Birth Stories

Christine Brass-Jones, D.O.

"I just wanted to write you a note to tell you how much I enjoy having you as my OB to deliver my children. Thank you for letting my baby and my body truly guide the birthing process and helping my husband and I have the birth experience that we envisioned!Because we appreciate your style of practice, we may be tempted to do this again! Thank you!"

TK (Chandler, AZ) March 2013

"There are no words to thank you for being the amazing doctor and person that you are! I meant to write this 6wks ago, but I quickly learned that with 3 kiddos, things don't always get done when I want them to :) I am so grateful that I found you 5 years ago when I was pregnant with (childs name), and am so glad to have had you as my doctor for the last two as well. This was such a different and special experience for me this time, and I feel so blessed that you were part of it. Thank you for answering my questions, even on the back of chick-fil-a receipts :), and for knowing what to say to reassure me of things. Thank you for knowing how badly I wanted you there for the delivery, even if I did ask at every appointment when you were going to be on call!! I always felt important and like your only patient, even though you have many, many others. I know I already told you thank you for staying for (baby's name) delivery but it ment the world to me, as I know you weren't really "on call" that evening. It gave me confidence and reassured me so much when I saw you! I am so happy with the whole experience. I love how you still keep your sense of humor and get things done at the same time. Like when I said something like, Get Her Out, and you replied back, you gotta get her out. Haha, What an answer! You are the most understanding, kind, compassionate doctor and person, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are wonderful beyond words!"

CK (Queen Creek, AZ) February 2012

"Dear Dr. Brass, Mary Ann, and Friends at True Harmony, Thank you for making my pregnancy & birth experience such a positive one. I will forever remember your part in this special moment in our life. I appreciate your expertise and the focus on natural childbirth at your office. You'll probably meet all of my friends-I'm recommending you to all of them!."

TE (Tempe, AZ) January 2012

" **FIVE STARTS** I switched doctors at 30 weeks because my baby was breech and I wanted to wait until the last minute to wait for him to turn. When I met Dr. Brass-Jones I felt comfortable right away that she would support me for the best birth ever for my son. At 36 weeks my son did not turn and I had a c-section. I did not want a c-section, but I am sure glad Dr. Brass-Jones was with me through it all. She held my hand and stood by me during the epidural and did an amazing job with the surgery. It was not easy, but had an amazing recovery. For future pregnancy, I will be trusting Dr. Brass-Jones again."

TH (Mesa, AZ) July 2011

"I know this is way late, but I wanted to thank you for an amazing birth experience! Thank you for your sweetness as a person and Dr. and for giving me the opportunity to pull my baby girl out! That was the most amazing and beautiful part. I have had such a great experience with you as my Dr. for my last two pregnancies and I wanted to thank you for everything. Hope you enjoy the pictures of Natalie."

RR (Laveen, AZ) May 2011

"Dr. Brass, Thanks for being the best care provider for my baby and myself. You truley are amazing."

TC (Mesa, AZ) June 2011

"Dear Dr. Brass and Staff, Thank you all so much for playing such important roles in my pregnancy and the births of both  my children."

JB (Gilbert, AZ) May 2011

"I am so thankful for your practice! I started coming to True Harmony a few years ago to help with a hormonal imbalance. Since then I have been able to become healthier than ever before and have my sweet baby girl! From the first visit and through every appointment I have felt loved and cared for as a woman. In so many other offices patients feel that their condition is what receives the attention, but here I have felt your knowledge and focus was on helping me be the healthiest me possible. I cannot adequately express how grateful I am for the broad amount of resources and schools of thought that you employ! Knowing that there are options is so important to me. I cannot imagine a better place for women's health care."

KS (Mesa, AZ) February 2011

"Dr. Brass-I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful care you and your team provided during my pregnancy. My birth experience was everything I had hoped and more and I owe that to your dedication to getting me a vbac and a healthy baby. I am going to miss seeing all of you but now look forward even more to the next baby!"

RH (Queen Creek, AZ) February 2011

"Dr. Brass, Mary Ann, Dr. Ashley, and True Harmony Crew- Thank you so much for helping bring our new baby into the world." :)

AF (Gilbert, AZ) January 2011

"Dr. Brass, I can't thank you enough for all the love and care you gave me throughout my pregnancy. You and your staff always made me feel comfortable. Thank you for the support you gave me while at the hospital. Thank you for bringing my little boy safely to me. What a blessing and miracle he is! I look forward to the next one."  

 JF (Chandler, AZ) December 2010 

 "Thank you for taking good care of me and my mom. Your a great doctor and was glad to have had you as our OB. :) I'm super glad and greatfull I came out fine with no complications even though I was late :). Take care and thanks again. You did a great job!

KB & SB (Mesa, AZ) August 2010

  

"Dr. Brass, I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful OB care I received by you and your staff. After the birth of my first son wasn't pleasant experience, I was left with a lot of hard feelings towards those in charge of my OB care. When I became pregnant this time I wanted a much different experience and did my research. I'm so glad I found you and the center. Having an OB that I could trust and who truly cared about my needs and desires meant more to me than I could ever express. You are an amazing woman and I'm so glad you were a part of one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I'm only sorry that my son came so fast that you missed the birth. But I'm glad you showed up when you did to celebrate with me, my husband, and son. I'm so thankful for Dr. Bullaro being your back up. She was great! I still can't believe I was able to deliver my 10lb 4oz baby boy naturally! It was amazing. I'm so happy that my delivery went even better than I had hoped and I have you to thank for that!"

EH (Mesa, AZ) August 2010

  

"Dr. Brass, What can we say? You are an amazing OB/GYN! I don't know what we would do without you. You made a difficult labor a positive experience and we have beautiful (baby's name) as the proof. Thank you for always listening to our wishes. Thanks so much."

SM-G (Tempe, AZ) July 2010

 

"We were approaching five days past our due date and were given the option to schedule an induction. The only appointment time available was Sunday at 3:00AM.  The time was not ideal, but we couldn’t wait any longer.  Once we checked in at Banner Gateway that morning and got into the delivery room, the reality of the situation began to set in.  This was a moment we had been looking forward to for nine months and the day was finally here.  Anxiety would be the best way to describe it.  However, the staff was very helpful and the nurse explained each step of the induction.  By 5:00AM the Pitocin was administered and I trying to conserve my energy by resting in bed.  Around 6:00AM that all changed!  My contractions had begun and they were getting stronger every few minutes.  I was using some of the breathing techniques I learned in a birthing class and trying to visual myself sitting on a beach.  The nurse examined me and said I was 1 cm dilated and 90% effaced. Thank goodness for Mother’s Cordial.

 

As the contractions got closer together and stronger I knew I couldn’t lie in the bed.  I used the birthing ball as my release.  I started off rolling my hips and bouncing on the ball during the contractions.  This helped distract me from the pain.  Around 9 A.M. my water broke while bouncing on the birthing ball.  I had dilated to five centimeters at five hours into labor and I was already showing signs of exhaustion.  In between contractions, I would lean back on my husband who was standing behind me, while I was on the birthing ball.  My mother would rub my shoulders and encourage me until the next contraction came.   In spite of the pain, I felt like we were getting somewhere and I had a sense of hope.  Doctor Brass-Jones stopped by to check on me.  She gave me words of encouragement and was glad to see everything was going well.  I was pleading with my husband and mother to give me some pain medication or an epidural.  The nurse offered to give me Stadol instead of an epidural just to take the “edge off “.  The only condition was that I had to stay in the bed for the remainder of the birth.  I knew I needed something and agreed to lay on my side.  It took only twenty minutes for my dilation to go from six centimeters to nine centimeters and I felt the need to push. 

  

 I think by changing my position and taking some pressure off my body helped to speed things up.  My husband stayed by me and held my hand for encouragement while my mother rocked my hips thru each contraction. Before I knew it I was at 10 centimeters and Dr. Brass-Jones was setting up the bed.   She was very calm and direct with her instructions and how we were going to proceed.  We went through 3 sets of 3 pushes during the contractions. To assist me with pushes, Dr Brass-Jones performed an episiotomy.  After 3 more sets of 3 pushes, our son Cohen was born. We were surprised to find out that he weighed 8lbs 9oz and was 21 ½ inch long. Overall, my active labor was about 7 hours, which is amazing for being our first child. I would not have been able to do this without the support of Dr Brass-Jones, the delivery nurse Ann, my mother and husband.  Cohen is an amazing gift and we are enjoying every moment of it."

JE (Mesa, AZ) April 2010

 

"After having my first and second babies, my trust in OB/GYNs tanked.  Although I was able to have both vaginally with very few complications, I still felt subject to doctors and hospitals that would ignore my desires for a natural childbirth and rely on routine and, in my opinion, unnecessary medical interventions.  I hoped that with my third pregnancy a change in doctors would resolve all of my fears.  Dr. Brass-Jones came highly recommended as an OB/GYN that would completely support what I wanted for my next birthing experience.  So, after 40 weeks and 6 days of a slight anxiety overhanging my imminent labor and delivery, constantly questioning how things would really play out, Dr. Brass lived up to her reputation and then some. 

 

Throughout the early morning of Tuesday, March 9, 2010, I experienced irregular and very painful contractions mixed with sharp back pain.  Having never experienced contractions quite like this, I had already decided to give up on a natural childbirth if labor continued this way.  At about 6:30 a.m., after trying to sleep through contractions, I got up, ate a little breakfast, and found my yoga ball.  At my last appointment, Dr. Brass showed me some moves to try on the ball to flip the baby and within a few minutes the lower back pain stopped.  Now this, I could handle.  My labor progressed.  It felt great…as far as labor goes! 

  

My husband and I headed to the hospital at about 9am with birthing ball in tow. My first goal was to be at 6cm when we checkied in...I was already 8cm. The next goal was to stay calm and confident through transition. I didn't leave the birthing ball and my husband stayed right behind me rubbing and applying pressure to my lower back. Cake! Don't kill me for a saying this, but what is everyone complaining about anyway! :) I eventually had to give up the birthing ball and get positioned on the bed. The pressure increased and at around 11am I could tell it was time to start pushing.

 

My ultimate goal was to keep myself in control during the pushing stage of labor.  Not that I could control what my body was trying to do.  But I had to keep hold of the reigns, so to speak.  Throughout the process of pushing, two significant events stuck out to me.  It wasn’t that I was performing a spotlight solo for three nurses, a PA in training, the doctor, and my husband.  Or that I emptied my bladder as part of the show.  No, what really made a lasting impression on me and my birthing experience were two things Dr. Brass said to me.  First, as the urge to push began to settle in, I said in a simple, somewhat childish way, “I don’t like the pressure.”  Dr. Brass firmly responded, “Good.  Then push against it.”  Her response not only reminded me of what I needed to do, but also empowered me to do it.  The second event was when I felt like I had completely lost it.  My head was spinning and I couldn’t focus.  I was out-of-it so much that the “ring of fire” was negligible.  Dr. Brass said to me, “Reach down and feel your baby.  She’s right there.  Feel her head.”  Obediently, I did and I was back.  It was as though Dr. Brass knew exactly what I needed to hear to snap me back into focus and control.  Then, with just one more determined push I had my baby girl in my arms at 11:15 a.m.

 

One nurse commented, “That is as close to a natural home birth as you are ever going to get.”  That is exactly what I wanted from the beginning.  At 8 lbs 2 oz and 20 inches long, Jenna came into the world in a way that I know is best for her and me.  I have so much to be grateful for and Dr. Christine Brass-Jones is really high up on that list.  The role she played in my birthing experience was pivotal to how I felt during labor and delivery and how smoothly everything went.  Prior to this birth, I felt like the OB/GYN was the weakest link in my birth plan.  Now, I am as trusting and confident in Dr. Brass as I am in my own ability to carry out what my body is made to do.  Already, I look forward to my next pregnancy, labor, and delivery.  Thank You, Dr. Brass."

AH (Globe, AZ) April 2010

"I finally got to talk to (patient) about her birth. Wow, What a story! It is always wonderful to hear how you support the natural process. Meg and Sean were so impressed when you sent away the extra care team once Mathea came out with no issues from meconium in the bag of waters. Thanks for all you do."

WD, AAHCC (Mesa, AZ) March 2010

"I wanted to drop you a quite note of thanx in regards to the birth of (Baby). (Parents) were so happy that you were able to let the cord pulse until it was done even though it was extremely short. Thank you."

WD, AAHCC (Mesa, AZ) March 2010

"Thank you so much for helping bring our awesome little son into this world. It was such a fun and amazing experience, and you helped make it that way. Thanks also for making the best of my crazy pre term labor and ridiculous questions. Take care, we will see you again for our next one for sure." Spouse: "Thanks for all your help along the way. I can't tell you what a relief it was to see you on delivery day."

LT (Mesa, AZ) November 2009

"You've truly helped us to achieve a wonderful pregnancy and birth experience. The birth of our first son found us unprepared and unsupported in the quest for a natural, unmedicated delivery. This time around we wanted to do things differently. Through True Harmony we felt supported and better educated. Belinda's childbirth education class was fun and right in line with our view of birth. The pregnancy stretch classes were very helpful and I attribute what I learned in them to the fact that I was able to keep my sciatic pain in check this time. It was very convenient to be able to purchase herbals at my appointments as well.

At 2 a.m. Monday morning (10/5/09) I woke up with contractions that were 'the real deal'. I cleaned house and finished packing for the hospital. By 6am I decided it was probably time to call Dr. Brass and my Doula, both of whom were very  calm and reassuring. We arrived at the hospital at 7:30am, already dilated to 6cm. I felt calm and confident throughout that morning. Pushing was the most difficult part for me, but I knew we were close. my doula and Dr. Brass worked well with me, helping me try different positions and focus my energy. I got to do things I missed out on with my first son like feeling his head crown, having him placed immediately on my chest and cutting the cord after it stopped pulsing. For me, those events were very healing. My husband pointed out to me a few days later, that I got everything I wanted on my birth plan.

Axel James was born at 1:32pm, 10 pounds 10 ounces, 21 inches long. He is a blessing and a joy to our family. I have healed much faster this time, even though Axel is almost 2 pounds bigger than his brother was. This experience has caused my hsuband to change his mind about being done having children and now we both look forward to at least one more. Thank you to Dr. Brass and all of the staff at True Harmony."

MS (Mesa, AZ) November 2009

 "Thanks so much for everything you did! Your an awesome doctor. My baby girl is the most beautiful thing to me, thanks a million. It was the best experience of my life and I look forward for the experience again...later on..."

AB (Mesa, AZ) September 2009

"Just want to thank you again for everything you have done for me, and for another wonderful experience in your office and at the delivery of our daughter. I am so blessed to have found you! Your kindness, sense of humor and calmness make everything seem easier, and I couldn't imagine having anyone else there to deliver my sweet baby girl. Thank you for being the amazing doctor and person that you are. Grant and I will miss coming to see you and all of the other wonderful people at your office. like I've told you before, you are the best! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!"

CK (Queen Creek, AZ) August 2009

"Thank you for a wonderful delivery! I was so pleased with everyone and the experience was wonderful! I will definitely have Dr. Brass deliver my next child when the time comes!"

BL (Phoenix, AZ) June 2009

"Thank you so much for a beautiful natural delivery. It was everything we could have hoped for, just a little later than anticipated :). Despite a stubborn baby who was posterior and didn't want to come out, we really appreciate your patience that allowed us to have a natural childbirth. It was all worth it after that last push when you put Logan on my chest. It makes the previous 30 hours seem like nothing. He is such a little miracle and we can't wait to have more children (just not for a while though) :). Thank you again for your support and patience so we could have the childbirth experience we had hoped for."

MP (Gilbert, AZ) May 2009

"Dear Dr. Brass & Dr. Grobe- He's here! Wyatt James was born on March 17 after a smooth pregnancy and a beautiful, magical natural labor and birth. I was fortunate to find a great midwifery practice when I arrived in California and these two women helped me see through the last half of my pregnancy and birth. I want to thank you both for offering such a great integrated health option for women. I gained a tremendous amount of physical and emotional well-being from being your patient. I am loving being a mom and want to thank you for helping me get there."

AM (California) May 2009

"I wanted to thank you for the best day of my life! You made having my son such an amazing experience. I didn't just have a doctor in the room with me...I had a fellow mom, girlfriend, and support person. You do what you do so well, (you almost make me want to do it again...almost). This mommy thing is harder than you mommies make it look, but SO worth it! Thanks again, you are truly amazing!"

SF (Gilbert, AZ) March 2009

"Thank you so much for being my doctor and delivering my precious baby Jack. You are amazing and I could not of asked for a better doctor. Thank you."

MW (Mesa, AZ) December 2008

"I just want to thank you for all you have done for me. It has been a long and rough journey, but well worth it in the end. Im glad I found you. All my moms friends at Banner Gateway said your the best and they were right. I feel like you are not just my doctor, but threw all this you have become my friend. Thank you."

NS (Maricopa, AZ) September 2008

"Thank you so much for all your awesome care throughout my pregnancy. You are a great doctor and a super sweet person! It's been really fun getting to know you... not only at the hospital, but through the "patient experience". A doctor like you, with your cute personality and your open mind and views on childbirth is a rare find, quit a treasure. I am so glad I was able to have you for my doc!"

SA (Mesa, AZ) August 2008

"Thank you so much for everything, you truly have taken a lot of the fear for first time mothers away. These first few weeks of motherhood is undescribable, I would not trade it for anything (not even sleep). Again thank you."

SH (Mesa, AZ) August 2008

"Just wanted to say thank you for being so great through out this pregnancy. I look forward to having more with you. Thanks!" 

TA (Scottsdale, AZ) July 2008

"Thank you for all the comfort and smiles over the years. But most of all delivering my beautiful baby girl and boy 3 years apart."

LW (Phoenix, AZ) July 2008

"We just want you to know how very much we appreciate our birth (& pregnancy) experience with you. Today it is so rare to have a doctor to build a more personal relationship with, where you give your patients your undivided attention, attend as much of their birth as you can and actually participate in their experience! Thank you for supporting our natural birth, and for being a great coach and peaceful presence in the delivery room, not to mention how secure we felt in your care.

It has truly been a meaningful process for me to be a patient in your practice. It is a special place indeed. You should be so proud of what you've created and we want you to know that we recognize the choices you have made as an obstetrician, to be a very present and active part of your patients' pregnancies and births. It means the world to a mother.

Will is just awesome, and he looks forward to seeing you at six weeks! We look forward to number two with you."

AS (Mesa, AZ) April 2008

"The words thank you barely seem to cover it, but thank you, thank you, thank you! Ryan and I were very impressed with our whole experience and want to thank you for your expertise, kindness, humor and calming demeanor! Sam is the light of our lives!"

JO (Mesa, AZ) 2007

"Thank you so much for all of your support during my pregnancy. None of us knew what journey was ahead for this pregnancy. Your care and support was more than I could have ever asked. Dr. Brass, you are the best doctor I have ever had! I couldn't have asked for better care or a sweeter person to bring our precious Emma into this world! Thank you for taking such great care of both of us. I will miss seeing you every two weeks!"

TH (Gilbert, AZ) 2006

"Thank you so much for taking such good care of my mommy and me. Mommy love Dr. Brass and we are very grateful to know you all."

KM (Phoenix, AZ) 2006

"Thank you for helping us bring into this world a new blessing and our precious baby girl, Melody. You are a great doctor and we thank god for you!"

ML (Tempe, AZ) 2006

"Thank you so much for helping with the prenatal care and delivery of Gillian Rees Chappell. She is 3 months now and thriving! I look forward to bringing her in for a visit soon!"

SC (Tempe, AZ) 2006

Comments

[Lori Yost]

Dr. Brass-
Thank you very much for the perfect pregnancy and birthing experience. You and your office staff are very sweeet and made my experience very personal, which was what I was hoping for! My best friend and I came to you with the hopes of being pregnant together and you made that a reality! You removed our IUD's and we concieved one day apart. We found out we were both having girls. Then we gave birth to the girls one day apart. How perfect! All thanks to you! Then to top it all off you made it possible for a perfect VBAC for the both of us (which was not easy). This will never be forgotten, and I can't wait to have you deliver my next baby! For now I miss you and your office staff terribly!