Published on Feb. 16, 2026
A nurse’s journey from caregiver to patient reveals the power of trust, compassion, and full-circle care at The Women’s Hospital at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center.
When Sam Bevan, RN, walked into The Women’s Hospital at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center to deliver her third baby, she wasn’t just a patient—she was a nurse returning to the place she calls home. Having cared for countless patients herself, Sam knew the kind of experience she would get, and any mother would hope for. With Rachael Lopez, M.D., medical director, Women’s Health Pavilion, MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center, by her side again, she got just that.
All three of Sam’s children were born at The Women’s Hospital—and incredibly, each delivery took place in the very same room: Room 290. What began as a coincidence became a deeply meaningful tradition, culminating in a full-circle moment as she welcomed her third child surrounded by colleagues who had become like family, and under the trusted care of Dr. Lopez. The familiarity of the space, layered with years of joyful memories, made the experience feel both surreal and profoundly special.
“Caring for Sam was incredibly special—not just because she’s a colleague, but because she’s someone who’s dedicated her career to supporting others through their own birth experiences,” said Dr. Lopez. “To be part of her journey as a patient was deeply meaningful. Our goal is always to provide compassionate, personalized care, and it was an honor to help ensure Sam felt safe, supported and empowered every step of the way.”
Choosing Saddleback Medical Center: A Deliberate Decision
For Sam, choosing to deliver at The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Medical Center wasn’t about convenience; it was a deeply personal decision rooted in trust, safety and familiarity. As a nurse who had spent years working alongside the very team that would care for her, she knew firsthand the level of expertise, compassion and responsiveness that defined The Women’s Hospital.
Her first delivery required a medically necessary induction, and the experience left a lasting impression. The process was smooth, the communication clear, and the support unwavering. That positive experience shaped her approach to future births. For both her second and third babies, she chose elective inductions—not out of necessity, but because she trusted the care team completely.
“I’ve seen how our team handles everything—from high-risk emergencies to routine deliveries. That consistency and professionalism gave me peace of mind. I knew I was in expert hands, and that made all the difference.”
- Sam
Even as her family prepared to move more than 2,500 miles away, Sam made the intentional choice to stay and deliver at Saddleback Medical Center. She didn’t want to risk the unknown when she had access to a hospital that offered not only advanced medical capabilities but also a deeply supportive environment.
The Women’s Hospital: Where Excellence Meets Compassion
The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Medical Center has been a trusted leader in maternity care in South Orange County for more than 35 years. Since opening Orange County’s first Labor-Delivery-Recovery-Postpartum (LDRP) suites in 1988, the hospital has delivered over 75,000 babies in a setting that blends clinical excellence with personalized comfort. It maintains a low 23.2% NTSV cesarean birth rate—well below the national average—and has earned national recognition from Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report as one of the best maternity hospitals in the country.
What truly sets The Women’s Hospital apart is its thoughtful design and advanced capabilities. It is the only hospital in Orange County to offer a personalized maternity concierge to every maternity patient—not just those with high-risk pregnancies. This exclusive service provides one-on-one support throughout pregnancy, delivery and postpartum, helping families navigate appointments, insurance and care coordination with ease. Patients also enjoy private birthing suites with spa-like amenities, including lavender-scented towels, freshly baked cookies and celebratory brunches—creating a warm, home-like atmosphere. Wireless fetal monitoring allows mothers to move freely during labor while still being closely monitored.
For pregnancies that require urgent attention, The Women’s Hospital is fully equipped with a 24/7 Obstetrical Emergency Department (OB ED), staffed by dedicated OB hospitalists and supported by in-house surgical and anesthesia teams for immediate response to urgent maternal needs. The hospital also features a dedicated obstetrical operating room on the same floor as labor and delivery, allowing for rapid surgical intervention without delay. An in-house anesthesiologist, available exclusively to maternity patients, ensures timely pain management and support throughout labor and delivery.
If a baby is born prematurely or with medical complications, the Level III Irma Feldcamp Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides advanced respiratory support, continuous monitoring and specialized care from board-certified neonatologists—all just steps from the delivery suites.
Sam knew that if her pregnancy was deemed high-risk, she would still be in the right place, she’s worked alongside everyone from newly graduated nurses to seasoned experts and has seen how the team handles high-risk situations with precision and calm. That level of expertise doesn’t just benefit patients with complex needs; it creates a reassuring environment for low-risk patients too, knowing they’re surrounded by a team prepared for anything.
“There’s a Level III NICU, our own OR on the same floor, and a dedicated anesthesiologist,” Sam said. “The doctors are incredibly available when you need them. It’s unmatched.”
Even though Sam didn’t need to use these advanced resources during her delivery, knowing they were available gave her peace of mind. It was one of the many reasons she chose to deliver at Saddleback Medical Center—a place where clinical excellence and compassionate care come together to create truly exceptional birth experiences.
A Calm and Empowering Birth
Sam’s labor began with an unexpected twist—her water broke during the insertion of a Foley balloon, a device used to gently encourage cervical dilation as part of the induction process. But thanks to the calm professionalism of the care team, the transition was seamless.
From the very beginning, Sam felt empowered and in control of her experience. She chose to delay the use of Pitocin—a medication commonly used to help start or speed up labor. By waiting, she allowed her body more time to progress naturally, and the staff respected her decision without hesitation. She was encouraged to move around freely, supported by wireless fetal monitoring, and spent time walking through the halls while listening to her favorite music, small but meaningful comforts that helped her stay grounded and relaxed.
When she requested an epidural, it was administered quickly and efficiently, contributing to a smooth and pain-free labor.
“The nurses were amazing. They explained everything to my husband and me, and made sure we were both comfortable. The whole experience lasted about nine hours, and the epidural was fantastic—I didn’t feel a thing.”
- Sam
Even though Sam had spent years caring for patients at The Women’s Hospital, being the patient brought a wave of vulnerability she hadn’t expected. Having the nurses take the time to explain each step—not just to her, but to her husband—offered a deep sense of reassurance and reminded her that compassion and communication are just as powerful as clinical skill.
Facing a Scary Moment as a Nurse-Patient
After delivery, Sam experienced a mild postpartum hemorrhage—an excessive amount of bleeding that can occur after childbirth. As a nurse, she knew this was a possibility, especially with a third baby, since the uterus can become less responsive and slower to contract after multiple pregnancies. But knowing the risk didn’t make the experience any less frightening.
“It was scary because I’m usually the one helping patients through this,” said Sam. “But the team was so quick and responsive. They handled everything with such calm and confidence that I never felt unsafe.”
In that moment, Sam wasn’t the nurse monitoring vitals or reassuring a patient—she was the one being cared for. The clinical team acted quickly, using proven protocols to manage the bleeding and stabilize her condition. Their expertise and composure turned what could have been a traumatic experience into one that felt safe and controlled.
Postpartum Care that Goes Above and Beyond
Sam’s postpartum experience was just as positive and reassuring as her labor and delivery. After giving birth, she was cared for by a team of attentive nurses who made sure she was comfortable—helping her order meals, keeping her room clean and cozy, and checking in regularly to ensure her recovery was on track. These small but thoughtful gestures made a big difference in helping her feel cared for and supported during a physically and emotionally vulnerable time.
Even though Sam had no issues breastfeeding, international board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLC) still visited her to offer guidance and encouragement. They shared new tips and techniques tailored to her third baby’s needs, recognizing that every newborn is different and that even experienced moms benefit from personalized support.
“Even with my third baby, I learned things I didn’t know,” Sam said. “Every baby is different, and the support was incredible.”
For Sam, who is used to being the caregiver, having that level of attention and expertise focused on her was both comforting and empowering. It reminded her that no matter how familiar one is with the hospital or the process, having a compassionate team by your side makes all the difference in the postpartum journey.
Healing and Gratitude
Now home and healing well, Sam says this was her best recovery yet. Physically, she felt stronger and more energized than she had after her previous deliveries. Emotionally, she felt grounded and supported, which made the transition home smoother and more joyful. While she was eager to return to her routine, she also recognized the importance of taking time to rest, recover and reflect on the experience.
“I felt truly loved and supported,” she said. “Being a nurse here, I already knew how great the team was. But being the patient showed me just how deeply they care. I wouldn’t want to deliver anywhere else.”