Grateful Patient: The Jarvis Family – Labour and Delivery
The pending birth of a first baby is a time for excitement and joy. However, it can also be filled with ‘what-ifs’ and anxious questions as parents wonder what is going to happen when it’s time to go to the hospital.
Kyle and Crystal Jarvis are grateful for the professional and caring medical team at The Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) as they felt supported through their successful and memorable birthing experience to welcome baby Charlotte into the world.
“I read a lot before Charlotte was born, but to be honest, I was absolutely terrified of giving birth,” said Crystal. “But we wanted kids.”
So while she felt prepared for her first labour and delivery, Crystal still felt anxious and worried.
“It was our first baby, so I didn’t quite know what to expect,” she said.
Charlotte had not arrived by her predicted due date, so Crystal and Kyle came to The Brantford General early morning of March 8 for a scheduled induction. They were thrilled to be one of the first families to take advantage of the newly-renovated labour and delivery suites in the BCHS Family Birthing Centre.
The state-of-the-art facility welcomes over 1400 deliveries each year, and includes 5 brand new large labour and delivery suites, 15 large post-partum rooms, an operating suite and a Level 2B special care nursery.
Kyle recalled the comfortable chair he settled into during their long labour period and was thankful for the entertainment system in the room so that they were able to watch movies to pass the time.
“It was a long day but we were very comfortable in the labour suite. We laughed that it almost felt like a hotel,” said Crystal.
Crystal and Kyle were quick to compliment the exceptional care they received from the labour and delivery nurses. Crystal said the nurses were more than accommodating with her first-time-mom jitters.
“As soon as I walked in, I pretty much said, ‘Hi, my name is Crystal. I’m having an epidural’.”
When Crystal’s contractions began around 11 p.m., she opted to have an epidural administered that allowed her to rest comfortably while she waited for Charlotte to make her appearance.
“I am glad I chose to have an epidural as it allowed me to relax and enjoy my delivery,” said Crystal. “I felt supported at every step in my delivery.”
In the middle of the night, Kyle stepped out of the room for a few minutes, and when he returned, he found Crystal wearing an oxygen mask, surrounded by nurses.
At first alarming, the medical staff quickly let him know that in the womb, Charlotte’s heart rate was dropping after each cluster of contractions. Dr. Nicholas Sweet, who was on-call, prepared them for the possibility of a caesarean section if needed, for Charlotte’s safety.
Kyle said nurses, Stephanie Robinson and Martin McCulloch were great resources, encouraging Crystal every step of the way, either sharing information about what positions she might find comfortable during her contractions or support for breastfeeding and care of our baby after delivery.
“I couldn’t have asked for better people to be by my side,” she said.
Kyle agreed, saying the staff included him at every step.
“I felt included and part of the whole process, but they also took charge when needed, and I was confident that we were in good hands,” he said.
Baby Charlotte made her appearance with the help of Dr. Chris Cowan, an Obstetrician at the BCHS. With the help and expertise of the labour and delivery team we experienced a successful natural delivery and were able to avoid a caesarean section.
Kyle and Crystal welcomed a healthy baby girl weighing 6 lbs 13.5 oz.
Kyle’s highlight was cutting Charlotte’s umbilical cord at the end of her delivery.
“The only birthing I’ve ever seen was in the movies,” he said. “And movies lie.”
(Photo above: Nurse Martin McCulloch with Kyle, Crystal and baby Charlotte Jarvis)
Also, watch the Jarvis family in this video: Support The BCHS Family Birthing Centre.