Maternity Care: Caitlyn's Story

When I think about our time in Holy Cross Germantown Hospital’s Special Care Nursery due to Jackson’s breathing problems, instead of remembering pain and fear, I recall the hope and love that permeated that place,” says Caitlyn Barrett of Gaithersburg.

Last year alone approximately 10,500 babies were born at Holy Cross Health—that’s a baby every hour of every day. But there is nothing average about delivering a baby at Holy Cross Hospital and Holy Cross Germantown Hospital. 

Mothers throughout Montgomery County and beyond will tell you that Holy Cross Health offers sophisticated and compassionate maternity care. Our comprehensive services begin at the start of your pregnancy with prenatal education, and continue through labor, birth and beyond.

Caitlyn Barrett, who delivered her son Jackson at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital in March explains, “My nurses were exceptional, going above and beyond to care for me and my new little bundle of joy.”

According to Caitlyn’s obstetrician, Eric M. Ashkin, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and vice president of the Medical Staff, Holy Cross Hospital, “More women choose to deliver their babies with us than any other hospital in Maryland or the District of Columbia because of the high-quality maternity and newborn care.”

Approximately 150 obstetricians are available to deliver your baby at Holy Cross Hospital or Holy Cross Germantown Hospital. And, experienced community obstetricians are always available on-site at both locations to assist patients and their obstetricians. A new midwifery program also is available at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital.

Ready for the Unexpected

Eric Ashkin, MD

Soon after birth, Jackson suffered complications including pneumonia, and he was immediately moved to Holy Cross Germantown Hospital’s Special Care Nursery, where he spent seven days. This nursery is able to care for babies who are born up to two months early or who require being on a ventilator for less than 24 hours a day.

This was a very frightening time for Caitlyn and her husband, Paul. “What could have been the worst time in our lives was made so much better by the staff,” says Caitlyn. “My son and I were incredibly well taken care of and I could tell that every person with whom we interacted cared greatly for us.”

Holy Cross Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) cares for more newborns with complex medical issues than any other hospital in Maryland. This Level III NICU features a compassionate team of specialized physicians, nurses and therapists, and state-of-the-art technology to care for babies who are born early or have medical complications that require constant observation or care.

Extensive Women's Services

In addition to our comprehensive obstetric services, Holy Cross Health provides advanced medical expertise and research to meet a wide spectrum of women’s life-long health care issues including gynecologic, pelvic, breast care, and more.

But getting or staying healthy is always your best option. To get a jump on a healthy lifestyle, consider participating in a Holy Cross Health class or event. We offer classes on fitness and nutrition, managing chronic conditions, coping with stress and more.

For more information about our comprehensive women's services or to find a doctor, visit HolyCrossHealth.org/services/womens-health.