For many parents, seeing a positive pregnancy test for the first time can be an overwhelming experience. Pregnancy comes with anticipation and excitement—of becoming parents and raising a child—but also anxiety about what it will be like to give birth and, ultimately, care for a baby. When first-time mom Jordyn Levi found out she was pregnant in the spring of 2022, she asked other moms in the area for guidance on where she should receive prenatal care and delivery. Following the advice from her peers, Jordyn's pregnancy journey began right here, close to home, at Lebanon Physicians for Women (LPW) and Spring View Hospital (SVH).

As soon-to-be first-time parents, Jordyn and her husband, Taylor, took every opportunity provided by Spring View Hospital to prepare for their new bundle of joy. "We attended the childbirth education and breastfeeding class, which was very helpful since this would be a new experience," stated Jordyn. "We also toured the Women's Center and liked the spaciousness and cleanliness of the rooms."

Jordyn's prenatal appointments began at the Lebanon clinic of Lebanon Physicians for Women. One of Jordyn's first appointments was with Sandra Poland, a certified nurse midwife who joined Spring View Hospital in November 2021. Jordyn stated, "Sandra was so informative during my appointments, and she spent a lot of time answering my questions."

While Jordyn was happy with her experience at Lebanon Physicians for Women in Lebanon, she took advantage of the Campbellsville LPW location which opened in the summer of 2022. As a resident and employee in Campbellsville, it made more logistic sense. "When the Campbellsville clinic opened, I switched my appointments there, which is when I met Alison Feese," stated Jordyn. Alison Feese is a certified nurse midwife and joined Lebanon Physicians for Women and Spring View Hospital in August 2022.

While Jordyn admits to not clearly understanding a midwife's role, her experience far exceeded her expectations. "I felt like I was Alison's only patient, and her quality care during each visit was amazing. I didn't have a specific birth plan in mind, but I knew there were things that I did and did not want during my delivery," explained Jordyn. Jordyn's biggest goal was to deliver naturally without the assistance of any painkillers or anesthetic. "I communicated these things to Alison, and she never once made me feel like I was too out of reach or that I couldn't achieve this goal. We always talked it through if Alison suggested something, and she respected my decision. At the end of the day, I wanted a safe delivery and a healthy baby."

Due to gestational hypertension (high blood pressure during pregnancy), Jordyn was scheduled to deliver her baby via induction on September 30, 2022. Labor induction — also known as inducing labor — prompts the uterus to contract during pregnancy before labor begins for birth. A healthcare provider might recommend inducing labor for various reasons, primarily when there's a concern for the mother's or baby's health.

As the Levi family anxiously checked into the hospital, they immediately felt at ease. The front desk was friendly and helpful, and the young couple quickly settled into a room in the women's center. Jordyn stated, "From the moment we walked into the hospital to the second we left, every employee in the facility went above and beyond for us, which includes the nurses, doctors, Alison, housekeeping, and the cafeteria staff."

When labor began to progress, Jordyn was thankful for Alison's guidance and encouragement, especially as labor became increasingly difficult. "There came the point where I didn't know if I could do it longer," admitted Jordyn. "I wanted to be unmedicated, and Alison, as well as the nurses, pushed and motivated me throughout the entire process. Even after shift change, the nurses stayed with me until Collins was born. I thought that spoke volumes." 

Jordyn was complimentary of all her nurses during her delivery, stating, "I couldn't have done it without them. They were all knowledgeable, kind, and knew what they were doing." With their guidance, Collins Levi was born on October 1, 2022, weighing 7 pounds, 4 ounces and measuring 20.25 inches.

Following the birth of her baby girl, Jordyn also utilized the lactation services that Spring View Hospital offers. Mary Green, a certified nurse midwife and lactation consultant, guides patients struggling with nursing. "I never saw Mary for prenatal visits," Jordyn explained, "But I've seen her twice as a lactation consultant. She is wonderful! Collins quit latching, and we had her back nursing within one visit."

Despite the sleep deprivation from caring for a newborn, Jordyn gushes over her newfound motherhood. "Being a new mom has been a huge change, but it has been the biggest blessing in our lives," says Jordyn. "I might lack sleep, but it is worth it. We love Collins so much and are blessed that God chose us to be her parents. She is surrounded by so much love!"

The Levi family is forever grateful for their positive experience at Spring View Hospital and are already looking forward to expanding their family in the future. "We felt like we made the right choice, and now we know we did," they said. "We look forward to delivering our next child here!"