Dec 17, 2020 Reporting from Niles, MI
Birth in the midst of COVID-19 - Destini Hill
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Dec 17, 2020
Dec 17, 2020
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
Nearing their third wedding anniversary, 24-year-old Destini Hill and her husband Dominique were planning to add to their family. One month into the new year Destini learned she was pregnant. The couple was excited and anxious for the new arrival. Th
Birth in the midst of COVID-19 - Destini Hill
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
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Birth in the midst of COVID-19 - Destini Hill
Dec, 2020
Nearing their third wedding anniversary, 24-year-old Destini Hill and her husband Dominique were planning to add to their family. One month into the new year Destini learned she was pregnant. The couple was excited and anxious for the new arrival. Their first ultrasound appointment happened on Valentine’s day, making it an extra special celebration of love for their growing baby.
Within the next few weeks, everything began to change as cases of COVID-19 began to increase nationwide and the unknowns of giving birth during a global pandemic began to multiply. As a nurse at Spectrum Health Lakeland, Destini was no stranger to caring for patients. She continued to serve on the front lines at the hospital throughout her pregnancy.
“It was a stressful time with everything going on in our world and certainly something I never expected to happen,” said Destini. “Being pregnant while things were constantly changing around me, I learned to just go with it.”
The virus continued to spread causing hospitals to put stricter in-person guidelines in place for the safety of patients and employees. As a patient at BellaNova Women’s Health, Destini had both in-person and virtual appointments leading up to her third trimester.
“I was already very comfortable with the care team at BellaNova as I had given birth to my daughter with them in 2015,” said Destini. “Even virtually, everyone was so friendly and thorough.”
Destini was nearing her due date and began experiencing pain in her lower back. She told her husband that she felt like it was time to head to the hospital. She was admitted to Spectrum Health Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph.
“Right away the staff at the BirthPlace took amazing care of me,” said Destini. “Every person I encountered was kind and caring.”
As a nurse herself, Destini was hesitant to ask for help at first, but her care team reassured her that caring for her and the baby were a top priority.
“Even with the pandemic going on, each nurse took the time to make sure my husband and I were comfortable with everything happening,” said Destini. “They were really straightforward, and I always felt safe and informed.”
To help move Destini’s labor along, her pregnancy was induced. Things moved very quickly from there. Destini’s water broke minutes into the start of labor and delivery nurse, Rachel Bass, RN, shift.
“As soon as nurse Rachel walked in, we both knew it was time,” said Destini. “My contractions were strong, and I was in a lot of pain.”
Destini’s pain continued to worsen, and it was affecting her body and her baby. The baby’s heart rate started to drop. Focused on the safety of mom and baby, the team was quick to help calm Destini.
Labor and delivery nurse, Kim Smith, RN, stepped in and reminded Destini what she was doing this for.
“Nurse Kim told me I needed breath for my baby—those comforting words got me through labor,” said Destini. “I knew I had to do it for my baby.”
With the support of her husband, and her attentive care team, Destini and Dominique welcomed their son, Ja’kobi Hill, into their arms.
Destini’s advice to expecting mothers, “Take it one day at a time. Trust and lean on your health care team for support. They’re there for your baby and you every step of the way.”
As they continue to settle into life as a family of four, the Hills are enjoying their time together and taking it one day at a time.