Hi, I’m Ella Savchuk.
I began my nursing career in 2007 after graduating from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After working in surgical, cardiology, and intensive care, I entered the mother/baby world in 2009 and worked as a bedside Labor/Delivery RN until 2021 in the hospital. In 2022 I began assisting midwives in the birthing center and homebirth setting. I love helping mothers bring babies into this world, advocating for natural births, assisting with breastfeeding, and empowering women to make informed decisions.
I am a Follower of Christ, wife of 17 years to my best friend, mother to 3 boys and 2 girls, homeschooling mom, birth assistant, Childbirth Educator, and I plan to pursue a IBCLC certification in the near future. In my free time I enjoy spending time in nature with my children, nature journaling, traveling, growing flowers, reading, and collecting books.
My own pregnancies and experiences have greatly shaped my passion for childbirth education. With my firstborn, I was convinced that I could do it naturally just by putting my mind to it. I didn’t spend too much time on childbirth education, reading and books, or researching labor comfort measures. I thought it would all be just fine and that pain was overrated. Well, labor caught me by surprise at a friend’s wedding, and he was born 7 hours later! Not naturally like I desired, but with an epidural at 7cm. My nurses told me I’d never deliver without an epidural, and I believed them. I didn’t know about transition, breathing techniques, not to allow for my water to be ruptured at 4cm, and so much more! But the one good thing that happened after that pregnancy, was it left me hungry for information. I didn’t know I could have a midwife, decline routine procedures, or that there were techniques I could use during my labor to help me cope.
With my second child, I went to a midwife, read, read, and read so many blogs, articles, and books on natural childbirth. I watched The Business of Being Born, and I took control of my prenatal care. I delivered my second quickly, off my back, and redeemed that 1st birth.
My third and fourth pregnancies were quite similar, one with a midwife, one with a trusted OB that I worked with. Each delivery was beautiful and full of joy.
With my fifth I finally convinced my husband to have a homebirth, and I was so excited to finally deliver in the comfort of my own home. Well, that pregnancy took a wild turn! I developed severe pre-eclampsia at 35 weeks and had to be induced. I knew my options, my risks, and had peace about my induction because I was informed. My youngest was born healthy, safe, and naturally, and we were able to take her home in 48 hours.
No two experiences are alike. Each of us holds a unique birth story. I definitely shared the super short versions of mine. But what makes the biggest difference is KNOWLEDGE! Knowledge removes fear, lessens pain, and even in the midst of emergencies and chaos can still gift us with a beautiful birth.
I hope that through these childbirth classes I can pass on my knowledge to you whether you are planning on a natural, medicated, or operative birth. Every birth story is unique and can be made beautiful if you are empowered!
