Through the past several years, Kelly Capitini has experienced a number of momentous life changes.  She and her husband, Cory, were living near their family in Queens, New York where they grew up.  The couple welcomed two children, a daughter, Lily, and son, Nathaniel.  Cory discovered a need for substance abuse counselors in Central Ohio, and decided to accept a new position and move the family to Newark.  Kelly was supportive of the move and was excited to explore the next chapter in her own career journey.  She is currently finishing her education to earn a Master of Social Work degree from The Ohio State University.  After graduation, Kelly hopes to focus on perinatal mental health.  Since the move to Ohio, Kelly has been able to work from home and take online courses

Being new to the area, Kelly was unfamiliar with the available healthcare options, but quickly learned more about Licking Memorial Health Systems.  In December 2021, she visited the Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) Emergency Department (ED) due to an ectopic pregnancy, in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.  She was cared for by obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) Cynthia A. Kearse, D.O., and was impressed with the care and compassion she received.  “Though the circumstances were extremely uncomfortable, I received maternity care that I had not expected and never experienced before,” Kelly shared.  “Dr. Kearse listened intently, taking my concerns seriously, answered my questions, and made sure my needs and wants were met.”

Kelly’s prior experiences with maternity care led to a weariness and distrust toward hospitals.  When she delivered her first child in a New York hospital, she experienced complications, and was disappointed with her treatment.  Kelly wanted a low-intervention birth which involves little or no pain medication.  During labor, the hospital staff felt she was making no progress and began augmentation, the process of stimulating the uterus in order to increase the frequency, duration, or intensity of contractions.  The measures taken caused stress on the baby, and Kelly was quickly taken into an operating room for a cesarean section (C-section).
 
Because Kelly had received no epidural or other pain medications, a general anesthesia was used to induce sleep.  Before delivery, Kelly and her husband had not been informed of the sex of the baby.  “While I was under anesthesia, everyone discovered that my newborn was a girl.  I missed the discovery of the sex of my first child.  I was disappointed that I was not awake and aware during that precious moment,” Kelly said.  Through the experience, Kelly learned the importance and effect the birth experience has on a parent’s postpartum mental wellness.  

During her second pregnancy, Kelly strongly desired a peaceful, low-intervention experience and decided to attempt a vaginal delivery with a midwife present.  A midwife provides medical care for low-risk pregnancies during prenatal visits and attends the birth.  Kelly again gave birth at a New York hospital, and the labor with her son progressed very quickly.  She went from contractions to birth in two hours.  While the experience was uncomplicated, Kelly still felt as though her concerns and questions were ignored, and that the staff were performing a task, not caring for a patient.  

In 2022, when Kelly discovered she was pregnant, she began making plans for the birth.  While she appreciated the care and compassion she received during her ED visit to LMH, Kelly was still concerned about experiencing a low-intervention birth in a hospital.  She wanted to attempt the birth at home with a doula present.  Unlike a midwife, a doula offers no medical care, only emotional, informational, and physical support during the birthing process.

“When the physician center manager, Leisa Lunsford, discovered I was planning to deliver at home, she spoke to me about the amenities at LMH,” Kelly remembered.  “She explained that LMH has doulas on staff, and that the nurses and physicians are supportive of low-intervention births.  I decided to trust in my previous experience with LMH, and given the speed of my last birth, I wanted to ensure I had options.”

Kelly attended regular prenatal visits, and her daughter, Ayla, was born on December 30 at LMH.  With her labor again progressing slowly, OB/GYN Eric J. Hoff, D.O., offered to facilitate the process, but Kelly politely declined the assistance.  “Everyone was respectful of my wishes for a peaceful, low-intervention birth,” Kelly said.  “When I told Dr. Hoff that I did not want to speed up the process, he determined there were no health risks, and left the room.”

“The nurses and other staff members were phenomenal.  They are all shining stars.  They gave me the space I needed, made me feel comfortable, and were ready to offer anything I requested including heat packs and a peanut ball,” Kelly shared.  “Most importantly, no one spoke the word, epidural!  I felt as though I had been heard and my decisions mattered.  Everyone treated me like a real human being.  I had never experienced that type of compassion and care before.  I am so grateful for the kind treatment, and I highly recommend LMH’s services for anyone looking for a safe, welcoming birthing space.” 

After delivery, Kelly was able to spend time with her husband and children in their suite.  Cory had to work and could not enjoy the special gourmet meal that LMH offers to all new parents.  However, the staff arranged to have the meal prepared the following day for lunch.  “Instead of a lovely date night, we were able to enjoy the meal with our children.  It was a very special candlelit luncheon to welcome our newest family member.”