When Christine Davies gave birth to her son Frankie on March 12, 2025, in South County Health’s Women and Newborn Care Unit, it wasn’t her first time in the delivery room. As a mother of two older children, she thought she knew what to expect. But having also experienced pregnancy loss, Christine arrived at the hospital filled with anxiety—and uncertainty.

What followed was something she never anticipated: healing, hope, and a birth experience so supportive and empowering that she still tears up just thinking about it.

The Weight of Anxiety

“The anxiety was intense,” Christine recalls. “Especially in the days leading up to the delivery, but especially the day of.” But from the moment she arrived at South County Health, she knew she wasn’t alone.

The Power of Presence

Christine credits the nursing staff with carrying her through one of the most emotionally complex times in her life.

“During one shift change, I was actively giving birth. During another, I was finally sleeping (I appreciate them not waking me up)!”

The nurses, she says, never missed an opportunity to ease her fears—whether that meant offering comfort, explaining procedures, or simply staying by her side.

Johannah and Jess: Nurses Who Made the Difference

Two caregivers in particular left a lasting impression: Johannah Guillette, RN and Jessica Mailloux, RN.

“Johannah—you kept me calm and comfortable all day,” Christine says. “I always credit you for how confident I was when it came time to deliver.”

And then came the moment of birth. 

“Everything I had learned from the doctors during my prenatal visits and from the nurse that day, Johannah, kicked in and I knew my body was telling me it was time to push. I also knew that the midwife on call was not going to make it into the room before the baby did, but I’ve never felt more confident in my life.

By that time, Johannah’s shift ended, and Jess was with us. I didn’t get to talk to her much, but I knew she had it handled. The time between getting me into the bed (I had been standing at the edge to let gravity do its thing) and telling Jess I needed to push was maybe a minute. All I could hear her say was ‘Christine you’ve got this’ and two pushes later, my beautiful baby boy was on my chest. Jess—you delivered my beautiful baby boy. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I will always keep you and Johnna in my thoughts and prayers.

Also—just walking into the room was memorable! It’s the same room I gave birth in three years ago when I had my daughter, Josie. We were right at home.

Not that I’d ever want to find myself in a hospital, but if I did, I’d want it to be South County. Everyone is so kind from the minute you walk in. They are very respectful and listen to you.

I had a small list of things I wanted during my delivery. A small ‘birth plan.’ One of those wishes was ‘no medication.’ Even when the contractions got painful and I started to doubt myself, Johanna and Jess reminded me that deep down, I knew I could do this.

My father-in-law visited us after Frankie was born and I heard him telling one of the nurses that he didn’t even feel like he was in a hospital. The cleanliness, and ambiance made him very comfortable.”

A Birth Story Worth Bragging About

In the months since baby Frankie arrived, Christine says she’s had many chances to talk—okay, brag—about her hospital stay.

“I start to cry tears of joy every time,” she says. “It was by FAR the best delivery I’ve ever had.”

A Message to the Care Team

“Please, do not let anyone ever discredit the phenomenal work you do,” Christine wrote in a note to the nurses. “Thank you so much.”