Karen

Karen Joy Walsh experienced complications during pregnancy that made her decision about where to give birth an easy one. As a nurse herself, she knew she wanted world-class care, so she chose Huntington Hospital’s Family Birth Center. “I knew I needed the best — and that’s Huntington,” says Karen.

Early in her pregnancy, Karen developed hyperemesis gravidarum — a rare prenatal condition where she experienced prolonged nausea and severe vomiting. Then, when she reached 26 weeks, she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Six weeks after that, Karen was told her baby was measuring small and was breech. She had also developed pregnancy-induced hypertension.

In August 2022, just days away from her scheduled induction, Karen was having trouble sleeping. She took her blood pressure, and it was high. When it did not come down, she and her husband, Leonard, decided to go the hospital. “I felt very safe going to Huntington,” says Karen. “It has services I could depend on to care for both my life, and that of my little one.” In the event that her baby needed additional care after birth, Karen notes she especially appreciated that Huntington has the only level III neonatal intensive care unit in the region.

Upon arrival here, Karen was diagnosed with preeclampsia — a condition that can lead to serious complications for mother and baby. Huntington Health-affiliated obstetrician, Cindy Chou, MD, and the rest of Karen’s birth team responded immediately by inducing labor. “I was scared, but everyone comforted me,” Karen shares. “I felt really loved.” The morning after she was admitted to Huntington Hospital, Karen gave birth to a baby boy, Ryo Levi Walsh.

Today, Karen and Leonard are continuing to enjoy bonding with Ryo, who is in perfect health and is meeting all his milestones. Karen is grateful for the comprehensive, compassionate care that Huntington provides for expectant mothers. “I had such a positive experience,” she says. “The whole team took care of me as if I was family. I can’t thank Huntington enough.”