Women's Health Center Making a Difference, One Family at a Time

For Matt and Gracen Jarrett Swartzentruber, welcoming their daughter, Gretchen, at Daviess Community Hospital was a joyful experience made even more meaningful by receiving care close to family and friends.

The Swartzentrubers knew they wanted the best possible birth experience as they prepared to welcome their second child into their family. After careful consideration, they chose Daviess Community Hospital, just a few minutes’ drive from their home.

Their first child, JP, had been born at a much larger hospital in another state, giving them a unique perspective on two very different birth experiences. While both births were positive, Matt and Gracen found the care at Daviess Community Hospital to be remarkably personal, coordinated, and compassionate.

Their experience began well before Gretchen's arrival. Prior to the birth, OB Director Shawna O'Kelley Brinson welcomed Gracen for a tour of the Labor and Delivery unit, helping her become familiar with the facility and answering her questions. That personal introduction gave her confidence and peace of mind as she and Matt prepared to welcome their newest family member.

Throughout her stay, she was impressed by the collaborative approach of the maternity care team Dr. Dan McCarthy, and Dr. John Stafford. In addition to the physicians and nurses, they received support from a lactation specialist who provided guidance for feeding their newborn and a pelvic floor therapist who offered education and resources to support Gracen's recovery and long-term health. Having these specialized services available as part of Gracen’s care confirmed that they had made the right decision to deliver at Daviess Community Hospital.

What stood out most, however, was the extraordinary compassion of the nursing staff. Gracen said, “The nurses consistently took the time to check on both of us, answer questions, provide encouragement, and ensure I felt comfortable throughout the stay. I am especially grateful for Sarah, Aliyah, Jordan, Keanna, and others who cared for me.” Beyond excellent clinical care, they experienced genuine kindness, heartfelt compassion, and even moments of prayer that brought comfort and reassurance during this meaningful event.

For Gracen, the difference in birth experiences was clear. She described feeling known, valued, and cared for as an individual—not simply as a patient. That personalized attention allowed her to focus on the joy of welcoming Gretchen into the world and celebrating the beginning of life as a family of four.

Reflecting on the experience, Gracen summed it up by saying, "People don't realize how nice our hospital is with regards to the people, services, and the renovations. When you have the quality of care we have here, there’s no reason to go elsewhere. We felt cared for every step of the way, and that's something we'll never forget."

Their story is a testament to the compassionate, patient-centered care that families can expect at Daviess Community Hospital, where skilled healthcare professionals combine clinical excellence with genuine kindness to create an exceptional birth experience.