A family-centered birth story.
When Samantha Beckman’s seven-year-old daughter Kenley asked if she could be present for her baby sister’s birth, it sparked a thoughtful conversation that led to a beautiful family experience at Alomere Health’s Birth Place.
“I think I would have regretted it if I hadn’t even just paused and thought through all the things,” Samantha reflects. “When Kenley said it, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, maybe I should think about this.'” After careful preparation and discussions with her midwife Chillon McKibbin, Samantha welcomed both Kenley and her sister Payton into the delivery room for the birth of baby Kora. The result was a precious moment that brought the family even closer together.
Watch the family’s birth experience:
A Partnership in Care
Throughout her pregnancy, Samantha experienced the comprehensive, collaborative care that sets Alomere Health apart. When early ultrasounds showed placenta previa, the care team provided extra monitoring and support. This included frequent ultrasounds with technician Sandy, who make the experience special by welcoming Samantha’s children to participate.
The partnership between midwives and OB/GYNs at Alomere Health was evident throughout her care. “There’s definitely that partnership where they’re talking all the time and supporting each other,” Samantha explains. “Between the nurses, the midwives, and the OBs, the expertise is phenomenal.” Samantha particularly appreciated how her midwife Chillon collaborated with OB/GYNs on key decisions about her care. “It is truly a partner approach, and there’s a lot of transparency around that,” she says. That’s comforting.”
The Birth Place team helped create an environment where Samantha’s entire family felt welcomed and supported. The nurses took time to explain what was happening to Kenley and Payton, showing them the contraction monitor and involving them in caring for their new sister after delivery.
Even after delivery, the educational experience continued. Samantha brought her daughters to the follow-up visits with Chillon, each learning important facts about postpartum.
A Family-Centered Approach
For Samantha, the birth experience at Alomere Health went beyond just medical care—it was about creating lasting family memories. Her older daughters have become “mother hens” to baby Kora, changing diapers and helping care for their new sister. “They’ve been so helpful. Kenley’s been walking around with little animals stuffed in her scarf, and she’s like, ‘I have four kids!’ It’s just so natural.”
Are you expecting? Explore the Alomere difference and learn more about the Birth Place, and call 320.762.6080 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
