A Pregnancy Journey Built on Intention

Looking back, Hallie describes her first pregnancy as “traumatic.”  

While pregnant with her daughter, Magnolia, Hallie experienced hyperemesis, a condition that causes severe nausea and vomiting. Magnolia was born healthy and happy, but Hallie faced complications after her delivery with a previous health care provider that slowed her postpartum recovery.  

After Magnolia's birth, Hallie became more intentional about her overall health and recovery. Because of that, Hallie and her husband, Matt, decided they wanted a different approach to childbirth for their next pregnancy—and a provider who would understand Hallie’s new outlook and past experiences while supporting her goals for a more natural pregnancy in the future.

Feeling heard and supported

Hallie’s sister had a positive experience with Kari Reimann, CNM, at BJC Medical Group Midwifery and recommended her to Hallie. 

Certified nurse midwives are advanced-practice clinicians who specialize in women’s health, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Midwives support patients in low-risk pregnancies who want a personalized care experience with low medical intervention when appropriate. Hallie scheduled a well-woman exam with Kari before trying to conceive to see if she was the right fit.  

“We have a lot of people who come to us for a well-woman visit but really want to talk about a future pregnancy,” Kari says. “And we love that because it’s a nice entry point where they can feel comfortable with us before they’re pregnant.”

During that first appointment, Hallie shared her health history, her concerns, and what she hoped for in a future birth experience.  

“Kari talked me through my previous pregnancy, and I cried with her,” Hallie says. “She was very patient, kind, and validating of my previous experience. She kept asking what questions I had and took the time to understand me and really care, which I really appreciated.”  
 

Creating a reassuring birth plan

When Hallie became pregnant again, she and Kari worked together to develop a care plan tailored to both her medical history and her desire for a low-intervention birth experience. Not long into the pregnancy, Hallie began experiencing signs of hyperemesis again. But this time felt different because she had a plan and a care team she trusted.

To help manage the symptoms while respecting Hallie’s wishes, Kari wrote her an anti-nausea prescription to use if needed, which Hallie eventually did.  

“Knowing we had a plan in place in case problems happened again helped her feel a lot more comfortable,” Kari says.  

Patients at BJC Medical Group Midwifery are cared for by all three CNMs during their pregnancy. The midwives work closely with Jeffrey S. Mormol, MD, a BJC Medical Group OB-GYN and the practice’s consulting physician, to ensure appropriate and exceptional care for all clients.

“The strength of the nurse-midwife and physician model is that it provides patients choices while ensuring a seamless transition when care needs to change,” Dr. Mormol says. “The model allows both providers to remain engaged in creating the best possible birth experience."

This team-based approach ensures women like Hallie get outstanding care by a familiar face at every stage of the pregnancy journey, while also having access to more advanced care and specialists if needed.  

So when Hallie went into labor in the middle of the night, Kimberly Temple, CNM, a member of the midwifery team, met her at the Childbirth Center at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. Kimberley coached and encouraged Hallie as she progressed through labor without medication.

“She was so reassuring,” Hallie says. “Every once in a while, she'd ask a question in a calm, soothing voice while respecting my wishes. She really went above and beyond.”

Hallie and her team’s patience paid off when she delivered a baby boy named Shepherd. Based on blood transfusions Hallie needed after delivering Magnolia, the care team gave Hallie medication to help her uterus contract and decrease bleeding after delivery.

In the days following Shepherd’s birth, Hallie recalls feeling healthier and more clearheaded than she did after Magnolia’s birth. Two weeks after delivering Shepherd, Hallie met with the midwifery team for a follow-up appointment to see how she was doing both physically and emotionally. Hallie plans to continue seeing Kari as her regular provider.  

“They were phenomenal,” Hallie says. “They were encouraging and respectful of the experience I wanted.”

BJC Medical Group Midwifery provides exceptional care for women of all ages and health care needs. From preventive screenings to low-intervention pregnancy care, the team leads with compassion and with your personal care preferences in mind. Find care at our Ladue  and South County locations.