Patient Stories (Maternity)

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Jennifer H’s Story

A Special Delivery by Saint Clare’s Health EMS

Jennifer H tells the story of how her second child arrived into this world

Well, my birth plan didn’t go as planned. This was my second pregnancy. I didn’t realize how much faster labor would be this time around. I was supposed to give birth in another facility because that’s where my doctor was. While my mother was on her way to watch my two-year-old son, my contractions increased rapidly. My husband realized that we might not make it to the hospital. He called 911 and within five minutes’ police officers and EMS were here. Everyone was amazing. They were all calm, cool and collected, which I believe kept my husband and myself calm as well. There was a point that I thought I was going to give birth in my living room. It was good to know that they were prepared and equipped for that if it happened. They were always making sure I was as comfortable as I could be. While in the ambulance, probably about five minutes away from the hospital, I gave birth to my son.

I was kind of shocked that I just gave birth in an ambulance but the EMS staff was just amazing. I’m so thankful for all of them, especially the man that delivered my son and the poor women’s hand that I was squeezing the whole time. The hospital staff was equally amazing. They were prepared by the time we got there. Everyone was calm and nice. They explained everything that was going on and kept me updated. The service that I received at Saint Clare’s was great.

Katie’s Story

As a teacher, Katie always looks after our kids. When her own child, Addie, was born six weeks early, it was Dr. Cem Omay’s and nurse Teresa Tonzola’s turn to look after both of them. Katie is always in control of her class, but having her newborn in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) brought a sense of helplessness. Fortunately, Katie and her baby were at the Katena Center for Mother and Child in Denville. The team not only gave Addie the care she needed, but also gave Katie constant updates on Addie’s condition and prepared her for home.

Barbara, Jessica, Harper’s Story

On October 1, 2018 our world was about to change and you can only hope for the better. My wife, Jessica, went into labor sooner than expected: We were a month early. Before we knew it Harper Jade joined our family in just a few short hours on October 2, 2018. A range of emotions to say the least! We felt excited, were so in love with her, scared for her and us and so unsure, so much was out of our control.

From the moment we entered labor and delivery at Saint Clare’s Health Katena Center, right up until our daughter was released to come home, the love and care that was shown, to not only our daughter, but both my wife and myself, by all of Saint Clare’s staff, was immeasurable.

Our baby girl was placed in the NICU and that is when our angel in waiting stepped forward. It’s not often you get that certain someone who puts your mind at ease but on this day and each day forward until our last day there, we did. One NICU nurse, Theresa Stanton, stands out and made a difference in our lives. We will always be thankful and grateful for this simple act of kindness we were shown. The love she showed us, recognizing us as new parents to a baby who needed special care. Theresa was more than a nurse, she made us feel loved. Her soft voice and gentle touch guided us along the way setting all our concerns and “firsts” at ease.

I cannot imagine my wife and I going through this experience without having met her. Theresa has forever etched my heart with her love.