Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/915948
A SEA CHANGE FOR C-SECTIONS When it became apparent that a C-section would be the safest option for Rosabeth, Ms. Eldh consulted Thomas Paone, M.D., obstetrician/gynecologist at NYP Brooklyn Methodist. The midwives work closely with the obstetricians/gynecologists at the Hospital when labor becomes complex. "At NYP Brooklyn Methodist, midwives and obstetricians are true partners in care," says Roseanne Seminara, C.N.M., director of midwifery at the Hospital. "When we midwives encounter a labor that isn't progressing normally, they don't think twice about consulting an attending obstetrician. Likewise, if a doctor is having trouble getting a labor to proceed, a midwife may be able to help." When Ms. Eldh spoke with Dr. Paone, he brought up the option of a gentle C-section, an approach to surgical delivery that incorporates the intimacy and family-centered aspects of vaginal childbirth as much as possible. "Instead of using a solid drape that separates the parents from the delivery, we use a transparent one that allows them to see the baby immediately," Dr. Paone says. "We put the baby right up to the drape so the mother can see him or her. The pediatrician examines the baby on the mother's chest rather than on a nearby warmer so the mother and baby can enjoy skin-to-skin time right away while the surgery wraps up. When it's time to go to recovery, the mom and baby go together." When Rosabeth learned about gentle C-section, she was immediately receptive to the idea. "Several of the elements of a gentle C-section, such as the special skin-to-skin time, were what I wanted in a vaginal birth," Rosabeth says. "The midwives, doula and team at NYP Brooklyn Methodist translated my birth plan for a natural delivery into one for a gentle C-section." A FAMILY FROM THE FIRST MOMENT Rosabeth entered an operating room for her gentle C-section on the night of November 8. David was by her side throughout the procedure, and Ms. Eldh was present to provide emotional support and help keep Rosabeth informed during the surgery. "Dr. Paone played music and created a truly intimate environment in the operating room," Ms. Eldh says. "It is important for mothers to have that feeling of closeness and comfort during birth. As the C-section proceeded, I explained to Rosabeth what was happening and what she was feeling." When someone in the room said "Rosabeth, lift your head—your baby is about to be born," Rosabeth looked up through the clear drape and saw her daughter, Stella Jean-Louise, for the first time. "To see her being delivered was so powerful," Rosabeth says. "In terms of my husband's and my emotions, it was as if we were having a vaginal delivery. David got to cut Stella's umbilical cord and take pictures. When I held her on my chest for the first time, it was the best moment of my life." For Dr. Paone, that moment encapsulates the purpose of gentle C-section. "Mother, baby and partner get to be a family unit right away," he says. "Gentle C-section turns an operation into a birth." Rosabeth agrees. "What I appreciated most about the gentle C-section was that I was present and aware," she says. "That means I can say to my daughter, 'I've known you from the moment you took your first breath.' That was really important to me." Now nearly two months old, Stella is a happy, healthy baby who likes to smile and is not shy about letting her parents know when she is hungry or wants attention. She takes just about everything in stride, which bodes well for the future. An enthusiastic gardener, Rosabeth looks forward to introducing her daughter to her hobby. Both David and Rosabeth are excited to take Stella swimming, golfing and snowboarding when she's older. Now that they have the family they dreamed of, the fun is just beginning. F IN D A D O C T O R 718 . 49 9.C A R E ( 2 27 3 ) 15