06/10/20
Induction of labor; my VOICE heard.
A 1st time Mom experiences Shared Decision Making (SDM) with her unplanned induction of labor.
Katherine Whiteside, long anticipated and prepared for “natural” spontaneous labor and birth, but found herself at 36 2/7 weeks undergoing a medical induction of labor; a vastly different path, filled with uncertainty as there was no way in which to prepare for this unknown.
The diagnosis of Cholestasis & IUGR can provoke an intense sense of losing control, yet understanding that diagnosis and surrendering to a different path is a reasonable and comforting choice. With the indelible support of her husband and especially her mother, Corinthia Jenkins, MPH, who is also a Doula, the path was cleared emotionally.
Also the ability to fully embrace the journey occurred with the attendance of Midwife Ellen Adamo, CNM, using the SDM model. As guided discovery is a natural part of SDM, Katherine’s journey was peppered with some surprises and gave insight into Katherine’s inner strength and ability to make healthy choices in the moment.
Blissfully, after a 24 hr labor, baby Leo, was born vaginally, arriving Earthside
into love
, supported by Ellen and completing the moment with a Lotus birth; birth wt. 5’6”. Described by the Midwife simply as a “beautiful birth”.
Katherine also goes on to describe the induction as follows: “I felt very much in control and secure in myself” & “I was still able in a lot of ways, get the birth I was trying to have”.
SDM simply brings birth back into the hands of mothers. And in the environment of Atlanta Medical Center, the Nurses & Staff makes it ever more so-Thank You.
Also, please take the time to view the video
HERE, as Ms. Whiteside conveys her experience in 3 mins, answering 3 simple questions about what SDM means to her.