A few months ago, I had the honor of supporting a family as their doula during their birthing experience. This expecting mother was accepted into the Simply Birth program at LDS Hospital, which is perfect for low-risk pregnancy moms who desire an unmedicated and low-intervention natural childbirth. It mimics a birth center in a hands-off approach and offers a larger, more comfortable environment than other birthing areas in the hospital.
As my client and her husband arrived at the hospital, the midwives were just about to have a shift change. That was when they met (for a second time) Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) Che’lyn Fullmer. I had never met Che before, but right away I could tell she had a calming presence. She made sure she understood my client’s desires for this birth and talked in a supportive, kind way, never condescending. She came in and out as she had other patients to attend to, but when she was in the room, Che was focused and attentive to my client. She gave counter pressure, talked soothingly and encouragingly to my client, and held her and touched her so tenderly, I nearly cried. Her love and holistic approach to pregnancy care were palpable.
My client’s desire was not to have her water broken, but after several hours of no progress and a bulging bag of waters coming between baby and cervix, it became necessary. My client said she was afraid of the intensity that was sure to happen after breaking her waters, but Che soothed her fears and helped her feel like she could do the next bit of intensity necessary for baby to be born. And sure enough, 30 minutes after her waters were broken, baby was born!
Another one of my clients’ desires was for the father to catch the baby, and Che was completely supportive. She prepped him by explaining she would help deliver the head and then he would be there to catch the rest of their baby. It was a beautiful and empowering moment.
If you are delivering at IMC or LDS Hospital and looking for evidence-based midwifery services with a patient-centered care approach, go with the midwife group and see Che because you won’t be disappointed! Whether you’re considering home birth, labor and delivery support, or comprehensive prenatal care, midwives like Che provide exceptional pregnancy care, postpartum support, and a holistic approach to women’s health. If you’re searching for a “midwife near me” or a “midwife in Salt Lake City,” the Simply Birth program and midwifery services offered there are an incredible option for your baby delivery journey.
What can you expect from midwifery-led care in a hospital setting? It is evidence-based care that focuses on a holistic approach to childbirth. It’s patient-centered, meaning that midwives will give priority to a woman’s choices and preferences regarding birth management.
There is a strong emphasis on natural birth, avoiding interventions unless completely and medically necessary and focusing on other strategies like movement, hydrotherapy and breathing exercises.
With a midwife, the likelihood of unnecessary procedures lowers, such as epidurals, episiotomies, and instrumental deliveries compared to standard obstetric care.
These are things to consider as you look for a provider: Midwifery-led care is typically most suitable for women with low-risk pregnancies. However, Midwives will collaborate with obstetricians if complications arise during pregnancy or delivery.
All in all, midwifery care is an excellent choice as you consider your options.
