When Birth Doesn't Go as Planned-- and When It Does: A Story from Emory Decatur Hospital

Victoria and Blake expected a routine first delivery. Instead, within minutes of their daughter’s birth, both mother and baby needed urgent care.

Two years later, they returned to the same hospital for a very different experience — calm, smooth and joyful.

For them, both moments led to the same conclusion: having the right care team makes all the difference.

Victoria, an assistant professor, and Blake, who works in clean energy finance, chose to deliver at the Maternity Center at Emory Decatur Hospital because of its strong reputation and convenient location. Victoria attended all her prenatal appointments, and everything seemed on track for a routine delivery.

However, the big day didn’t go exactly as planned. When their daughter, Ilana, was born after an induction, she struggled to breathe. “I was in labor for many hours, and when Ilana was finally born, she had trouble breathing,” says Victoria.

After a few brief moments together, the care team quickly brought Ilana to the level III neonatal intensive care unit, located just steps away — allowing her to receive specialized care immediately without needing to be transferred.

Doctors suspected she had inhaled meconium, which can lead to breathing problems in newborns.

At the same time, Victoria developed postpartum preeclampsia, a condition involving high blood pressure that requires close monitoring. Her care team quickly started treatment to reduce the risk of complications.

What had started as a routine delivery had quickly become something much more complex.

Victoria and Blake were exhausted and distraught, according to Blake. But in the midst of uncertainty, they say they felt supported at every step by the caring team of physicians, nurses and other providers.

Because Victoria needed IV treatment, she couldn’t leave her room. Blake visited Ilana in the NICU, where nurses helped guide him through an emotional first night as a parent.

“All the nurses could tell I was struggling, and they were so supportive and kind,” says Blake. “One of them even walked me back to Victoria’s room when I was ready to leave.”

Just a couple of hours later, two nurses gently knocked on Victoria’s door. It was still the middle of the night, but they had something to show the couple.

“They’d taken a picture of Ilana and printed it out for me,” she says. “It was just the sweetest gesture. They told me Ilana was doing better and that her breathing was much stronger.”

By the next day, Ilana had improved enough for Victoria to hold and breastfeed her for the first time. That evening, she joined her parents in their room.

That night, Victoria experienced another unexpected moment of care — a celebratory steak dinner, a tradition for new moms at Emory Decatur Hospital.

“I sent Blake home to get some sleep, then enjoyed my steak and potatoes,” she says. “It was the first moment I felt like I could breathe again, knowing Ilana was okay.”

Soon after, the family returned home together.

Two years later, Victoria and Blake returned to Emory Decatur Hospital to welcome their second daughter, Rose.

This time, the experience was entirely different.

Victoria was already in active labor when she arrived. When she asked for an epidural, her nurse, Chloe, quickly coordinated with the care team.

“I think the anesthesiologist arrived in the labor room almost at the same time I did,” says Victoria. “Everything moved so quickly.”

During delivery, her care team — including a nurse-midwife and a student nurse — offered constant encouragement.

“It felt like I was an athlete competing in a difficult sport, and they were the fans cheering me on,” she says.

Rose remained with her parents throughout the hospital stay, and the experience felt calm and routine. After another steak dinner for mom and a visit from big sister Ilana, the family reunited at home.

“We were excited to be back," says Blake. “The staff was different from before but equally helpful, kind and warm. This time, everything felt like a walk in the park.”

While the two births were very different, one thing remained consistent: the level of care. From immediate access to a Level III NICU to coordinated, compassionate support for both parents, Victoria and Blake say they always felt they were in the right place.

Grateful for their experiences, they later made a financial gift to support the Maternity Center.

“Ilana’s birth was the hardest and best day of our lives,” Blake says. “Now, we have two amazing daughters. We wanted to show our appreciation for the team that took such good care of us.”

Today, life at home is full of everyday moments — including Ilana eagerly stepping into her role as a big sister. For Victoria, those moments are a reminder of how far they’ve come.

“Sometimes, I still think about the delicious food and spacious room,” says Victoria. “But what meant the most to me was the incredible care we received at Emory Decatur Hospital. I’ll never forget it.”