Birth Story: Agota & Scarlett

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As an employee of Overlake Medical Center for the past 12 years, Agota Bogdan says some people ask her, "Why would you want to have your baby at the hospital where you work?" 

Her answer is always the same: "I tell them my decision is logical. From my work in the payroll department, where my focus is staffing management, I know first-hand that Overlake has very high standards in both business and healthcare delivery. I know the people there and it feels like home. Why would I want to go anywhere else?"

Agota's two sons, ages 7 and 6, were born at Overlake and those experiences were very positive. So when she and her husband, Victor, decided to have a third child, they chose Overlake Childbirth Center. 

This pregnancy was not like the first two. "I had a lot of discomfort in the first trimester and I felt more tired than I had before." In February, Agota, who was working full time and taking long walks in the evening, experienced some strong contractions. This was alarming as the baby wasn't due until May. Her doctor suggested she slow down some and stop the long walks.

She took his advice and all was well until April 1, when Agota went into labor. She delivered baby Scarlett that night. "It was clear from the start that Scarlett was having trouble breathing. Her lungs were not fully developed," Agota recalls. "They took her to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where she received oxygen support.

"Because I have two other children, I couldn't stay with Scarlett around the clock. I would take the boys to school, sit with her until 4 or 5 p.m. and then go home. 

"The wonderful care they gave her made it easier for me to leave. I was extremely impressed," she says. "And when I was home, I could see how she was doing through Angel Eye, a video system that let me and my husband see her whenever we wanted. That was such a plus!" 

After 14 days, Scarlett had improved and was able to go home. "The nurses were great. They walked me through all I needed to do for her," Agota recalls. "I'd never cared for a premature baby before and there was a lot to learn. They showed me how to monitor her breathing and the best way to hold her when she was being fed. By the time we left the hospital, I thought, 'I've got this.' I'm so appreciative and impressed with the care they gave Scarlett and the help they gave me." 

At Overlake, we know every birth is unique, and yours will be, too. Our team is here to support you throughout your entire birth experience and help you navigate the expected—and unexpected. Visit Overlake Childbirth Center to learn more.