I'm a mom of five and have given birth in two states at four different hospitals. Let me tell you, my experience with SMH Venice was aahmmmazing. 10/10 recommend and by far my best experience.
There is, currently, only one practice that delivers at the Venice location, the First Physicians Group. Their office couldn't be more conveniently located. They're in the hospital! If needed, you could walk straight from their office over to L&D.
I saw Dr. Canino for most of my pregnancy. His beside manner is unparalleled. At my first appointment I had an ultrasound (in office! Yet another convenience) for a date scan and to make sure everything looked good. Dr. Canino was so kind. He went over everything from the scan, then sat and listened to me. He truly listened. He wasn't rushed, and made me feel at ease and heard. I had hit the OBGYN jackpot!
I continued to see Dr. Canino, who was always friendly and compassionate, until my third trimester. The office likes to make sure you meet all of the doctors so that you will be comfortable in case one of the other doctors delivers your baby.
I met with Dr. Marshall and I liked her humor and holistic approach. Neither Dr. Canino nor Dr. Marshall delivered my baby, although I'd have been happy with either.
Dr. Battaglia was the last doctor I met and the one who delivered my son. He is easy going, friendly, and very professional.
The day before my son's due date I began having contractions. They weren't painful but one concerned me. It lasted for a few minutes and didn't let up. I called over to L&D who kindly advised me to come in and get checked, just to be safe.
I arrived to the hospital at 10pm so I had to check in at the emergency room entrance instead of L&D. A lovely young nurse was expecting me and walked my husband and me to my room on the L&D floor. I was monitored and my contractions began to taper off - but there was fetal deceleration (a decrease in my son's heart rate) during contractions. I was given the option to stay the night so they can keep an eye on me or go home. I chose to stay the night.
During the night, I actually slept! The nurses were so kind and kept my room dark and quiet. I wasn't disturbed until I naturally woke up the next morning. My nurse made sure I ordered my breakfast, which was promptly delivered, and that I took a shower. The shower in my room was HUGE!
I had arrived dilated at only a 2, but was a 4 by the morning and was ready to rock and roll! I was offered pitocin to get things going. I opted for it, with consideration of my baby's heart decel and my four children waiting at home. By 10am I had pitocin going at a very low level and an epidural.
At noon Dr. Battaglia broke my water. At this time it was seen that there was meconium in the amniotic fluid. When I heard this I panicked internally, worried that my baby would aspirate the meconium. Dr Battaglia and my nurse were so calm and told me not to worry. They were so relaxed about it that the worry faded away.
My labor progressed quickly and by 2pm it was go time. A room full of staff suddenly appeared, on standby for my baby. In two pushes my son was born (on his due date), and he came out screaming! His lungs were great and the staff was able to leave. I am so appreciative that Dr. Battaglia did not worry me about the meconium in the amniotic fluid, but had the staff ready to go as a precaution. I was able to enjoy giving birth without fear.
When my son was born he was passed directly to me for the golden hour. This is time for mom and baby to bond and (if desired) practice nursing. I cuddled him for an hour while the nurse assigned to him waited patiently to do his checks.
I was able to recover in the same room that I delivered in. The nurses helped me to get washed up and cleaned the bedding. Then I got to order lunch! I didn't miss a meal that day, ha!
That evening, my husband brought in our older children to meet their new brother. My nurse made the moment extra special and gave treats to my kids after they got in their newborn snuggles.
After my husband took the older kids home I was able to chat with the nurses. They spent time with me until I was ready to rest. I had another night of glorious sleep. The lights were kept off and they didn't come in unless absolutely neccesary. If you've ever delivered a baby in the hospital, you know that this is not the norm.
The next morning I was ready to go home....at least I felt that way! As much as I enjoyed the experience I would rather be home.
The nurses listened to me and did everything they could so that I was released right at the 24 hour mark. Dr Battaglia cleared me to go home and then I had to wait for the newborn checks to be completed. Dr. Patel, of Gold Star Pediatrics, came to the hospital to examine my son. He was so kind, and let me know he has five kids also! My son passed all of his checks and we were discharged.
I wish I could remember the names of all the nurses that took care of me and my son. They each had such beautiful souls and made my experience wonderful. If by chance the nurses from Venice SMH Labor and Delivery come across this blog post, I thank you and appreciate you!
