Trish R. never thought she would have another baby – 19 years separated her first pregnancy from her second. So when Trish found out she was expecting, she started "Googling" local obstetricians. Her search led her to Overlook Medical Center and Atlantic Medical Group Women’s Health at Westfield.
Trish had a very healthy pregnancy, and she was excited to be induced on September 1 – her grandmother’s birthday. “She raised me and means the world to me. She passed in 2006,” says Trish. After several hours of labor, however, the baby began showing signs of distress. “[OB/GYN Cecilia Zhang, DO] went into superhero mode,” Trish says. “She told me, ‘Don’t worry, I’m watching Ava like a hawk.’ She explained everything thoroughly. When she told me I would have to have a cesarean section, I knew that’s what it had to be. I trusted her with my life.”
After delivery, Trish and her fiancé, Emmett V., enjoyed Overlook’s customary couple’s dinner. “It was amazing,” she says. “Not only does the mom go through a lot, but the dad does as well. With the dinner, he gets to celebrate, too.”
Looking back, Trish says, “All of my expectations were exceeded. The level of professionalism and kindness I received at Overlook were unmatched. This whole experience has been a blessing. I never thought I would have another baby, but I feel like Ava has been with me my entire life. She’s so sweet. I can’t imagine her not being here.”