When Samantha Rohan learned she was pregnant and chose the Cooley Dickinson Center for Midwifery Care, this is what she was thinking: "I wasn't sick. I was just pregnant, so I didn't need to see a doctor."

Samantha and her husband, William "Bill" Rohan of Belchertown chose to see midwives during her pregnancy for support and "care of the whole person," as Bill describes it, and it was a choice they are very pleased to have made. This because the midwifery center and its medical director, Dr. Tucker Kueny, who they did eventually have cause to meet, exceeded the Rohans' expectations, as did Cooley Dickinson's Childbirth Center when August Adams Rohan was born Aug. 31, 2009.

Samantha and Bill Rohan with AugustSamantha is a veterinarian with a practice in Granby, and she worked 60 hours a week throughout her pregnancy. She says she never even had morning sickness. Things veered away from routine, though, when Samantha awoke on Aug. 31 at 1 a.m. with very regular and very intense contractions.

Providers at the Center for Midwifery Care advised that Samantha and Bill head to the hospital's Childbirth Center. They arrived at 4 a.m. Midwife Pamela Drexler-Lopez was there to meet them, and their Jacuzzi tub was already hot and running. "It was a warm welcome," Samantha says.

Midwife Judie Brock took over Samantha's care about 8 a.m., and as labor intensified, Judie was right there to help. "Judie was amazing. Samantha was having a hard time with the pain," Bill says. "Judie's full presence with Sam was amazing. She looked in her eyes and talked her through contractions. I was so grateful."

Samantha adds, "Her guidance was very powerful. I felt very held by her." As Samantha's labor progressed, the baby's heart rate was dropping; he was in fetal distress. Various measures were taken, but when the baby's heart rate continued to drop, a Cesarean section was recommended.

Not having read a word about C-sections during her very routine pregnancy, Samantha was frightened, but she says Judie and Dr. Kueny made her feel protected. "He was extremely warm and kind," Samantha says of Dr. Kueny. "It was scary. I was worried, and I was crying the whole time, but I don't think it could have been any better. I felt very safe and supported." Bill adds, "They were all thinking of us."

After the birth, Samantha and Bill were impressed with the care they received in the Childbirth Center, and they were touched that Dr. Kueny and even the anesthesiologist, Dr. Andre St. Louis, checked in on them in their room.

"I've been completely surprised," says Bill. "I did not expect the degree of wisdom and availability (that we have found here). Everyone's really personable. They all have a depth of wisdom. They are easy and available – people who seem to really like their jobs."

Samantha gets weepy thinking about all the support they received from nurses on the Childbirth Center. Samantha recalls the nurse who gave August his first bath. "I felt like I trusted her so much," she says. "I was scared to have a new nurse, and then I realized they're all that good.

"This has been a truly amazing experience," adds Samantha. "I recommend anyone who's planning to have a baby to come here and use the center. Every person has touched us in a positive way."