of your labor is in your arms – it’s an awesome feeling.”
PREPARATION IS KEY n Cheryl Kunde, RN
“We are seeing more and more women who want to try labor and delivery without the use of pain medications,” said Cheryl Kunde, RN, a longtime nurse at the Birthing Center. “Te Advanced Comfort Measures class gives people the opportunity to practice natural pain
techniques hands-on before they are in labor.” Traucht’s doctor agrees that preparation is critical.
n The Traucht family
“Krista was very motivated to have a natural experience and she took good care of herself during pregnancy,” said Amy Diestelhorst, MD, a Froedtert Health Medical Group obstetrician/ gynecologist. Dr. Diestelhorst tells her patients it is important to have realistic expectations about non-medicated birth and remain open to other pain management strategies.
n Amy Diestelhorst, MD “I CAN DO THIS”
Back home aſter the class, Traucht was unable to sleep. What started out as slight discomfort progressed into contractions.
n Sally Slusser, RN
“It started to get more intense, so at that point I knew it was the real deal,” she said. Te couple started using pain relief techniques they had learned just hours before.
“I leaned over the birthing ball and asked Benjamin to press on my lower back as
hard as he could,” Traucht said. “He was pushing with all his strength, and it felt good to me. It really relieved the pressure and pain.” When it was time to pack up and head to Community Memorial’s Birthing Center, they included everything – massage oil, a soothing sound machine and visualization stories.
Te couple arrived at the hospital at about 3:30 in the morning, and before long, Traucht was actively pushing.
“I remember saying I didn’t think I could do it anymore,” Traucht said. “Te nurses were all very encouraging. Tey were cheering me on and saying, one more push! It gives you the extra adrenaline you need to say, OK, I can do this.”
Levi was born just aſter 6 a.m.
“When they set him on my chest, I immediately started crying,” Traucht said. “Te joy when you realize you did it and the fruit
According to Dr. Diestelhorst, the Birthing Center was designed to support parents who want childbirth to be a family experience.
“Te goal is to make birth less of a medical intervention and more of a natural process, with the ability to intervene if needed,” said Dr. Diestelhorst.
Te Birthing Center offers spacious birthing suites with private baths and guest accommodations so that parents feel at home. Mothers stay in the same comfortable room for labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum care.
During the birthing experience, a certified registered nurse anesthetist is present and obstetric registered nurses offer personalized care to the expectant mom. In the event of a complication, the center’s Special Care Nursery offers specialists in newborn care and high-risk pregnancies, along with the latest technology. Te Special Care Nursery was the first in Wisconsin with private rooms, providing a quiet place for parents to cuddle and spend time with their baby. Tere are even special care suites that can accommodate twins.
Levi is now a content and happy 1-year-old, and the Trauchts are kept busy baby-proofing their home as Levi explores.
“He brings so much joy and is such a huge blessing to us,” Traucht said, “I just can’t imagine life without him.”
To find an obstetrician/gynecologist, register for a Birthing Center tour or learn more about prenatal and infant care classes at Community Memorial, call Careconnection at 262-251-1001 or 800-246-8332. n
FEELING FINE SPRING 2012 11
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