When Jessica became pregnant almost three years ago, at 17, she and Chad had been dating for a year. With no money and no place to live, they knew things wouldn't be easy. But they decided to have the baby. Six months after Nevaeh-heaven spelled backwards, (pronounced neh-vay-ah)-was born, they had another surprise, which resulted in Dante nine months later. The last thing this young couple needed was an insensitive doctor.

Very young during the first pregnancy, and not knowing what to expect, Jessica recalls, "Honestly, I didn't want a male doctor; I knew I'd be uncomfortable. But then I met Dr. Schad, and he was real sensitive to my needs. He really listened. He explained everything and never rushed.

"I felt like his only patient."

Todd Schad helped Jessica feel safe. She decided to go back to him and Sauk Prairie Memorial for the second pregnancy. "Everyone was always checking to see if I needed anything. It was like having a home birth. And no matter what happened, everyone stayed calm," says Jessica.

This was important during Dante's delivery. He was turned the wrong way with the umbilical cord wrapped around him. Jessica says, "No one freaked out. Dr. Schad didn't automatically decide to give me a C-section. I really wanted a vaginal delivery, if possible, and it was. Everyone knew what to do every step of the way." This really helped calm Jessica's nerves.

Today, Jessica and Chad are doing well. They live in their own place and work hard to give Nevaeh and Dante, healthy and precocious babies, the very best. Particular about her children's health care, Jessica would go back to Dr. Schad and Sauk Prairie. "I wouldn't have my babies anywhere else. I know I can trust them," she says.

Learn more about Dr. Schad