The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Baby center lauded for exceptional care
ROME, N.Y. » Brendon and Rachael Knight of Rome anticipated the birth of their first child like most new parents do, with excitement and nervousness. Thanks to the staff of Rome Memorial Hospital’s Maternity Department and obstetrician Dr. Georges Akl, of Mohawk Valley Women’s Health Associates, the Knights said they could not have asked for a better birth experience.
The Knights welcomed their daughter Elouise into the world on Sept. 24, 2017. Because the couple was so thrilled with the care they received at Rome Memorial Hospital, Rachael wrote a letter to the hospital’s President/CEO David Lundquist to convey their appreciation.
“Even though months have passed since our experience at Rome Memorial Hospital, I am somoved by the care we received that it is extremely important to me that this incredible staff is recognized,” Rachael wrote in her letter.
Rachael said she has also been spreading the word about the maternity staff at Rome Memorial Hospital.
“I absolutely recommend Rome Memorial Hospital to any expecting mothers,” Rachael said. “We were blessed to have such an amazing experience, and I wish the same beautiful, calm experience for all families as they welcome their own precious miracles to the world.”
Brendon and Rachael said they chose Rome Memorial Hospital for a number of reasons.
“First and foremost, we chose it because of its outstanding statistics for safety and low C-section rate,” Rachael said. “My exceptional doctor, Dr. Akl, has privileges at Rome Memorial Hospital, so this was a perfect fit. Also, the hospital is conveniently located close to our home, and my family is based in Rome, so they could be to the hospital in a moment’s notice when the baby decided tomake her arrival.”
“We couldn’t have asked for a better experience as first-time parents,” Brendon said. “The quality of care was excellent, and the staff was incredibly understanding and compassionate. They were extremely accommodating and made us feel very comfortable during our time there. Honestly, they contributed greatly to our unbelievable adventure in welcoming our first baby daughter.”
The nurses were phenomenal,” Rachael said. “From the moment we arrived, the staff was kind and informative. I also felt that they were genuinely excited and happy for us, even though they are around the experience of welcoming new life every day.”
The couple was impressed by theway the nursing staff took the time to explain each step of the process before it happened, and gave them the opportunity to ask questions and be as prepared as possible.
“One of the most memorable, impressive qualities about the staff is that each nurse responsible for our care was genuinely kind,” Rachael said. “It was very clear that the nurses wanted to do everything they could to put us first and to provide stellar care.”
The Knights were also appreciative of Akl. “His bedside manner is second to none,” Rachael said. “He made everyone feel so relaxed and comfortable during the birthing process.”
In addition to everyone at Rome Memorial Hospital that played a part in their birth experience, Brendon and Rachael said they also benefited greatly from the free classes available to expecting parents at the hospital. Baby Care Basics offers new and expecting parents information and training on care of their newborn and Breastfeeding Class gives new moms advice, techniques and encouragement for successful breastfeeding.
“We strongly recommend attending the free classes,” Rachael said. “We also attended the six-week Lamaze class to further prepare for the birthing experience. There was a small fee for this series of Lamaze classes, but it was worth it.”
“Our entire experience at Rome Memorial Hospital was spectacular,” Rachael said. “The process was miraculous in every way. We were in a roomfull of grateful joy and loving family, which made Elouise’s birth even more memorable.”
“We were blessed to have such an amazing experience, and I wish the same beautiful, calm experience for all families as they welcome their own precious miracles to the world.” — Rachael Knight