Pregnant during the pandemic: One woman's take on West Valley

If you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant, we want you to know we are here for you. Over the next few months we will be featuring Amy on her maternity journey. Here's what she had to say as to why she chose West Valley Medical Center for her care:

My husband Tony and I have been residents of Caldwell for four years, but have lived in the valley for more than two decades. We both work in Caldwell and are involved in the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce. Being a member of the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce is where we first realized what an amazing hospital West Valley Medical Center is in Caldwell. The hospital is great at sharing educational information with the community and striving to be the best hospital around. I have even heard of many doctors in other surrounding cities that have chosen West Valley as their hospital for procedures and/or labor and delivery.

Our first three children became part of our family through the Foster Adopt Program with Health & Welfare. At that time, we were told that adoption would be our only choice in having a family. So it came as quite a surprise when we found out we were expecting in July of 2012. The doctors couldn’t pinpoint what exactly happened except a bout of thyroiditis that my body was battling at the time caused me to be fertile for the first time in 18 years of marriage. I had a full term pregnancy and delivered Sophie at a Boise Hospital. She is now a lively 7 year old full of spunk and surprises. My doctor then retired and I was on a search for a new doctor. I am so glad I found Dr. J’Cinda Bitters at West Valley Medical Center. She quickly became the doctor for our entire family.

Now, thanks to another sweet and unexpected surprise, she will be my doctor as I navigate another pregnancy. This is a surprise to us and our family since our three oldest will be in their 20’s when this baby arrives. I was even preparing mentally to be a ”GlamMa” someday when my son and his wife are ready to start a family. After getting over the initial shock that I truly was pregnant, reality set it and I was notified by my insurance that when we switched plans during open enrollment my doctor nor West Valley were in network. I was devastated and went to work appealing our insurance to be switched. After two appeals we were granted permission to do a one-time switch between plans with the same carrier. I was so excited to know that Dr. Bitters could care for me during this pregnancy and that I finally get to experience a birth at West Valley Medical Center.

Choosing Dr. Bitters, West Valley Medical Center and everything in this small community of health care has been amazing. From getting my blood drawn, to my mammogram, to an ultrasound, to getting prescriptions filled, it has all been the best experience I’ve had in all my years.

I’m excited to see what the next six months will bring and look forward to sharing my story as we prepare to welcome our bundle of surprise at West Valley Medical Center. I trust West Valley to be a partner in my pregnancy and the health and wellbeing of my baby. People have asked if I’m concerned with what’s going on with COVID-19 and being pregnant. I can honestly say, I’m not, because I trust my medical care so much!

Amy and her Family