It's a short walk from the Cooley Dickinson Center for Midwifery Care to the main hospital and its Childbirth Center – unless, of course, you're a woman in labor and ready to give birth.

This is why on Sept. 24, 2009, at 6 centimeters dilated, the young and healthy Angelique Britt agreed to take the briefest of car rides with partner, Michael Thomasson and their two-year-old son Andrew, or "Drew." Angelique had just visited Midwife Judie Brock at the center, and there was no question that Angelique needed to get up the hill to the Childbirth Center – quickly. Michael dropped Angelique off at the Main Entrance, and by the time Angelique and Michael had been admitted to the Childbirth Center, staff had drawn Angelique a Jacuzzi bath that she quickly settled in to.

Angelique and Brandon Britt Judie Brock met them there as well. "She was very attentive," recalls Angelique, who chose the Center for Midwifery Care because she wanted to have a "natural birth," or a birth in which no medication is used. "I wanted to see if I could do it."

Angelique was unable to deliver her first son, Drew, at Cooley Dickinson because the hospital was in transition at that time and was for a short time without midwifery services. Angelique delivered Drew elsewhere, where midwifery care was available.

When Angelique learned she was pregnant for the second time, in January of 2009, she wanted to "come back to" Cooley Dickinson Hospital and did some online research, talked with friends and visited the Cooley Dickinson Center for Midwifery Care. She knew that it was the right place for her. "It's beautiful. I was really pleased," says Angelique of the center.

While pregnant, Angelique visited regularly for check-ups. At her appointments, she says "there was always enough time. I never felt rushed." According to Angelique, the staff was always down-to-earth, understanding and kind.

During her labor at Cooley Dickinson, there were some moments when Angelique considered settling for pain medication. However, she had a specific natural birth plan that Judie encouraged her to fulfill. Judie helped her throughout the process, reminding her to focus on her breathing while Judie applied pressure on Angelique's hips and back. With Judie's active support and the support of Angelie's family and Cooley Dickinson nurses, Angelique progressed more deeply into her labor and was able to deliver with no pharmacologic support.

Brandon Thomasson was born at 8 pounds, 1 ounce. Angelique only stayed at the hospital for 24 hours before heading home.

Angelique and Michael were very pleased with their experience at the Cooley Dickinson's Center for Midwifery Care and with the Childbirth Center. Says Angelique, "the care is really family oriented. Never once did we feel uncomfortable including Drew in the process. Overall it was a beautiful experience."