Updated on Sep. 24, 2025
When Paige Abolfazli discovered she was expecting her first child, she and her husband were overjoyed. They knew that selecting the right hospital and care team would be crucial for a positive delivery experience. While many of Paige’s friends had delivered at other area hospitals, Paige chose The Women’s Hospital at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center, confident in the exceptional care The Women’s Hospital team provides. She decided to set up a tour and fell in love with the hospital and care team. Her confidence was further solidified after meeting Dr. Parr, whose expertise and compassionate approach reassured her that she had made the right choice.
Choosing the Right Hospital for a Positive Delivery Experience
Paige had done thorough research to find an OBGYN within her insurance network who was close to her home, and through this process, she came to learn more about The Women's Hospital. Paige's decision was further affirmed when she learned that her trusted OBGYN, Ashley Parr, DO, MemorialCare Medical Group – Irvine (Barranca), could deliver at The Women’s Hospital. This confidence was bolstered by the hospital's numerous accolades, including being named one of Newsweek’s America’s Best Maternity Hospitals and U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospital for Maternity Care.
“When I met with Dr. Parr for my prenatal care, we immediately formed a meaningful connection,” Paige recalled. “She fully supported my birthing choices and also provided valuable information, helping me make the best decisions for myself and my son, Ace.”
The Benefits of Scheduled Induction
During a prenatal appointment, Dr. Parr checked Ace's growth in the womb. Ace was quite large considering where Paige was in her pregnancy journey, so to avoid Paige delivering a 10-pound baby, Dr. Parr suggested inducing labor to make it easier. Inductions like Paige’s can help protect the health of both mother and baby, especially if the baby is overdue, labor isn’t progressing, or other complications arise.
“The decision to induce labor was crucial, and the supportive environment made the process smoother,” said Paige. “Luckily, since I had toured The Women’s Hospital before, I was familiar with the hospital and the care team, which gave me piece of mind.”
Experiencing Labor at The Women's Hospital
With her delivery plan in place and feeling reassured by the compassionate support around her, Paige began her labor journey at The Women’s Hospital, ready to welcome her son in a nurturing environment. For more than 35 years, Saddleback Medical Center has been at the forefront of maternity care, ever since opening the first Labor, Delivery, Recovery, Postpartum (LDRP) suites in Orange County in 1988. These suites feature large windows with natural light, lavender-scented towels, freshly baked cookies, and celebratory brunches. For those seeking a more natural labor experience, six suites even offer soaking tubs. Additionally, resources like peanut balls, rocking chairs, and wireless fetal monitoring are available to support mobility and comfort during labor. These thoughtful amenities made a significant difference for Paige as she spent time in the room, walking around and hoping for a smooth and comfortable labor experience.
While in The Women’s Hospital, Paige walked around her room hoping to start contractions, but labor progressed slowly. The care team gave her Pitocin to help move things along, but there was still little progress.
After 30 hours of labor on October 4, a nurse called Dr. Parr to report a drop in Ace’s heart rate.
Dr. Parr discussed Paige’s options with her: she could continue with her planned vaginal delivery or opt for a cesarean section. Considering the circumstances, Dr. Parr recommended a C-section for the safest outcome.
“Given the situation, I recommend a cesarean section for the safest outcome,” Dr. Parr explained. “However, I also informed Paige that she could continue with her planned vaginal delivery if she preferred. I wanted her to feel confident in whichever path she chose.”
Support and Care During Labor and Delivery
Throughout her experience, Paige felt fully in control of her pregnancy and birth choices. The Women’s Hospital care team provided constant support and information. Given the information she provided, Paige chose the C-section, and the team worked swiftly and efficiently to prepare her for the operating room.
“The LDRP and OR teams worked together seamlessly and kept my husband and me informed every step of the way. Although my delivery didn’t go as I had hoped, I felt incredibly supported and cared for.”
- Paige
After 36 hours of labor, Ace was born by C-section. He didn’t cry at first, which worried Paige and her husband. The care team explained that Ace had swallowed some fluid, and they were working to help him. Once Paige’s husband was able to hold Ace and hear him cry, they felt reassured.
Postpartum Care at The Women's Hospital
Back in the LDRP suite, Paige, her husband, and Ace received attentive postpartum care at The Women’s Hospital. The hospital is dedicated to ensuring that both mother and baby receive the highest level of care and support during their recovery.
The nurses in the LDRP suite are highly trained and dedicated to providing personalized care. They assist with everything from monitoring the mother's vital signs to helping with the baby's first feedings. Additionally, they offer guidance on newborn care, including diapering, bathing, and soothing techniques, ensuring that parents feel confident and supported as they begin their journey with their newborn.
Lactation consultants also play a crucial role in postpartum care at The Women’s Hospital. These consultants are registered nurses and international board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLC), which is the gold standard in lactation care. They provide one-on-one support to help mothers with breastfeeding, offering tips and techniques to ensure a successful breastfeeding experience. The lactation consultants are available for both in-hospital consultations and follow-up appointments after discharge, providing ongoing support as needed.
Postpartum Resources for New Families
In addition to the hands-on care provided by nurses and lactation consultants, The Women’s Hospital offers a range of postpartum resources to support new families. This includes access to breastfeeding classes, where parents can learn about positioning, feeding techniques, and how to tackle any breastfeeding challenges. These classes also provide an opportunity for new parents to connect with other families who are on the same journey.
Along with the postpartum and breastfeeding classes, Saddleback Medical Center also provides access to Mommy & Me Postpartum Support Classes hosted by The Mommy Center. These classes are a series of five weekly 75-minute classes that offer support to moms with babies 0 to 6 months old. The classes are led by qualified professionals, including licensed occupational therapists, physical therapists, marriage and family therapists, and infant specialists.
“Throughout our entire experience at The Women’s Hospital, we never felt alone. We utilized all of the resources they provided from the personal lactation consultants, breastfeeding classes, and Mommy & Me classes; we had a community supporting us every step of the way.”
- Paige
