Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1518203
8 | Health Matters: Providence Little Company of Mary San Pedro and Torrance R oxanna Iran knew she wanted her third time giving birth to be different. The births of her first two children, four-and-a-half- year-old Elena and two-and-a-half-year-old Celina, had been by C-section—the first one an emergency procedure and the second one scheduled. But this time Roxanna was committed to following her own birth plan. The Manhattan Beach resident wanted a vaginal birth, a so-called VBAC (vaginal birth after C-section). To find a maternity care team that would respect her goal, she switched to Providence Little Company of Mary. "I was looking for a provider who would work with me on a vaginal birth after two C-sections," she says. "Julie Oates is known among the moms of the South Bay as the go-to for that. I wanted one-on-one care." Certified Nurse Midwife Julie Oates says, "I loved Roxanna's determination from the very beginning." As a nurse midwife practicing at Providence Little Company of Mary, Oates says she "establishes a strong relationship of trust" with clients whose babies she'll catch. Each prenatal visit is a full 30 minutes, so Oates and the mother-to-be get to know each other well and discuss every step of the process and what the challenges might be. In Roxanna's case, it turned out to be a very long labor—24 hours—and Oates was with her for the entire delivery process. "It was effectively Roxanna's first baby," Oates explains. "And that takes a long time." Oates practices in conjunction with OB-GYN Donna Richey, MD, so if Roxanna had required a surgical intervention, Dr. Richey would have helped. But as it was, the birth of Roxanna's son, Julian, went smoothly and she has nothing but good memories of the experience. "Julie was so supportive about everything," Roxanna says. "I felt so grateful." AN EXTRA SET OF HANDS When Lori Sadel learned that her four-year-old son William was going to gain not one but two younger brothers, she knew she wanted some extra help in the delivery room. Doula Courtney Satow proved invaluable, Lori A Better Birth Two new moms talk about the special services and care that made giving birth at Providence Little Company of Mary a joyful experience. Roxanna Iran with husband Korey, daughters Elena and Celina and newest addition Julian.