Texas Health Allen

my A Sweet Delivery After spending more than a year trying to start a family, Elizabeth Goertz, 31 at the time, looked to Sara Robert, M.D., OB/GYN at Craig Ranch OB/GYN for help. husband Justin and I never realized how challenging it could be to get pregnant. My OB/GYN at the time was not very compassionate about the fact we were struggling, which is when we found Dr. Robert. She was very informative and caring," says Elizabeth. "After 13 months, we decided to try fertility medications. I took an at-home pregnancy test so I could start taking the medications and discovered I wouldn't need them — I was pregnant!" Elizabeth and her husband toured a few hospitals, but once they arrived at The Family Birthplace at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen, they knew they had found the place where their family would begin. "The Family Birthplace was very impressive and had all the amenities we were looking for, plus it's close to our home," says Elizabeth. "But most importantly, I really liked the nurses I met. They were so kind, and everything seemed to feel right while we were there." Elizabeth and Justin participated in many prenatal classes designed to prepare the couple for the arrival of their first child and soothe first-time parent jitters. From birthing classes to prenatal yoga, the couple says the instruction and supportive staff calmed their nerves while they waited for their bundle of joy. "It's important for parents to feel comfortable with the facility and the staff at the hospital where they're having their baby," says Dr. Robert. "It's not surprising to me that the Goertzs found what they were looking for at The Family Birthplace." THE SwEETEST VAlENTiNE Elizabeth's due date was March 4, 2011, but on February 15, while at the school where she teaches, she suddenly felt ill. Her water broke in the hallway that afternoon. The couple arrived at the hospital at 1 p.m. that same day. At 9:49 p.m., Gabrielle made her entrance into the world, weighing 7 pounds and 9 ounces. Once she began crying, Elizabeth and Justin heard a resounding "aw" outside the door where their family and friends had gathered. "The entire experience was better than I could've ever imagined for everyone. Not for just my husband, Gabi and myself, but also for our family and friends," says Elizabeth. "The staff made us so prepared that everything ran smoothly, even though she came early. One of my friends was so impressed with my experience that she decided to have her baby here, as well." For a virtual tour of The Family Birthplace, visit TexasHealth.org/ AllenMoms. texashealth.org 3

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