Submitted by Providence Swedish
When Eliza reached 37 weeks of pregnancy, what should have been a time of excitement quickly became one of concern. Diagnosed with preeclampsia and having experienced a difficult past delivery, she and her family entered a high-stress situation filled with uncertainty.
Four years earlier, complications from an epidural had resulted in a spinal headache, an experience Eliza did not want to repeat. As she prepared for delivery this time, anxiety weighed heavily on her mind.
What followed, however, was not defined by fear, but by compassion, reassurance, and remarkable care.
One of the most pivotal moments came during the placement of her epidural. Understandably nervous, Eliza was met by anesthesiologist Giordan Dolan-Umipig, whose calm demeanor immediately helped shift the experience. He took the time to listen carefully, answer every question, and clearly explain the purpose and process of the epidural. Throughout the procedure, he remained calm and confident.
“He made space for all my questions and helped me feel like I was doing a good job,” Eliza shared. “It was a very memorable experience in the best way.” That moment transformed what she had feared into one of trust and confidence.
Her experience wasn’t defined by just one caregiver; it echoed across every team she encountered.
From nurses and technicians to lab staff, each interaction reflected a culture of kindness and attentiveness. Due to her condition, she required frequent monitoring and procedures, including repeated blood draws. Even during uncomfortable moments, staff remained patient and supportive.
“They were incredibly comforting,” Eliza said. “Everyone was engaging and attentive, even when it was probably my sixth poke.”
Her care team also ensured her birth plan was respected, balancing her preferences with careful monitoring of her health and safety. Providence Centralia Hospital’s Family Birth Center utilizes the TeamBirth model, an innovative and inclusive approach used for deliveries aimed at enhancing safety and equity for birthing families.
“TeamBirth is an industry-standard process to improve communication and education with patients and their support team,” shared Lesley Roy, RN, with the Family Birth Center. “TeamBirth promotes shared decision-making throughout the labor and birthing process, in hopes to give every person a chance at a safe, dignified childbirth experience.”
Her journey with Providence Centralia Hospital didn’t end at discharge. Shortly after returning home, she experienced postpartum preeclampsia and had to return to the Emergency Department while also coping with anxiety. Once again, she was met with compassionate care.
From the Emergency Department to Labor & Delivery, teams worked together seamlessly. Familiar faces and clear communication helped ease both her and her husband’s concerns during an already overwhelming moment.
“The doctor was incredibly reassuring,” she said. “It helped both of us feel supported.”
Looking back, she describes her experience as one that could have been overwhelming but instead was made bearable through the dedication and compassion of her care team.
“Everyone, from the anesthesiologist to the food service staff, played a role,” she shared. “They truly eased the experience for our family.”
Her story reflects what matters most in healthcare: not just clinical expertise, but human connection, empathy, and consistency across every interaction.
About Providence Swedish
Providence Swedish in South Puget Sound touches more lives in the 540,000 five-county service area of Thurston, Mason, Lewis, Grays Harbor, and Pacific counties than any other health care provider.
It is made up of:
• Providence St. Peter Hospital, a 394-bed facility founded in 1887.
• Providence Centralia Hospital, a 128-bed facility founded in 1926.
• Providence Medical Group in Southwest Washington, including more than 40 clinics with more than 350 primary, specialty care, and hospital-based providers.
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