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First Time Parents Trust Mon Health OBGYN to Save Mom & Baby’s Life | Kendra’s Story

Posted Date: 09/19/2023

Kendra Criss and her husband were excited to welcome their first-born baby into the world. When complications arose, the Mon Health Obstetrics and Gynecology team was there to step in to save her and her baby’s life. 

Kendra Criss and her husband were excited to welcome their first-born baby into the world. When complications arose, the Mon Health Obstetrics and Gynecology team was there to step in to save her and her baby’s life. 

Kendra and her husband initially sought treatment from another healthcare facility where they didn’t feel as comfortable as they would like with their care, especially after experiencing a miscarriage the year prior. After doing some research, they decided to begin seeing the providers at Mon Health Obstetrics and Gynecology.

“The nurses have been great, and the doctors were fantastic. I plan to stick with Mon Health for all my future OBGYN appointments,” said Kendra. 

Fast forward to her 37-week appointment, Dr. Craig Herring, OBGYN, found that her placenta was not working properly and was not providing nutrients to the baby. Because of this, there was a chance the baby could be stillborn, so they decided Kendra should be admitted for induction of labor that night.

“I thought Dr. Herring was kidding; I was only 37 weeks and one day. We went home to get our stuff, came back to the birth center, then started Pitocin to try to get labor started,” she said. “They did the epidural and broke my water, but I wasn’t dilating very far.” 

After trying many ways to induce labor, it was decided that Kendra needed to have a cesarean section because it was too dangerous to wait any longer. 

On Wednesday, July 19, their sweet baby girl, Olivia Joy, was born. 

“The only thing I remember after the c-section is that I was losing blood too fast, and they were trying to stop the bleeding, but my uterus was not hardening the way it should,” said Kendra. 

Because of the significant blood loss and severity of the situation, Dr. Marlee Greschner, OBGYN, had to perform a hysterectomy. 

“Their response time was fantastic,” said Kendra. “If you needed something, there was always someone there. When I was bleeding out, nurses and doctors rushed in to help me immediately. They did such a great job with the delivery and making sure that both me and my baby were okay.”

Both Kendra and Olivia have since made full recoveries. Kendra has been feeling much better every day and continues to bond with her new baby. 

“I would recommend the OBGYN team to anybody. They even brought me flowers for my birthday that I celebrated in the hospital,” said Kendra. “Whether it’s the Family Birth Center or any other department, Mon Health System is a 10 out of 10.”

The OBGYN team at Mon Health System is here to help women at all different phases of life. Whether you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant, looking for a gynecologist, or looking for lactation or postpartum support, Mon Health OBGYN is here for you every step of the way. To learn more or to make an appointment, visit MonHealth.com/OBGYN.