Availability of High-Risk Physicians

Morgan and her husband chose to tell their birth story at The University of Tennessee Medical Center. Several of their friends recommended it because of the facilities and specialized staff. Because Morgan’s pregnancy was high-risk, she wanted to be close to high-risk doctors during labor. She also wanted to be down the hall from a Level III NICU and have access to immediate help in case the baby needed it after birth.

Morgan says that it’s very scary to be a high-risk pregnancy. She had frequent physician appointments, ultrasounds and tests to closely monitor a potential heart condition her baby could have. Having these test results gave Morgan comfort and security knowing she had a team doing everything that could be done to monitor her.

“Whenever you’re dealing with the heart of your child it can be so scary. I lost a lot of sleep worrying if she was okay. Going to the high-risk doctors took all that way. I knew that they were experts at what they did, and if there was anything wrong they would find it.”

Customized Care

Morgan went into labor the night before Thanksgiving. The goal for her labor was to have a natural birth, so she was glad that labor was happening on its own. The staff at the medical center respected and supported her wishes and walked the hallways with her all night.

“On any mother’s day of labor, she just wants to feel love and support. Going in, I knew that’s what I needed to have Anna naturally. I look back at our birth story and wouldn’t want it any other way.”

After 18 hours, the labor wasn’t progressing as it should. Her physicians recommended that she go on Pitocin to assist in the labor. While this wasn’t Morgan’s original plan for her birth, she trusted her physicians that it was the best route. Morgan says that the decision was hers and appreciated the respect the staff showed her.

“They presented the idea to me, and they left the room to let my husband and I talk about it. During the whole process they just let us make our own decision. They were so kind because they didn’t push me. They didn’t make me feel awkward. Labor can be a vulnerable time. You’re feeling exposed. You’re feeling pain. You’re feeling all these emotions, and the staff was right there with me. “

Delivered on Thanksgiving

Anna was born at 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. The nursing staff brought in Thanksgiving meals and dessert to celebrate. Morgan says now that they have Anna, their life at home feels so full. “There is so much happiness and energy going inside our home now.”