Petra
Petra Prostrednik was born in Nachod, a small village in the Czech Republic. Stifled by communist rule and seeking to gain freedom and opportunity, Petra's parents fled the communist country when she was just 4 years old. Through nothing short of miracles and the generosity of perfect strangers, the Prostrednik's ended up in America to build the life that they had dreamed of.
In Year 2000, Petra married her high school sweetheart, Christopher, who insisted that they go back to Czech Republic to say their wedding vows. So, in front of family and friends, in Petra's home town, they said their "I do's". Shortly there after, they were surprised to find out that they were expecting their first child. Very excited, and being the thorough woman that she is, Petra interviewed every hospital based midwifery practice in the Portland area. She knew that she wanted a natural, non-interventive, gentle birth for herself and her baby. Despite all of her research and preparation, she did not get the birth experience that she was hoping for. Although it was technically a successful "natural birth", in the sense that it was un-medicated, it did not feel "natural" in the sense that she was not allowed to intuitively let her body do what felt right during the process. She was not allowed to labor in the tub as she had planned, and when she had pushing urges, she was instructed to pant through them for almost an hour until her midwife was called in to catch the baby.
Petra, along with her husband Chris, weren't going to let that happen again. Their second daughter was born out of the hospital, in water, in a beautiful candle lit room. With the loving support of her husband, her midwife and friend (Desiree), birth team, and three-year old daughter by her side, Petra birthed her baby into her husband's welcoming arms. It was beautiful, natural, AND gentle! It was in that moment, that her journey into midwifery began. She became determined to help other women experience the same joy.
After working with Desiree for a couple of years attending home births, Petra suggested the idea of a Birth Center in order to reach even more women. Specifically, she envisioned a Country Birth Center, where women could truly get away from the hustle of everyday life to have their baby in a natural, peaceful setting. A place where the idea of community could be nurtured and healthy family living could be supported. Petra and Desiree immediately began to dream of a space where peace and gentle beginnings would blossom. It didn't take long for them to find their perfect space on a beautiful 4½ acres just outside of Salem. On August 14th, 2007 their dream, "Bella Vie Gentle Birth Center" was born in beautiful Hopewell, Oregon. Now, as the Business Director, Petra is stepping back from attending births, in order to nurture the business for a little while. Every so often she gets the opportunity to attend a birth as a pseudo photographer and enjoys the magical experience of being able to capture the true beauty of a baby being welcomed into this world!
Petra, Chris, and their two daughters, currently live in the country, outside of McMinnville, on the property that they refer to as their "little piece of heaven". They enjoy their time together as a family by exploring nature, creating art and supporting environmental causes.