Such a sacred, intimate, time of life.
God-Centered. Safeguarded.
Meet Susie Kemmerer, CD, CBE
Nine times. That’s how many times I’ve given birth. I’ve spent more than seven years of my life pregnant, and more than 15 years breastfeeding. I’ve also had 3 miscarriages.
I was pretty ignorant when I had my first baby. I did everything I was told to do in the hospital. I put on my gown, got hooked up to the monitors, was hooked up to IVs for Pitocin and hydration. I was refused liquids of any kind or food, and had my water broken. I labored on my back, with my legs in stirrups, my intimate parts exposed to bright lights and teams of doctors and nurses moving in and out. I was told when I could push, how long, and how hard. I was given an episiotomy (five of them total), and tore all over the place with more stitches than I could count. Breastfeeding was hard. Postpartum sleeplessness and loneliness and boredom were worse.
I have 29 grandchildren (and counting) and have attended several of their births, including delivering one of my granddaugters (pictured above). It was my daughters who encouraged me to take this passion - pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting - and formalize it to help other women who desire something better or who have experienced trauma.
I am a Certified Doula (Cardinal Birth Midwifery), Childbirth Educator (Biblical Birth School), and am certified in CPR and BLS and Neonatal Resuscitation Training.
I have been a child of God for 50 years, and serve alongside my husband in our church and community. I authored several books, including Homeschool Supermom…NOT! and have traveled the country equipping and encourage parents. My husband and I, submitted to the lordship of Jesus, have successfully raised all nine of our kids and are in continued joyful fellowship and friendship with them, their spouses, and our grandchildren. As such I can serve as a “godly older woman” to you as is encouraged in Titus 2. My prayer is that you will experience God in ways you never have before as you walk through this season of life.
My 4th birth was the fastest - 45 intense, hard minutes of labor that produced my 4th son. And the afterpains were worse than labor! I began to research and found that much of what happened to me was unnecessary, unhelpful, traumatizing, and harmful. With my 5th I decided to fight back and regain my autonomy and my sanity. It wasn’t taken well. But it was the most natural, empowering, and easiest birth - and in the hospital with the same doctors. My doctors were upset, belittling my choices, and insulting me: “It’s your blood. I don’t exactly want it on my shoes, but you do with it what you want.” (That’s my Son #5 in the photo delivering his son.)
My next 3 births were at a birth center with midwives. Baby #6 was born completely unmedicated, without an episiotomy, quickly and minimal pain (relatively speaking) - and he was over 10 pounds! I didn’t even tear! What a difference! Autonomy, confidence, and trusting that I was MADE to do this - total redemption!
Baby #9 was my homebirth. A high risk birth in some ways (I was 41, on bedrest for much of the pregnancy, and went into labor at 36 weeks), and yet it was by far the most gentle, peaceful, joyful birth.
I would be honored to serve you, strengthen you, encourage you.
Bring your plan to life
You have ideals, plans, and goals in mind concerning birth. Learn to make those goals a reality.
Build your confidence
Navigating the healthcare system and the overwhelming info load is hard. I make it easy for you.
Invite God in
God’s presence and power has always been your foundation. Welcome His presence in childbirth.