A Mother’s Journey to the Birth Experience She Hoped For

A Labor and Delivery Story

For first grade teacher and Medford native, Haley Moriconi, becoming a mother was life changing. When she and her husband found out they were expecting their second child, they were overjoyed — but the happy news also brought back memories of the delivery of their first child. Haley was determined to have a different birth experience the second time around.

Haley’s first son arrived via an unplanned, non-emergent c-section after a long induction. Although she was deeply grateful for the arrival of a healthy baby, the process left her yearning for a more connected, family-focused experience for her second birth. She was not able to see or hold her newborn baby for a while after the delivery, something that stayed with her.

“I was disappointed in how long it took to see and hold my baby afterwards,” she recalls. “I didn’t think to ask about those policies because I didn’t anticipate having a c-section.”

Determined to have a different experience, Haley and her husband began their search for a new OB/GYN and hospital. They leaned on the recommendations of family and friends, who pointed them toward Winchester Hospital and OB/GYN Dr. Nina Hinting — both commended for their compassionate care and convenient location.

Taking Charge of Her Birth Plan

From the very first appointment, Haley made sure to discuss her goals and concerns with her care team. Though she remained open-minded, Haley wanted to try a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) but knew it may not be possible with her history.

“I made sure to ask Dr. Hinting about how Winchester Hospital handled certain things,” said Haley. “I wanted to try a vaginal delivery. I knew with my history it may not be able to happen, but I wanted to have that conversation and listen to the guidance of my doctor.”

As her pregnancy progressed, her care team tracked high levels of amniotic fluid, and her baby was measuring on the larger side. Ultimately, they recommended a scheduled c-section as the safest option for both mom and baby.

Haley worked closely with her team to design a personalized birth plan that reflected her priorities. At the top of her list: skin-to-skin contact immediately after delivery and an uninterrupted first hour with her newborn — what’s often called the "Golden Hour."

A Birth Plan Realized

On the morning of February 13, 2025, a healthy baby boy named James arrived weighing 9 pounds, 8 ounces, after a smooth c-section.

“From getting my IV, meeting with the anesthesiologist and nurses, everyone walked me through everything,” says Haley. “I appreciated that in the operating room, James was always in my line of vision. The staff told me exactly what they were doing the entire time.”

Compassionate Support for Breastfeeding

After facing challenges breastfeeding her first baby, Haley approached this new postpartum period with a mix of optimism and nerves. Winchester Hospital, designated as a Baby-Friendly facility, provides breastfeeding education and support for all new families who choose to do so.

Haley partnered with one of the hospital’s International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) to build a breastfeeding plan tailored to her needs.

“My nurse, Kerri, took the time to listen to my previous experience and shared what she expected would happen—which is exactly what happened,” Haley says. “It gave me peace of mind. She helped me with positioning and helped me create a plan. She didn't push breastfeeding as the only option; she was realistic and offered other options.”

A Family of Four

Today, Haley, baby James and the whole Moriconi family are doing well as they settle into life at home as a family of four — although James’s big brother is still getting over the fact he didn’t get a baby sister.

Haley looks back on her birth experience at Winchester Hospital with gratitude.

“It was like night and day,” she says. “I was really nervous. My husband and I kept looking at each other like, ‘Wow, this is so different.’ Everyone we encountered was amazing. We were really pleased with our experience and our care.”