- Intermountain Health's Simply Birth program supports low-risk pregnancies with minimal interventions.
- Alisha Doran delivered her newborn son, Hudson, through the program, calling the experience challenging and empowering.
SANDY — For Alisha Doran, holding her baby boy, Hudson, was the reward after a birth experience she describes as both challenging and empowering.
"If you would've asked me within 24 hours if I would ever do it again, I would've said no," she laughed. "But now looking back, I think it's something that I'm really proud of myself for doing."
Doran delivered through Intermountain Health's Simply Birth, a program designed for women with low-risk pregnancies who want a more natural birth experience. She was supported throughout her labor by Hollie Wharton, a certified nurse midwife.
"So what we try to do is avoid unnecessary interventions and get back to letting the body do what it usually knows what to do," Wharton said.
To prepare, Doran and her husband attended childbirth education classes, learning breathing, massage, and other tools to manage pain without an epidural. During labor, she was able to move around, use a laboring tub, sit on a birthing ball, and use nitrous oxide — offered at Orem Community Hospital and Alta View Hospital — all while having immediate access to medical support if needed.
"I just loved that they gave me enough information for me to make my own choices, and I never felt pressured to do anything in particular," Doran said.
Doran's labor wasn't easy. Hudson was facing the wrong way, and there were moments she wasn't sure she could keep going.
"So you have kind of that extra care and attention from your midwives, but with the backup just in case you need it," she added. On Aug. 6, Doran gave birth to Hudson, a healthy, nearly 9-pound baby boy.
"Your nurse midwife is there helping with counter pressure, labor support, getting up and walking around, suggesting different positions for you," Wharton said. "I think this program shows women what they're really capable of."
Intermountain Health offers Simply Birth at Alta View Hospital, Layton Hospital, LDS Hospital, St. George Regional Medical Center and Cedar City Hospital. Learn more about the program at Intermountain's web page.
