A Big Thanks to the Staff of the Maternity Department

On Monday, March 26th I was very fortunate to be allowed to watch the birth of my grandson, Silas Kano York, at . Thanks to the staff in the Maternity Department it was a wonderful experience for all who were there.

As soon as I walked into the birthing room I felt relieved to see my smiling daughter, Sarah, being attended to by her doula, Elissa Lash, and her nurse, Missy. Sarah was enjoying herself in one of the two hydrotherapy labor tubs.  I immediately noticed how spacious the room was. Amenities included a comfortable couch for Dad to sleep on, a flat screen TV, medical equipment for newborns, such as warmers, so mom and baby could stay together and a comfy chair for me.

Between her husband, Obie, the doula and her nurse my daughter's every need was fulfilled. As I sat there I remembered my daughter's birth, so different from what I was seeing now. Her birth took place in a small cold sterile room with a very businesslike atmosphere.  The maternity room we were in now felt homey and you could feel all the love in the room.

My grandson joined us at 1:43 PM delivered by nurse/midwife Cathy Chase.  Of course he is the most beautiful baby in the world but all grandmothers get to say that. He must have liked the birthing room because for the next hour he was wide awake and looking all around as he was passed from Mom to Dad.

It became a real family affair when new baby Silas met his sister, Lilah, for the first time.  Later on more grandparents showed up along with great grandma, Laurie.  The room had a festive feeling to it and was large enough to hold us all. A table was brought in and we shared a meal together.

If you could choose any place to give birth I would suggest our wonderful hospital here on the Vineyard. From the comfortable birthing room to the hydrotherapy labor tub to the awesome staff, the maternity department at Martha's Vineyard Hospital has it all.