Learn more about SCL Health's Pregnancy and Baby Services.

If you’re pregnant, you’ve probably planned your ideal birth. You know when, where, and how you want it to happen. Some even go the extra mile with consideration of scents, sights, and sounds during delivery.

Rachel Casey, Carrie Reed, and Rachelle Whittman all had pregnancies that started this way. They worked with physicians to design the moment their children came into this world. But at Intermountain Health, we know babies don’t always come according to plan. 

Rachel Casey imagined a TV-style delivery at Platte Valley Medical Center, with husband and mom on either side, and family in the waiting room. And then COVID-19 hit, and everything changed.

Carrie Reed planned a calm, natural labor at the Birth Center of Denver. But after 48 hours, her contractions weren’t picking up, and it became time for a new plan.

Rachelle Whittman envisioned a standard birth as well. But she was pregnant with twins when she started spotting 13 weeks (about 3 months) early. A precautionary visit to Saint Joseph Hospital’s Labor and Delivery unit revealed she was in labor.

“We were just devastated,” Rachelle said. “At that age, our boys had a 30% chance of passing away, 30% chance of always having a disability, and a 30% chance they would be healthy, happy babies.”

Like many women, these three found themselves in completely different labor scenarios. Dr. Maggie Saccomano of SCL Health Medical Group - Obstetrics and Gynecology helps women through these often-scary moments.

“I say to patients all of the time that there’s no better place that you can be right now.” said Dr. Saccomano. “I feel really proud to be a part of this group."

Rachel was able to communicate with hospital staff prior and felt at ease. “Our nurses were really above and beyond,” said Rachel. “I knew that everyone was wanting me to feel comfortable, safe, and reassured.”

Carrie decided with the Birth Center of Denver to transfer to the main hospital. The seamless communication amazed her. “Because of their support, because of the way they work as a team, it was beautiful,” said Carrie. “I would choose them every time.”

Rachelle’s twin boys spent 97 days (about three months) in the neonatal ICU (Intensive Care Unit), and she referred to it as the most outstanding care she had ever seen. “[St. Joseph’s Hospital] was there for us,” said Rachelle. “They stepped in, gave the boys what they needed at that time, and saved their lives.”

Thanks to Intermountain, all three women delivered healthy, happy babies.

Are you interested in nationally recognized birth services that expect the unexpected? Learn more about Intermountain’s Pregnancy and Baby services.