Wamego mom grateful she chose Via Christi for her first delivery

In September 2024, Shelby Holz was in a flurry. She and her fiancé, Josh, were building a house, living in an RV temporarily, planning a wedding, and they found out they were expecting their first baby.

While it all felt like things were not going exactly as planned, Via Christi Birth and Women’s Center in Manhattan, Kansas, was exactly what she needed. 

Working around health issues

Shelby’s pregnancy was all but easy. Her hyperemesis, a condition of severe and constant nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, required emergency room visits for IV fluids and anti-nausea medicine. 

She was also diagnosed with gestational diabetes, a condition in which a mother develops high blood sugar she didn’t have before pregnancy. While she managed this through diet changes, her doctor recommended scheduling an induction birth at 38 weeks to prevent any further issues. 

A long-awaited arrival

On Sunday, April 20, the couple checked in at the Birth and Women’s Center. The next morning, the team gave her medication to dilate her cervix and induce contractions and delivery. For the next 12 hours, Shelby’s labor would slowly and painfully progress.

Lou Ann Clouse, CRNA, was by her side administering epidurals. Shelby was familiar with the pain management injection because of her degenerative disc disease and two bulging discs on her right side. Lou Ann never gave up trying to comfort Shelby’s high pain level.

“Lou Ann, you are amazing. I don't know how else to describe you because you did everything you could possibly do to help me get through the last of my active labor,” said Shelby in an online review. “I did not have to wait very long at all for you to administer my epidural, especially when it ran out. I already had back issues before pregnancy, which made things harder with the epidural anyways, and you did everything in your power to help. I can't thank you enough.”

Shelby’s praise extended to her entire team. From Mary Biesecker, RN, who was a comforting part of her arrival. Then, her night-shift nurse Jennifer Trevarton, RN, who coached her through tough spots. 

“Jennifer was so encouraging and kept me present with my baby during a tough time,” said Shelby. “She educated me on what was happening on the ultrasound, contraction and heart rate monitors. She was extremely helpful in positioning me with the peanut ball to progress the labor, was always offering personalized solutions and checked on me every half hour.” 

In the evening, Shelby was finally getting closer. At a dilated eight centimeters, her pain returned, and so did LouAnn. At 9 p.m., Shelby was in active labor, and said the only one getting them through this was Courtney Dechant, RN. 

“Courtney is an angel sent from above, I swear,” said Shelby. “She was the reason I was able to get through active labor, even though I kept saying I couldn't push through it and wanted to give up. She stayed calm and steady when I could not. I am so thankful and grateful for her as a first-time mom.” 

Even though Shelby was yelling and screaming, she recalls Courtney being the calm of the storm. “She didn’t get upset, showed no anxiety or frustration, led my fiancé through encouraging me and what to do when he felt unwell.” 

When Shelby was told it was likely going to be 20 more pushes to get her baby out, Courtney’s solid presence gave her the strength to do it in just three pushes. 

At 10:02 p.m., daughter Scottie arrived weighing 8 pounds and 2 ounces. 

“It was the best feeling in the world,” said Shelby. “A relief and weight lifted off my shoulders when she was placed on my chest. She had been through so much, but we did it. She’s okay, she made it, and I could not be more thankful or grateful. My heart was so full.”

Postpartum and breastfeeding support

Shelby’s great care continued into her postpartum experience. The new mom stayed overnight into Tuesday, so tests could be done to ensure Scottie needed no further help from the hospital’s Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and dedicated neonatologist Heather Morgan, MD. 

Her postpartum nurses were just as great. Shelby appreciated how they checked on her mental health, gave tips and answered questions and showed genuine interest in their lives. 

“They all embraced our crazy family,” said Shelby. “Emily was so sweet to us! Amber and Tayler, you girls were a blast to have for recovery as well. We absolutely loved you ladies!”

The hospital’s certified lactation consultant Melanie Ramsey, RN, ICBLC, gave her a great start on her breastfeeding journey. With her advice, she successfully continued with minimal issues.

The new family of three went home the next day. 

Advice for moms 

Like most moms, Shelby looked online to see what to expect, and offers this advice to other moms: 

“I want people to know you need to be kind to doctors and nurses,” said Shelby. “They are doing what is best for you and baby. They are giving up time with family, coming in when on-call, to make sure you and your baby are doing okay. They’re humans, and go through so much in one day’s time.” 

Shelby urges parents to take a tour of the unit and chat with the nurses when planning where to deliver. ”These ladies are so personable. Sit and talk with them, conversate, ask questions. They’re helping mothers who are going through the best and worst days of their lives.”

“You ladies are amazing! I could not have asked for a better experience for my first time giving birth. I know the medical world is a tough place to work in, but you ladies exceeded in every way possible! I'm so thankful, grateful, and blessed,” said Shelby in her online review. 

“They deserve recognition for their care and compassion. They will be the reason I will come back to Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan if we decide to have another baby. I hope every single one of them is still there when that day comes!”

To learn more about Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan’s Birth and Women’s Center or schedule an in-person tour, visit ascension.org/ManhattanKSBaby