Sara Handy overflows with gratitude when reflecting on the birth of her daughter, Sadie, at Aultman Hospital. She said nothing could repay her physician and the Aultman team for the priceless gift they gave her family: support while she labored and delivered Sadie and exceptional care during their stay.

In addition to 7-month-old Sadie, Sara and her husband, Matt, have a son, Maxwell (Max), who is 2 years old. During this most recent pregnancy, Sara saw Dr. Albert Domingo, the OB-GYN who provided prenatal care and delivered both of her children. She described Dr. Domingo as a wise doctor with a kind demeanor and bedside manner. Like Sara, Dr. Domingo is a person of faith, and she said this made her feel more at peace in his care.

This time around, Sara chose to deliver at the Aultman Hospital Birth Center. Although it was their second child, she recalled feeling a little nervous going into Sadie’s birth. But she quickly felt at ease when she arrived in labor at Aultman Hospital.

“There are so many faces you see at the hospital,” Sara said. “Aultman creates a welcoming environment from the very beginning. Even the person who checked me in and gave me a nametag was so kind and friendly.”

Aultman’s warmth and personal touch continued throughout Sara’s stay. She had a smooth labor and delivery and was impressed by the thoughtfulness of her nurses.

“We talked about their kids and grandkids, and they showed empathy because they had those family dynamics outside of the hospital too. I was cared for by people who view it as not just a job. They would do the same thing for their own family.”

Sadie was born healthy and full term, but Sara said she and Matt were comforted knowing the Akron Children’s Hospital NICU was close by, if needed. Sara received breastfeeding support from the lactation consultants and was grateful for their thoroughness during visits. She also said the pediatric hospitalist doing rounds was very knowledgeable and helpful while caring for Sadie.

Today, Sara and Matt are loving life as a family of four. Sara works part-time in fundraising at a local non-profit, which allows her to pursue her vocation and enjoy lots of quality time with Max and Sadie. Matt is in property management for Aultman, and the couple expressed how grateful they are to be a part of the “Aultman family,” both as Matt’s employer and now after their experience with Sadie’s birth at Aultman Hospital.

When asked what she would say to encourage other expecting mothers, Sara said, “During the end of pregnancy, you go through all the emotions. Even with your second baby, there are unknowns. I would tell other pregnant moms that the doctors and nurses at Aultman are following their callings and you are in great hands.”