Memorial Hospital in Shiloh Maternity Patient Delivers Third Child With A Doula

When Crystal Scott, 40, of Aviston, Illinois, was pregnant with her third baby, she was diagnosed with preeclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure. If left untreated, preeclampsia can cause serious complications for both mom—including seizures, stroke, and organ damage—and baby, such as premature birth. Crystal’s pregnancy was also considered high risk because of her age.  

Crystal delivered her first two babies at Memorial Hospital in Shiloh, part of BJC HealthCare. So, when this complication arose, she knew where to turn. The team at Memorial and Crystal’s doula worked together to give her the expert care and personalized support both she and her baby—a little girl named Kenna—needed.

“When I went into labor, the care team at Memorial did whatever they could to make it easier for me,” Crystal says. “Even though I had preeclampsia, they said they could still make the best of the situation and honor my wish of doing everything as naturally as possible. It was nice having everyone working together.” 

How Memorial cares for high-risk pregnancy patients 

Maternity care at Memorial includes a specialized Family Care Birthing Center as well as a  Level 2E Special Care Nursery for infants born prematurely or who have health conditions that require extra medical attention. Washington University Physicians in Illinois Inc., including neonatologists and pediatricians from St. Louis Children's Hospital, provide care for newborns, when needed.  

Memorial is also recognized nationally for its nursing excellence. Micah Deterding, RN, along with BJC Medical Group certified nurse-midwife Christina Zagorski, CNM, cared for Crystal as she labored with Kenna. In addition to being a labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum nurse, Micah also works in the Special Care Nursery and the Hospital’s OB Emergency Department, the first in the Metro East dedicated to providing emergency care to pregnant patients with medical needs. With her credentials and expertise, Micah is skilled in caring for patients with high-risk pregnancies. 

Micah was upfront yet compassionate with Crystal. The nurse let her know how they would handle certain situations if they arose.  

“I’m big on explaining things and educating beforehand as well as in the moment,” Micah says. “I like to plant the seeds along the way, rather than everything happening at once.”

Pregnant women are often treated for high blood pressure with an IV medication that can sometimes cause the baby to be lethargic or need breathing support after birth. “I let parents know the respiratory team will be at delivery,” Micah says. “And hopefully the baby doesn’t need help with breathing, but sometimes they do. That’s a conversation I like to have right from the beginning, so there are no surprises.” 

Once Kenna arrived and moved to the Special Care Nursery for additional care and monitoring, Micah stayed with Crystal, providing even more support.

“Out of all the areas I work, being assigned to Labor and Delivery is my favorite,” Micah says. “I take it very seriously. I know it’s a vulnerable time for the patients I’m with.” 

Collaborative care between the certified nurse-midwife, nurse, and doula 

In addition to Micah, Crystal found support in Taylor Cipicchio, a doula based in the Metro East, who supported her last pregnancy. A doula is a trained, non-medical professional who offers physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers and families as they welcome their baby. In 2024, the state of Illinois announced Medicaid coverage for perinatal doula and lactation consultant services. If a doula is certified, Medicaid and private insurers reimburse the patient for the cost.  

Taylor helped Crystal prepare for Kenna’s birth and coached her through labor and delivery. “The reason why I chose to have a doula is to help guide me through the mindset piece,” Crystal says. 

For labor and delivery, Crystal says Taylor changed the ambiance of her private room at Memorial by bringing in battery-operated candles, hanging lights, and adding essential oils to a diffuser to make it feel more intimate. Taylor also helped ease Crystal’s nerves by guiding her through breathing exercises, massaging her shoulders, and reassuring her that everything would be OK. 

“If Christina, my midwife, came in and outlined next steps and options, we would chat through them with Micah and Taylor,” Crystal says. “It was nice to have all three to talk to when making a decision.” 

Crystal says she and Kenna have been doing well since coming home.

“She fits in perfectly and her big sisters are obsessed with her,” Crystal says. “We are officially outnumbered but wouldn’t have it any other way.”

If you or someone you know is interested delivering a baby at Memorial Hospital in Shiloh, visit the  Family Care Birthing Center for more information.