WINLOCK — Both Brittany and Justin Richardson were delivered naturally by midwife Laura Hamilton, so it was only natural they chose her to deliver their baby girl, Gracie Lynne.
Born Jan. 21 at 9 pounds 5 ounces, Gracie is the first baby ever delivered by Hamilton whose parents she both delivered. In fact, between both sides of little Gracie’s family, Hamilton has now delivered nine babies.
“You develop a relationship with them and they learn to trust you,” Hamilton said. “It makes the birth that much better to have that trust.”
As for Brittany, who turns 23 on Feb. 18, choosing Hamilton as her midwife was a no-brainer.
“I just wanted to be comfortable, and I knew I couldn’t be comfortable at the hospital,” she said. “Plus, I’ve known Laura forever.”
Hamilton even had both parents’ blood types on file.
So the Richardsons, who were sweethearts at Napavine High School, had Gracie delivered at the house of Annette Richardson, Justin’s mother.
Brittany reclined on a bed and after four hours of intense labor Gracie was welcomed to the world. The time was 10:09 p.m. The only complications were the claw marks Justin suffered to his neck after he tried to comfort Brittany by stroking her hair and she clasped him with a clenched grip.
“She grabbed on to me and I was like, ‘Oh gosh, I’ve got to get out of here!” said the 23-year-old who by day works as a drywaller.
Brittany, who works at Big 5 Sporting Goods in Chehalis, has no recollection of the gripping moment.
With over 3,000 babies delivered by Hamilton in the Lewis County area, Brittany knew she was with an old pro and felt secure with the midwife.
“She just makes you feel warm and content and safe,” Brittany said. “If she feels as if she needs to stay with you she’ll spend the night, bathe the baby and make lunch. And you can call her about anything, there are no stupid questions.”
