Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1499650
Health Matters: Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center | 5 in a community hospital setting. That's important for those times when a baby needs additional support. The NICU at Providence Saint Joseph provides cooling therapy, a lifesaving treat- ment done within six hours of birth. "Many NICUs do not offer that service," says Bryan Homyak, RN, manager of the NICU. For the most critical babies, micro- preemies who can't be held or taken out of their incubator, our NICU offers round- the-clock visitation, streaming cameras and "bonding hearts"—two fabric hearts handmade by one of our nurses. One heart remains in the incubator with the baby, and the other goes with the mom. It's switched each time a mom visits the NICU, which can help calm the baby 's vital signs, Homyak says, because they are exposed to Mom's scent and create a stronger bond. "Our priority is to give you what you and your baby need," Homyak says. "We are going to write this story together. The NICU will be one small chapter in the book that your family continues to write." Adds Wickersham, "There's nothing more uplifting than watching a new mother leave the hospital cuddling their newborn and heading home happy, healthy and looking forward to what the future holds." To sign up for a maternity tour or any of our prenatal or childbirth classes, call our Patient Engagement Center at 877-227-3457. PROVIDENCE DELIVERS ON TRUST FOR MARIO AND COURTNEY LOPEZ Family and faith mean everything to the family. Between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. Self-park in the lot at the front of the hospital, and use the main hospital entrance. Reception will direct you to Admitting. Between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Our main entrance is closed after 8 p.m., so call the hospital at 818-843-5111 and let the operator know your estimated time of arrival. Self-park in the front lot and proceed to the main entrance. A security officer will unlock the door and direct you to Labor and Delivery (Northeast Tower, 3rd floor). ARRIVING AT THE HOSPITAL 2022-2023 Access Hollywood host Mario Lopez and actor Courtney Mazza Lopez welcomed each of their three children—Gia Francesca in 2010, Dominic Luciano in 2013, and Santino Rafael in 2019—at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center. "My experiences at Providence were absolutely amazing," says Courtney. "I had three C-sections, and at the end of five days I did not want to go home, because they took such incredible care of me." "They were very helpful," says Mario. "Especially the first time—you're really nervous, you don't know what you're doing, there's no blueprint. They answered all my questions, and it was very much a family atmosphere. That's why we kept going back." "I truly feel that Providence made me feel seen as a person—and us as a family," says Courtney. "They take care of you. You can't feel more comfortable. They 're just there for you." The Lopez family 's experiences have inspired them to give back to Providence Saint Joseph, ensuring that many others will have access to quality and equitable care. The Mario Lopez Golf Classic, held every summer, raises money for the Providence Saint Joseph Foundation in support of the hospital. Scan the QR code to find out more about why the Lopez family entrusted us with the births of their children. To learn more about how we can be a part of your journey, go to providence.org/locations/socal/saint-joseph- medical-center/labor-and-delivery.