Sarah's Story

Sarah with her newborn son Sarah had high expectations for her maternity care at St. Joseph’s Hospital – and she wasn’t disappointed. “I like the less interventional approach the nurse midwife program uses,” shares Sarah. “Because I wanted to focus on a natural birth experience, I chose to begin my prenatal care with a certified nurse midwife at HealthEast Macalester/Groveland Clinic. And I also know how dedicated and experienced the entire Maternity Care nursing staff is at St. Joseph’s Hospital. I knew I would be in good hands.”

Her first son, Collin, was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in January 2005. “I had planned to go through labor and delivery with as little pain medication as possible,” says Sarah. However, 10 hours into an induced labor, she had second thoughts. “My midwife and nurses had been following my birth plan, which stated my desire for a medication-free birth. But as my labor progressed, I changed my mind and was able to get the pain relief an epidural had to offer.”

Sarah’s water broke early in her labor with Colin and because of the amount of time that had elapsed, a Cesarean section was discussed. As it turned out, Sarah’s midwife guided her through the delivery without the need for a C-section. After a long labor, Collin arrived safely at 7 pounds, 13 ounces.

With pregnancy No. 2, Sarah found herself overdue by eight days in early October 2007. “I wanted to go into labor by myself and, preferably, have a waterbirth,” says Sarah. “Anne Johnson and Lisa Mattke, the midwives who cared for me during labor and birth, provided so much reassurance and comfort. They were both very calming and supportive.”

Sarah was able to labor for several hours in the waterbirthing tub, which helped to minimize her pain and relax her. Towards the end of a 14-hour labor, Sarah opted for an epidural, which prevented her from having a waterbirth. “Having options for managing my pain was important to me,” she says. “And even though I wasn’t able to have a waterbirth, when Levi finally arrived on October 7, 2007, weighing in at 8-1/2 pounds, I was most satisfied with the choice I had made. The births of my sons are two of the most important moments of my life and I am so thankful for the wonderful care I received!”

Barry, Sarah’s husband, couldn’t agree more. “Barry was so grateful for having midwives actively involved in the birth of both our sons,” says Sarah. “Partners benefit just as much – or more – from the reassurance nurse midwives bring to the birthing experience.” At first he had his doubts about traveling all the way to downtown St. Paul, she admits. “We live up in the north Metro, and the first time around he couldn’t believe we were going to drive so far to have this baby in the middle of winter. But I just felt really strongly that it was the right place for us. I don’t think I would feel as comfortable going anywhere else.”