My 19th BIRTHday with Harris Fort Worth!! And I couldn't love this hospital more...

My first experience with Harris Fort Worth was October 29, 1996. I was 19 years old and pregnant with my first baby. She decided to stop moving that day and I noticed. I arrived about 10 pm with plans to be placed on the monitors for 20 minutes then go home. 20 minutes turned into 7 hours, an emergency ultrasound and ultimately an emergency c/section for non-reassuring fetal heart tones and fetal distress. I was a mess. I was swollen and exhausted and terrified.

The care I received back then was outstanding. Every single person I came into contact with was kind, empathetic, and genuine. Harris is also where I fell in love with midwifery care. In 1996, they had a group of CNMs called the "Harris Midwives". Nancy Jo Reedy sat with me and held my hand as I tried not to pass out from the vials of blood were drawn from my arm. It meant far more than I think anyone could ever know. The following morning, about 5 am, I learned that Emma would need to be born via c/section and my only reassurance was that Nancy was with me throughout.

Emma stayed in NICU for 5 days. I was given everything I needed to pump for her and provided a wheelchair so I could go to the NICU anytime I wanted to see her.

As awful as my experience with my birth was, and scary, the hospital itself was outstanding. The staff was outstanding. 

That hasn't changed today. I have worked at Harris downtown more than any other hospital in the metroplex and I LOVE it!!!

I get to work with the UNT midwives a lot but also quite a lot of the obstetricians there.

They go above and beyond to help families have the births they want. The UNT midwives have use of a wonderful waterbirth tub and will do everything they can to help you have  a natural birth if that's what you choose. Of course, medication is available to you if you want that as well. 

The approach to cesarean has changed and most providers have moved towards a family centered model. I have had the honor of attending a good handful of surgical births and we have been able to have skin-to-skin and an extra person in the operating room. 

It truly is a great place to have a baby. 

I have saved the best for last. The nurses at Harris downtown are the most amazing, supporting, caring, accommodating nursing staff you will find in Tarrant County. I LOOOOOOVE the nurses and cannot say enough about them. I'm always greeted with hugs and kind words.

Bravo Harris Fort Worth!!! I wish every hospital did what you did, offered what you offer, and had the commitment to families that you have. I am truly excited to be a part of what you are doing in my community. Happy Birthday to us!! I hope we have many more!!

If you are planning a delivery at Harris Fort Worth, give me a call at 817-343-7545 to find out how I can help you make the best of your experience! Or fill out the contact form and set an appoinment. 

I'm looking forward to hearing from you,
Abbey Robinson ProDoula CD-Labor

---