Birth Plan and Hypnobirthing: An Empowering Delivery Story

Madison Godesky, a 34-year-old biomedical engineer, was excited to have her first baby. When she visited Hackensack Meridian Brielle Obstetrics and Gynecology, she noticed something different than she expected. 

Instead of meeting with the same doctor every time, she saw a mix of nurses, midwives and doctors, all supporting her during her pregnancy. At first, she was unsure of the team approach, but over time she grew comfortable with this style of care. She liked knowing that several experts were checking on her and her baby and following her birth plan.

While learning about birth options, Madison came across hypnobirthing. This process uses hypnosis and mindfulness techniques to manage labor pain. Madison liked that it focused on staying calm through breathing and relaxation. She also learned helpful movements and positions for different stages of labor. 

Madison shared her birth plan with her care team so that everyone would understand her wishes and maintain that understanding with the delivery team.

Set a Birth Plan That Works for Both Mom and Baby

A few nights before her real labor began, Madison experienced false labor. Then one night, around midnight, her contractions became regular. By 8 a.m., she called Brielle Obstetrics and Gynecology. Together, they agreed she could stay at home a little longer.

At 3 p.m., Madison and her care team agreed it was time to go to Ocean University Medical Center in Brick. The hospital team, whom she had never met but worked in close collaboration with her OB/GYN office, had already been told her medical history and her birth plan. 

They immediately supported her hypnobirthing plan by dimming the lights and letting her move around. The team also knew that her goal was to have an unmedicated vaginal birth and said they would do their best to support her in this.

Trust the Team During Unexpected Challenges

Just before labor began, the baby was found to be in the “sunny side up” position. This meant that the baby was facing up at the sky instead of facing down toward Madison’s back, which is not the ideal position for delivery.

The “sunny side up” position can make labor harder and make it more difficult to have an unmedicated vaginal birth. And, especially in first-time moms like Madison, this position can sometimes increase the risk for a cesarean section, which Madison hoped to avoid. To make things more stressful, Skye’s heart rate kept fluctuating. 

Midwife Kristen Landfried, CNM, and the nurses worked hard to follow Madison’s birth plan while keeping both mom and baby safe. They guided Madison into different positions to help the baby rotate. Luckily, the position that felt best for Madison also helped facilitate this rotation.

Later, Madison felt a strong urge to push. But the baby didn’t tolerate pushing well and wasn’t low enough in her pelvis yet so the team told her to avoid pushing for a few hours. 

To help Madison resist the urge and manage the pain she was in, the team recommended an epidural. Although an epidural wasn’t part of Madison’s birth plan, she agreed to have one because it would make it easier for her labor to progress safely.

The Turning Point During Labor

The midwife and nurse team kept supporting Madison as her birth plan, including hypnobirthing, progressed. She used peanut balls and labor straps to help Madison move into different positions that could help the baby turn over. 

After trying a few positions again, they found one that finally worked: a runner’s lunge. It was tricky for Madison to get into this position while under the effects of the epidural, but the nurses were committed to helping her. Once she got into this position, the baby rotated to the ideal face-down position. The excitement in the room was palpable.

The Baby’s Arrival

With the baby finally in the correct position, Madison moved on to her back and began pushing. Surrounded by Madison’s team, baby Skye was born, delivered by Susan Passarella, DO, the OB hospitalist Site Director at Ocean University Medical Center and Southern Ocean Medical Center. 

“The art of ‘spinning babies’ is a skill that our experienced midwives and nursing staff have incorporated into the labor process to help increase a patient’s chances of having a successful vaginal delivery,” notes Dr. Passarella.

A New Mother’s Advice

Madison’s recovery went smoothly. She believes her careful planning and her team’s dedication are what helped her achieve the vaginal delivery she hoped for. Madison was impressed with the amazing teamwork of her doctors, nurses and midwives. Their respect for her wishes and constant support made all the difference.

“With this type of team model, we all work so well together. We try to understand what each patient wants. Sometimes in labor, the baby doesn’t cooperate, and we have to get creative and adjust as we did with Madison and Skye. The goal is to find a balance that acknowledges and respects a mom's birth plan, but also keeps mom and baby safe,” says Dr. Passarella.

Madison’s advice for parents-to-be: “Learn how delivery works before you’re in it! Understand the goal during each stage of labor. Make sure you share what you want with your team.” 

While she never expected Skye’s tricky position, understanding what it meant helped her stay focused and calm. 

Madison’s story shows how preparation, flexibility and teamwork can lead to a positive birth experience, even when things don’t go as planned. 

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Susan Passarella, D.O.
• To make an appointment, call 800-822-8905 or learn more about obstetric and gynecological care options near you here. 
• Learn more about obstetrics and gynecology.