Take me to Lakeview: Where I feel safe during a pandemic
Breanne's pregnancy and birth were different than planned due to COVID-19, but ultimately her experience was relaxed and non-stressful.
Breanne Armstrong, of North Salt Lake, had looked forward to her baby shower for months. She craved celebrating her soon-to-arrive firstborn son with friends and family — but the pandemic changed everything.
“My baby shower was supposed to take place at the end of March 2020, the week the shutdown happened. We had planned a huge, extravagant shower with 40 people,” Breanne said. “That week is when everything got real for me.”
Not only did Breanne need to quickly modify her baby shower dreams and significantly trim down her guest list, but she was soon advised to adjust her delivery plans by reducing that guest list as well.
“When I asked my doctor if I should even have a shower, he told me it was getting risky because COVID numbers were growing high. Then he said that, although my husband could be there, I probably wouldn’t be able to have more family at the delivery either,” Breanne said. “At first that was really hard. I had always imagined my mom in the delivery room at the hospital, and I had planned on my sister going too. It took some time to wrap my head around that.”
Though Breanne and her husband Eric needed to alter their ideal birthing arrangements, their hospital of choice remained the same, and that brought tremendous reassurance.
Lakeview Hospital, in Bountiful, offers personalized care, expert physicians and a peaceful Labor and Delivery atmosphere.
“We knew we wanted to deliver at Lakeview because it’s close to our home and we’ve heard so many good things about it from friends who either work there or have delivered there,” Breanne said. “Plus, we took a tour and learned it’s not a typical hospital environment. Instead of noisy or busy, it felt calm and quiet. That was very attractive to me. We were thrilled with how relaxed and non-stressful the environment was.”
On the evening Breanne’s baby boy made his entrance, Breanne and Eric found the Lakeview Labor and Delivery unit just as peaceful as during their initial tour — and the nursing team had similar, sweet dispositions.
“Those nurses are super calm and kind. They helped me feel at ease. Eric and I loved having them around. I didn’t feel overwhelmed or scared, I just wanted to get in there and get my epidural and then meet my baby,” Breanne said.
Little Liam Forest entered the world six hours after the Breanne checked in at Lakeview, weighing 6 lbs. 8 oz. and measuring 19 in. long.
As per COVID-19 safety protocols at the time of delivery, the life-welcoming and life-changing event looked different than Breanne had originally envisioned; but she says it turned out even more beautifully than she could have anticipated.
“Though the no visitors policy was sad, at the same time, it ended up being a huge blessing,” Breanne said. “Our experience was absolutely relaxed, and we had so much extra time to bond with Liam and learn how to be new parents. I don’t think I would have done it any differently.”
In addition, Breanne felt thankful the COVID protocols stood in place as a protective shield for their fresh family.
“We felt safe and taken care of at Lakeview, even during a pandemic. We didn’t have any fears about COVID while there. In fact, it didn’t even cross my mind while were there – and that’s pretty awesome to say,” Breanne said.
Today, little Liam is a healthy and happy 7-month-old. As a smiley “mama’s boy,” he lights up whenever Breanne enters the room. He also enjoys rolling over, sitting up with support and playing with his toys.
Congratulations, Armstrong family, on your sweet new addition!