Updated on Dec. 18, 2024
Welcoming a new life into the world is a profound and important moment for a mother and her family. For Kristin Ernst, a mother of three, the birth of her daughter Sophie at The Women's Hospital at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center is marked by unparalleled care and personalized attention. As she embraced the joy of adding a new member to her family, Kristin also discovered the unique and comprehensive approach that sets Saddleback Medical Center apart.
Giving Birth at Saddleback Medical Center
On Monday, Oct. 28, Kristin arrived at Saddleback Medical Center for the birth of her third child. Though she was already familiar with the birthing process, she was surprised and comforted with the comprehensive care she received.
"From the second I entered Saddleback Medical Center, I knew I was in great hands," Kristin shared. "The entire team was so professional, but the biggest difference from my past experiences was their approach and how they comforted me personally. The nurses made sure I was informed and protected at every step, and I never felt alone."
The uniqueness of the team at The Women's Hospital at Saddleback Medical Center is their commitment to quality care and their absolute personalization of care for each patient that comes through their doors. There is a warmness and comfort in their culture, as if you are a member of their own family, which provides an extra special measure not found in other area hospitals.
From registration to postpartum care, their approach ensures that mothers and their families feel guided at every step of the labor and delivery journey. This personalized care model allowed Kristin to focus on what truly mattered: welcoming Sophie into the world.
Delivering over 75,000 babies, over more than 35 years and counting, The Women's Hospital provides an incredible birth experience. They deliver specialized maternity care in a beautiful, comfortable environment that feels like home.
The spacious private labor, delivery, recovery, postpartum (LDRP) suites are designed with a spa-like environment in mind, for women to feel at home. Each LDRP suite has large windows for soft natural lighting, Bluetooth speakers, and comforting amenities, such as lavender scented towels, fresh baked cookies, and a celebratory brunch. Six of the LDRP suites offer soaking tubs for those wanting a more natural laboring experience. Other birthing resources include peanut balls and rocking chairs to encourage mobility during labor.
"My room was so relaxing – with the large window and the Bluetooth speakers – it made being in the hospital less clinical and a bit cozier," says Kristin. "The added benefits of the room was that it was also spacious for me, my husband, and Sophie once she entered the world. It felt seamless and stress-free."
Compassion at Every Corner
Many nurses have spent more than 10 years as labor and delivery nurses at the Women's Hospital at Saddleback Medical Center and can't imagine working elsewhere.
"As nurses, we deeply feel a sense of purpose to help others,” says Jocelyn Heath, RN, Women’s Hospital, Saddleback Medical Center. "We want to support every mom that comes through our doors, whether it's her first delivery or her fourth. My colleagues and I like to ensure that their experience with us is top-notch – from the clinical standpoint and the mental and emotional side of things. Watching a family grow and feel safe and supported with us is so fulfilling. I make sure to bring a sense of calm, comfort, and confidence to each encounter I have with a patient. I am truly lucky to be a part of their story."
The compassionate care by Jocelyn, RN, further enriched Kristin's journey. Jocelyn guided Kristin through the birthing process and provided emotional reassurance during moments of vulnerability.
"Jocelyn was amazing," Kristin recalls. "She never left my side during labor. Her comforting presence and expertise made all the difference."
The Women's Hospital strongly emphasizes individualized support, ensuring that each patient receives one-on-one attention. Nurses like Jocelyn are extensively trained to work cohesively with the whole care team to create a seamless experience for patients.
The Women's Hospital provides care during labor and delivery and offers various resources including complimentary childbirth education classes for expectant mothers who will deliver at The Women’s Hospital. These classes are led by nurses from the hospital, allowing women to meet their future care team.
The hospital also offers guided labor and delivery floor tours so moms-to-be can see the LDRP suites and the exceptional amenities offered for the birthing experience. These events feature booths with valuable information on resources for expecting mothers, breastfeeding support, and mommy-and-me programs. This comprehensive approach helps prepare women for their journey into motherhood.
The education provided by The Women's Hospital extends to its Mommy & Me Postpartum Support Classes in partnership with the Mommy Center. Funded by the MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Foundation, these weekly series of five 75-minute classes offer support for moms with babies 0 to 3 months or moms with babies 4 to 6 months. The classes are led by qualified professionals, including licensed occupational therapists, physical therapists, marriage and family therapists, and infant specialists. A wide range of age-tailored topics are covered in small group settings – up to 12 moms – so those in the same stage of motherhood can connect. The Mommy & Me Postpartum Support Classes are available exclusively to mom’s who deliver at the Women's Hospital at Saddleback Medical Center.
The Women’s Hospital also offers nurse guided labor and delivery floor tours so moms-to-be can see the LDRP suites and the exceptional amenities that are offered for their birthing experience.
National Leaders in Quality Outcomes
Saddleback Medical Center is not only a leader in comfort amenities but is also dedicated to providing outstanding clinical outcomes. Saddleback Medical Center has a 23.2% cesarean birth rate for first time moms, which is lower than the national and state target, and lower than other local Orange County hospitals.
“The Women’s Hospital’s success relies heavily on the commitment our clinical experts have to best-practices that are driven by research and outcomes that show we have the competitive edge over other Orange County hospitals that have maternity units,” says Christine Huff, director, The Women’s Hospital, Saddleback Medical Center. “Our team is not afraid to challenge and push ourselves to be the best to deliver the quality and clinical outcomes our community deserves and should expect.”
From board-certified obstetricians to specialized nurses, every member of the team is dedicated to advancing women's health. The hospital also offers dedicated, specialized care for our maternity patients through the Obstetrical Emergency Department (OB ED), which provides care to obstetrical patients over 16 weeks pregnant and up to six weeks postpartum. If a mom is admitted to the OB ED, they will be cared for by specialized OB ED nurses and a board-certified OBGYN, also known as an OB hospitalist or laborist. If the OB hospitalist determines you should remain in the hospital for further care or observation, the OB ED team will coordinate your care, ensuring you and your baby are healthy and safe.
While we strive for perfect pregnancies, there may be times when the baby is born early or has medical needs that require extra attention. Fortunately, Saddleback Medical Center has an on-site level III Irma Feldcamp Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) which includes a team of board-certified neonatologists, pediatric subspecialists, specialized neonatal nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers, and lactation consultants to provide comprehensive family-centered care.
"It was reassuring to know and see all the dedicated care for both mom and baby available at Saddleback Medical Center. If the situation had arrived, I was relieved to learn how much high-quality care is available for my baby," says Kristin.
In addition, The Women’s Hospital was recognized on a national level for its expertise in maternity care. U.S. News & World Report named Saddleback Medical Center a 'High-Performing' hospital in Maternity Care, Newsweek awarded it as America's Best Maternity Hospital and The Women’s Hospital was named a Center of Excellence from the Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology.
Leading Maternity Care, with A Community Feel
As Kristin reflected on her experience, she can’t help but feel grateful for the care she received. From the warm welcome at the hospital entrance to the attentive support during labor and delivery, every aspect of Kristin's journey was handled with professionalism and compassion.
"The nurses and extended clinical team truly cared about me as a person, not just as a patient," Kristin recalls. "It's something I'll always remember, and if I were to have another child, I would return to Saddleback Medical Center."
Sophie's arrival marked a new chapter for Kristin and her family, and the experience at Saddleback Medical Center made it all more special. For mothers like Kristin, the journey of welcoming a child is deeply personal – and having a trusted partner like MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center makes all the difference.
Want to learn more about the Women's Hospital and the services or resources provided? Visit our Women's Hospital page or call (949) 416-6455.