weeks sine our angel was born and Im still processing all the gratitude we have for Onica and the many many ways she aided our family. We knew early on we wanted a home birth so we did our research on midwives here in Alaska. From our first conversation I knew there was something that set Onica apart. She has an encompassing warmth and passion for healthy birth matched with her extensive knowledge and ethical practices. She exemplifies what it means to lead from behind and seeks to assist parents to be in feeling empowered and whole from their experience. We loved every home visit. Whenever any health concern arose, which felt daily towards week 39, she was right there to offer her professional opinion first...then allow space and respect for autonomy for ultimately what my decision would be. My plan ended far from the home birth I spent months planning for. During every tough hour of hospital labor I was grateful to have Onica by my side. There are a few things about my birth I do wish I could change, however, being in Onicas care was not one of them. We eagerly look forward to our next baby and anticipate again working with Onica again in the near future.

Onica cared for me through my pregnancy, and the delivery of my first child almost 5 years ago. Her calm confidence, and nonjudgmental demeanor were exactly what I needed, as a hopeful first time mom, wanting the most natural birthing experience I could have. I have nothing but fondness and warm feelings toward my whole experience with Onica. She allowed me space to be in control, listened to me, but also didn’t hesitate to make recommendations, or try different positions during labor. My labor was so intense and there were many times when fear took over, and I didn’t think I could do it. At one point I looked at her and said, “I can’t”. She looked into my eyes and said “Yes. You CAN,” and I believed her. It was the greatest gift to feel secure and to be able to trust the person helping to deliver my baby. It wasn’t until I moved out of state, and had to deliver my second child in a hospital, that I truly realized the magnitude of the gift that was my experience with Onica. I would highly recommend her to any mother who is looking for a gentle and natural birth experience. I’m done having babies, but if I decided to have a 3rd, I would be tempted to move back to AK so that I could deliver with Onica again.