Special deliveries: A lucky care team assists in all three births for the Archila family
Brandi Archila knew instantly she wanted Kelsey Gelhaus, MD, an OB/GYN, to deliver her first baby when they first met during a prenatal appointment. “Something just clicked when I met her,” Archila said.
Whether it was the stars aligning or the result of Brandi’s meticulous planning – or perhaps a bit of both – Gelhaus and nurse manager Summer Robertson, RN, were present for not just the first, but all three births of the Archila children at The Birthplace at M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center.
“It’s just crazy to think they were both there all three times,” Brandi said.
It all started during a prenatal appointment when Brandi was a nervous first-time mom with a lot of questions. “Dr. Gelhaus just put me at ease. She never acted like I was asking stupid questions. It felt like I was talking to a family member.”
“She does an amazing job of connecting with my wife,” said Joey, Brandi’s husband. “She genuinely listens and doesn’t make you feel uninformed.”
Even though the family lives in Cambridge, Minn., Brandi scheduled all her follow-up appointments with Gelhaus at M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center, located in Wyoming, Minn. Including the membrane sweep that Brandi had done at around 38 weeks to help induce labor. “I made sure to schedule it on a day when I knew Gelhaus would be there,” Brandi said.
Brandi went into labor that same evening. She understood there was no guarantee Gelhaus would be the provider assisting with the labor and delivery because of physicians’ rotating schedules at the hospital. Nevertheless, when she arrived at The Birthplace with her husband Joey, they knew they were in good hands after meeting Summer Robertson, RN, their labor and delivery nurse.
“Summer was amazing,” Brandi said. “She answered all my questions and was just so supportive since I had so much anxiety. She essentially drove the train while we waited for Gelhaus to arrive.”
Thankfully, and much to the family’s delight, Gelhaus arrived just in time to help deliver Mathias, the first Archila baby. Happy and healthy, the family left the hospital with unforgettable memories of the care they received from both Gelhaus and Summer.
Brandi continued to see Gelhaus for postpartum care. She felt comfortable speaking openly about challenges she faced as a new mom juggling work, a new home, and mental health.
“Again, Dr. Gelhaus never made me feel like I was talking too much and made me feel understood,” Brandi said. “She has always been so supportive of my health choices and doing what I felt was best for myself.”
When the time came for Brandi to give birth to her second and third children, Kaia and Remi, there was no question she wanted Gelhaus to be the one to deliver the babies.
Brandi planned out her induction for her second child and a membrane sweep for her third just like before. The second time, Robertson was the charge nurse on the floor and supported the family in the postpartum room. The third time, Robertson was at the front desk helping get the family checked in at the hospital.
“It’s not a common occurrence for this to happen,” Robertson said. “It’s pretty cool how even though I was in a different role every time, I was still out on the floor helping in some way.”
The Archilas know how remarkable it was to have the same trusted doctor and nurse present for their children’s births. A sentiment shared by Gelhaus.
“All deliveries are special, but some are extra special – like delivering the Archila babies,” Gelhaus said. “Watching families grow and to have moms see their dreams realized in front of me – it’s just so rewarding.”
The connection Gelhaus feels with her patients reflects the strong connection M Health Fairview continues to build with the communities we serve.
“I think M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center is the perfect blend with personal touches of care in a community hospital, but with the resources and connections of the large network of the Fairview system,” Gelhaus said. “Living in the community which I serve allows me to see the fruits of my labor even outside work. I love to run into babies I have delivered while at swimming lessons or community ed soccer games with my own kids.”
