For Loup City mother Betsy Quandt, having choices and a voice was most important for her when she chose to deliver her babies at Mary Lanning Healthcare.
“When you go to the hospital, you have to kind of give up your autonomy to them in many ways,” Quandt said. “It’s really uncomfortable if you aren’t on the same page.”
Quandt’s first child, Ronin, was stillborn. Her second child, Hudson, now 5, was born early and had to spend several weeks in the NICU. Quandt said she is still in touch with at least three of the MLH nurses who helped her through those difficult times.
When she was pregnant with her daughter, Elora, now 19 months, Quandt said she had a lot of anxiety due to her history. After careful thought and discussion, she made the decision with her doctor to do a planned Caesarean section, which was “a little unconventional” considering her first two deliveries were not C-section births.
“I was very appreciative that everyone was respectful of my plan,” Quandt said.
One of the MLH nurses whom Quandt got to know well during Hudson’s stay at MLH was on shift and offered to be present for Quandt’s third birth experience.
“That made it comfortable having somebody I already knew,” she said. “I knew I was in good hands.” Especially since her regular doctor would be present, as well.
Quandt said she appreciates that MLH is a small, independent hospital.
“Sometimes when you are in a big group hospital, some policies get a little further away from the patient perspective,” Quandt said.
In addition, Quandt said she was pleased and thankful with the overall care her baby received in the Level II NICU at MLH.
These days, Quandt is enjoying time with Hudson and Elora, and she remains thankful for the good care she and her family received.
