2.3.a Geeta's Story

Geeta is a 24 year old woman of Indian descent. This is her first pregnancy. Her EDD for this pregnancy is April 19th. She is 41 weeks gestational age by her last menstrual period, and her pregnancy has been normal. She does not want to know the sex of the baby. She has no known allergies and takes no medications except for prenatal vitamins. She is a vegetarian and practicing Hindu. Her English is at a advanced beginner’s level. She believes that pregnancy and birth are normal and physiologic events, and she places great trust in her body.

She has sought out a Midwife to support her in this pregnancy and birth. Geeta’s husband is stationed overseas in the merchant marines but she has the great support of her parents, Parvati and Deepinder. They also care for her 5 year old niece, and all of them share a 2 level home. Geeta is planning a home birth. Her birth wishes are to maintain a very quiet labour environment, and to avoid medications for pain relief. A doula and her mother will accompany her during her labour and birth.

Geeta has hired a doula to support her during her labour and birth. After meeting a few doulas in her community, Geeta decided upon Jillian. She feels very at ease with Jillian’s warm and positive demeanor. Geeta trusts Jillian, but knows that she won’t be including Jillian in any of her decision making processes, rather asking her for emotional and physical support. Carol and Sasha are a team of midwives who work together and they have provided care to Geeta prenatally since 8 weeks gestation. They believe they have a strong relationship with Geeta and have developed trust and rapport.

On the day of the birth Carol attends the birth in the role of the primary attendant, and Sasha attends in the role of second attendant. Geeta lives in Surrey, BC. Geeta’s space is on the ground floor of the two level home, with a private entrance. She lives within a 15 minute drive to the nearest hospital. The hospital has a Level III birthing unit. This includes access to 24/7 on site specialist care for women and newborns. It is a sunny and clear spring day and the roads are in good condition on the day labour begins.