Ariel's Story

“I chose St. Joseph ’s because it was very important to me to be in a setting where a woman’s natural ability to give birth was respected.”

Ariel with her husband and newborn As someone who works in obstetrics, Ariel knows that interventions are often used during birth. “I carefully researched which hospital had the most expertise in supporting low-intervention birth and St. Joseph’s was the clear winner. At the same time, I knew I would be in experienced, professional hands and that help would be quickly available if it were truly needed.”

Ariel and her husband, Paul, chose to undergo the journey of pregnancy and birth under the care of their family physician at HealthEast Rice Street Clinic. “We love the holistic, continuous care she gives our family. She knew us before we had our daughter, guided us through her birth and continues to provide primary care for our whole family. We have a tremendous amount of trust in her guidance and expertise and feel that we get exceptional care because she knows us so well.”

When Ariel and Paul arrived at the hospital, Ariel had been in labor for 19 hours and was feeling exhausted. Ariel notes that she felt taken care of from the moment they entered St. Joseph’s. “The security guard inside the entrance immediately grabbed a wheelchair and helped me sit down before calling a nurse from Maternity Care to come and escort me upstairs. My nurse throughout most of my labor, Molly, was incredible. She had a quiet, calming presence and it was clear that her focus was entirely on making our labor and birth experience as smooth and comfortable as possible. She anticipated our needs and met them before we even recognized them. Her manner was kind and gentle and affirmed my confidence in my ability to give birth. We had an amazing doula who was also instrumental in our birth experience and I was pleased with the way she was welcomed and treated by Molly and the entire birth center staff.”

Ariel’s labor continued for another ten hours in the hospital. “My nurse and doula were wonderful at helping both my husband and I cope with our exhaustion. They helped me keep moving and provided the encouragement I needed at that point. I spent time in the birth tub, which was a wonderful way to cope with the pain and provided a much needed change of pace.”

Originally hoping for a drug-free labor, Ariel changed her mind as the hours passed and decided to get an epidural. “My nurse and doula talked with my husband and I to make sure it was really what we wanted and not a spur of the moment decision we might later regret. However, we had considered the decision carefully and truly felt that it was the right choice for us at that point. Once the decision was made, I felt supported in my decision and received my epidural very quickly. It provided the relief I needed to let go and shortly thereafter I was completely dilated.”

After a brief time of pushing, Ariel and Paul welcomed their first child, Bella, into the world. “She was immediately handed to me and nursed within five minutes of her birth. We were never separated from her from that moment on. Our desire to keep her with us was respected and encouraged.”

Thanks to the excellent care and direction from the staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Ariel felt that her birth experience was outstanding. “I recommend it to everyone and think it is an especially good fit for women who are hoping for an environment that supports their innate ability to give birth in the way that is right for them.”