When Enida, a physical therapist, was preparing for the birth of her second child, she knew her pregnancy would require careful monitoring. Because she had previously delivered by cesarean section, her care team kept a close eye on her during the final weeks of pregnancy.
“My pregnancy was healthy up until the end,” Enida recalls. “I was having contractions but didn’t really know it.”
Her obstetrician, Roxane Handal-Orefice, MD, with Slocum-Dickson Medical Group, delivers at the Wynn Hospital, so when it was time to be evaluated, Enida went to the Wynn’s Labor and Delivery unit. After one visit where she was monitored and sent home, she returned a few days later when it was clear her baby would soon arrive.
From the moment she walked through the doors, Enida says the care she received made her feel confident and supported.
“The nurse who did my intake, Misha, was excellent: competent, reassuring and compassionate” she says. “Right away I felt comfortable.”
Another familiar face also greeted her. Melissa, a nurse anesthetist who had assisted with Enida’s first cesarean delivery years earlier, remembered her. That first experience – during the height of the COVID pandemic – had included some traumatic moments.
“Melissa remembered me and told me she was determined to make this a good experience for me,” Enida says. “That meant a lot.”
With the support of Melissa and Dr. Handal-Orefice, Enida felt reassured heading into her second cesarean delivery.
“I felt upmost confidence in everyone in the room, especially Dr. Handal-Orefice,” she says. “They were calm, informative and focused on making it the best experience possible. And, they did! I am able to remember this birth clearly and fondly because of the team who took care of me.”
Enida says the environment at Wynn Hospital immediately stood out to her.
“It’s a beautiful, new facility, but more importantly, the staff seemed on top of everything,” she says. “You could tell they cared.”
After delivery, Enida continued to experience that same level of attentiveness from the postpartum care team.
“I could tell they were genuine. No one seemed rushed. They took the time to talk with me and make sure all my needs were met.”
During the overnight hours, one caregiver in particular made a lasting impression.
“Stephanie, the night shift care attendant, went above and beyond,” Enida says. “I was lucky to have her both nights of my hospital stay and she did things I didn’t even ask for, because she wanted to. When feeling a little dizzy, which can happen after a C-section. She stayed close by and helped me safely get to the bathroom when I needed it. She made sure I felt steady and safe.”
Because Enida also had a five-year-old at home who had just started kindergarten, she was hoping to return home as soon as possible. While early discharge can sometimes be difficult to arrange, the care team worked together to make it happen.
“At first it didn’t seem like it would work out,” she says. “But the whole team came together to help. Even Dr. Handal-Orefice came in after hours to move things along so I could get home to my family.”
Even though this was her second baby, Enida says the education and support she received during her stay were incredibly valuable.
“The education team was amazing – very thorough but also very open to whatever felt best for me,” she says. “The lactation team helped me with positioning and breastfeeding, but they also supported my decision to use a bottle as well. They respected my choices.”
Today, Enida says adjusting to life with a newborn and a kindergartener has been busy.
“It’s been hectic,” she says with a laugh. “Honestly, the adjustment has been harder than I expected.”
But the support didn’t end when she left the hospital. Through follow-up visits, Dr. Handal-Orefice and her nurse practitioner have continued to monitor both Enida’s recovery and her baby’s health.
“They really take the time to personalize your healing and make evidence based recommendations,” Enida says. “They also did a great job screening for maternal mental health and postpartum depression. I feel like they’re very up to date on everything new mothers need.”
As a healthcare professional herself, Enida says she tends to notice the details of care – and that made her experience at Wynn Hospital even more meaningful.
“Coming from a healthcare background, I can be particular,” she admits. “But I would recommend the Wynn Labor and Delivery department 100 percent.”
Reflecting on the experience, she hopes the team who cared for her knows how much their work matters.
“It must be hard working those long hours in Labor and Delivery,” she says. “But you would never know it because those who cared for me showed up, and above and beyond. They made a difference in my life, and I will never forget them.”
For mothers-to-be considering where to deliver, Enida has a simple message:
“The Mother Baby Unit at the Wynn is exceptional. They provide world-class care right here in our community. I trust every single person there – and I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.”
