Patient Stories
A Team Approach Leads to Successful Labor and Delivery
"It takes a village" is a saying many of us have heard, but for Kristyn Kitchell, this phrase took on a deeply personal meaning during her birth journey.
On Easter, the 30-year-old Westville resident noticed significant swelling in her feet, but at nearly 34 weeks pregnant, she assumed it was from her busy day of going to church and multiple family holiday celebrations. She made a mental note to address the swelling with her doctor, Dr. Julius Ellis, at her next scheduled OB-GYN appointment the following Tuesday. Read more.
Traveling Across Two Counties for the Love of Her Children
Although Jaleesa Fox had moved from Michigan City to Merrillville, a town more than 40 miles from Northwest Health – La Porte hospital, it was still the only place she wanted to bring her third baby into the world – surrounded by the family of nurses, doctors and lactation specialists who made the delivery of her second child a most amazing and loving birthing experience.
"I didn't know what to expect after I had my first baby. He was born prematurely at 25 weeks, so my second child was my first vaginal delivery of a full-term baby and I was nervous," said Jaleesa.
Jaleesa shared she had created a very specific birthing plan outlining her wishes for how she wanted her labor and delivery to proceed, including her desire to cut the umbilical cord after the baby's birth.
"The delivery of my daughter, Michaela, at Northwest Health – La Porte was a birthing experience that I will never forget. My doctor, Dr. Julius Ellis, and nurses Amy, Brianna, Amanda and Jaymee – worked as a team and respected my birthing wishes. I honestly have never felt so supported by a medical team in my entire life," said Jaleesa. "Even when they discovered the umbilical cord wrapped around Michaela's neck, Dr. Ellis cut the cord to keep her safe, but also left enough cord so I could re-cut it myself. It was a magical moment."
Eighteen months later, Jaleesa again drove more than 40 miles, bypassing several other hospitals, to deliver her third child at Northwest Health – La Porte. "I could not have imagined going anywhere else," said Jaleesa. "I'm very holistic in my approach to health and was again given the power to advocate for my birthing plan. At the time of delivery we sang 'Push It' by Salt-N-Pepa, and I somehow even got my wished-for birthing time of 11:11."
Jaleesa shared that she will always cherish the way her children were brought into this world and the team that helped her.
"There aren't enough words to express my gratitude to these wonderful, amazing people who shine in their careers," said Jaleesa. "I thank each of them for becoming my family and being part of the greatest memories of my entire life. I will never forget them and neither will my children."