Marlene and Kaleem each have their own specialties within their personalities as well as their credentials. As a team, I honestly can't imagine a better birth experience. They have an uncanny ability to step in when you need them, and melt into the background when you don't.
Marlene is the type of woman you can look to when a job needs done or you need a straight answer. She while very kind, can get straight to the point and clearly explain just about any situation. She has an innate strength about her that makes you feel safe no matter how scary birth can feel sometimes.
Kaleem has a sort of empathy about her, and seems to naturally know just how you are feeling. She knows when to offer you support, snap an amazing picture (if you want her to), and exactly the right kind word to say when you need it.
Home birth is THE way to go, I have done two hospital births and one home birth; and after home birth with Marlene and Kaleem, I will never do the hospital thing again.
Throughout pregnancy, they are informative, and polite. They are knowledgeable, and you receive better care than a regular physician would give you, but instead of the arrogance doctors usually treat you with, they explain why they do what they do, offer you your options, and teach you what everything means.
Simple things like at a doctors office, they just have you urinate in a cup, and don't say a word about it to you. With one heart midwifery care, they show you the test sticks, explain what each of the little squares mean, and let you participate in your care.
I could rant and rave about how wonderful they are all day, but really; you will have no idea how awesome they are unless you talk to them. If you are considering adding a member to your family, please. . . just call them; you will be glad you did.
Pros: Pros? too many to list in so few letters.
Cons: Con?we can't take them with us to North Dakota when we move.
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