Open Minds to Birth

Expect the Unexpected: Kristina's Birth
Kristina was set to order her epidural the minute she felt her first contraction. But with steadfast support from her partner and labor nurse, she allowed herself to take her labor one step at a time. Contrary to plan, Kristina passed on an epidural and discovered an inner resolve she didn't know she had before her daughter was born.

Best Laid Plans: Melissa's Birth
Melissa's first baby was born by Cesarean after a long labor and many medical interventions. Hoping to avoid another surgical birth, Melissa changed hospitals, interviewed doctors and midwives, took a VBAC class and, because she believed that one medical intervention leads to another, she wanted to avoid medication and anesthesia. That is, until labor failed to progress according to plan. Melissas experience demonstrates how the thoughtful use of epidurals and other medical interventions can help women navigate difficult deliveries.

Different Than I Thought: Jas' Birth
Like most first time mothers, Jas prepared for a long labor. She and her husband Keith thought they would cope best if they stayed at home as long as possible. But when Jas' contractions were four minutes apart after only a few hours of labor, she and Keith headed for the hospital. Ninety minutes later baby Jade was born. The speed of her delivery, while for the most part a welcome surprise, caused Jas to totally rearrange her expectations and plans for childbirth.