Nov 14, 2018 Reporting from Niles, MI
No Complications - Sasha Thompson
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/medical-services/womens-health-services/pregnancy-care/our-patients-say-it-best/Detail/no-complications/
Nov 14, 2018
Nov 14, 2018
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
At 38 weeks pregnant, 25-year-old Sasha Gay Thompson decided to switch her prenatal care to BellaNova Women’s Health.
“I know I switched late in the game, but I’m so glad I did. I needed answers that I wasn’t getting elsewhere,” said the Berrien Spr
No Complications - Sasha Thompson
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/ResourcePackages/SpectrumHealth/assets/img/sh_white_logo.png
No Complications - Sasha Thompson
Nov, 2018
Physicians:
At 38 weeks pregnant, 25-year-old Sasha Gay Thompson decided to switch her prenatal care to BellaNova Women’s Health.
“I know I switched late in the game, but I’m so glad I did. I needed answers that I wasn’t getting elsewhere,” said the Berrien Springs resident.
Obstetricians and gynecologists Ashley Dupuis, DO, and Benjamin Wood, DO, quickly welcomed Sasha to the practice and began to oversee the remaining weeks of her prenatal care.
“At BellaNova, they understood that even though something might be common for most pregnant women, it wasn’t a common experience for me,” said Sasha. “When I switched, they listened to my concerns.”
Although Sasha suspected something wasn’t quite routine with her pregnancy, she didn’t know what a key role BellaNova providers would play during labor and delivery.
When the time came, Sasha was admitted to Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph to deliver her son. But as labor progressed, the baby’s heart rate dropped with each contraction, and it became apparent that it would not be a routine delivery. During the time that these concerns emerged, nurses and midwives were by Sasha’s side.
“One nurse in particular, Jamie, kept reassuring me the whole time and telling me everything would be okay,” said Sasha. “That’s how I know she was really good – I remember her name.”
Around twelve hours into labor, Sasha was given an explanation as to why she needed an emergency Caesarean section (C-section), for the safety of her and her baby.
“I could immediately tell that the doctor knew what she was doing and I didn’t have any questions,” said Sasha.
Although it was an unexpected turn in Sasha’s labor and delivery, she felt the team carefully walked her through next steps.
Sasha's son was safely delivered via C-section, and after a five-day stay in the hospital, Sasha and her son Amir went home.
Recovery from the procedure and adjusting to life with a newborn isn’t always easy. Although Sasha says the biggest change has been the lack of sleep and battling all things postpartum, she is also grateful for the care she received, so she could start life with a newborn without any complications.
“Sometimes, you hear horror stories about C-sections, and that just wasn’t the case for me,” said Sasha. “I walked away with no complications.”
For other new or expecting moms, Sasha recommends not being afraid to ask questions or get different opinions.
“You know your body and you know what works,” said Sasha. “For me, what worked was switching to BellaNova! Don’t be afraid to be honest with your providers. Some days you’ll feel as though you’re a rock star and others you’ll just be happy both you and your baby survived! There is no one size fits all in motherhood. Make sure to find yourself a support system.”