Lompoc mom likens birth experience to high-end resort

Kelly West might be the only person to ever compare her birthing experience to being at a Four Seasons Resort. 

But for the Lompoc native, having her children at Lompoc Valley Medical Center was just like staying at a high-end vacation spot. 

“When I had labor, I literally felt like I was in the Four Seasons,” she recalls. “The lights come on. The pictures (on the walls) come up and all this equipment happens and you don’t even realize it’s happening. You give birth and all of a sudden everything’s swept away and you’re back in a comfortable bed.” 

The way in which she was able to deliver her babies was extremely important to her. 

“You never have to leave the room, which is something at other hospitals has to happen,” she adds. “I think that’s a big consideration when you’re choosing a hospital to give birth – where are you as the patient? Obviously, the baby is the most important patient. You as the mom are an important patient too. I feel this hospital does a really good job focusing on both of you as much as they possibly can. What a gift. It’s so rare and I love it.” 

Kelly, a teacher for Hartland Charter School, made a conscious decision that she was going to raise her children in her hometown. Both her son and daughter, Winslow, 9 and Rooney, 7, were born at Lompoc Valley Medical Center. She was born at the former hospital site on C Street.  

“For me, I am so Lompoc all the way that I wanted to have my babies in Lompoc so that when they’re older, they can say, ‘I was born in Lompoc.’ I was able to say that now as an adult, ‘I was born at Lompoc Hospital.’ I think that’s so amazing that my kids can say, ‘I was also born at Lompoc hospital.’ I’m all about Lompoc and the community we have made. It wasn’t really a question for me – they’re going to be born in Lompoc.” 

The sense of security and familiarity she feels about her home town was evident in LVMC’s Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum (LDRP) Department. 

“Lompoc’s a small town. Word around town is if you get a labor and delivery position at Lompoc Hospital, you don’t leave. And I think that’s really reassuring. You know if you love your job, you’re going to do well at your job. And clearly, they love their job. I felt that sense of community when I got there. The nurses are all collaborating with each other … You feel like it’s a fluid motion and you’re not just another patient. They really treat you as individually as they can. I really felt that when I was there.” 

She was particularly relieved, she said, when she realized she’d have the same labor and delivery nurse – Lisa Winter -- with her second baby as she had with her first.  

“That is something I’ll never forget,” Kelly says. “Having her walk in, ‘This is meant to be. We’re going to have a great day today and we’re going to have my baby.’ It’s a cool experience.” 

With her second birth, Kelly had a somewhat comical experience involving those who were in the room with her at the delivery. In addition to the labor and delivery team, a training nurse was on hand, as was an EMT, who was required to watch a live birth as part of training. Following the birth, Dr. Rod Huss gave a mini-tutorial to the training students, teaching them about what happens after birth and explaining different procedures. 

“We all got a little lesson in birth,” she laughs. “I know that’s not how it normally goes. But I certainly feel blessed.” 

Kelly said she also appreciated the special touches that come with having a baby at LVMC – including birthing classes, a commemorative etched silver spoon and a gourmet dinner for the laboring mother and her partner.  

“They made you feel very special. Everyone was so friendly and smiley.”  

Kelly said it just always made sense to her to have the babies locally. 

“I can’t imagine knowing there’s this amazing facility right around the corner and still choosing to drive somewhere else to give birth,” she said. “I just loved that when I felt the (labor) signs, I only had to drive 10 minutes max. I loved that I trusted everyone. It never crossed my mind to consider something else. It felt comfortable and safe.”