Jessica Sutton

My story and why I want to be involved:

My pregnancy at 31 years old was just about as boring as a pregnancy can get. No morning sickness, no preeclampsia, no high blood pressure, just some swollen feet and a mean craving for watermelon. My husband and I had just moved to the Chicago area 3 months earlier, both started new jobs, and had bought a house. I was at my first appointment with my new obgyn when I found out I was pregnant. I was nervous about having a hospital birth with a medical group I wasn't familiar with and I ended up finding a birthing center that was warm and welcoming. 

Labor was 10 hours with 2 hours active pushing. Hailey (my daughter) got stuck and her heart rate started dropping. The ambulance was called to take me to the hospital where we found out her chord was wrapped tightly around her neck. I was terrified, not sure what was going on and still hoping to have the warm, loving birth I had been wanting. Instead, Hailey was born in the ER with what felt like 30+ people gathered around and she was swiftly swept off to be intubated and then put on the cooling mat within minutes of being born. I had no idea if she was alive for the first few hours after the birth. My husband was able to go up and see her eventually. 

If Hinsdale didn't have the tools they did, and the quick acting staff they do, Hailey wouldn't be here. She wouldn't be the amazingly funny, goofy, strong girl she is today. There were many bumps, heartache, tears, and then finally joy on the day we brought her home. Through it all, the staff at Hinsdale were AMAZING and supportive. We would all be in a much worse place if it wasn't for the love, support, and tools that they have. So with all of that said, the least we can do is participate in this amazing community and give back as much as possible. Hailey means the world to us. 

Thank you for reading <3