DeTar Hospital North Highlights Collaborative Teamwork Supporting First Time Mother’s Birth Plan

1/28/2026

When Avery Shipley imagined giving birth to her first child, she knew exactly what she wanted: a vaginal delivery where her voice, choices and comfort mattered. When it came time to give birth to baby boy Antonio, labor and delivery nurses and Shipley’s doula, Sarita Hernandez, worked side-by-side to ensure that Shipley’s birth plan came to fruition.

“Having a doula was important to me because I wanted someone there who would not just advocate for me but someone who could support my partner as well,” Shipley said. “But I also wanted medical care there as well in case anything should happen.”

On January 13 when Shipley came in for blood work and staff noticed her baby’s heart rate was low, she was admitted to the hospital overnight. When she was induced and went into labor the next morning, her birth plan became reality — thanks to a deeply collaborative care team at DeTar Hospital North that worked together to support not the mother’s decision, but the passionate care of her doula.

On Wednesday, January 14, at 4:54 p.m., Shipley gave birth to baby Antonio, weighing 9lbs 2 oz. The delivery went smoothly, a reflection of the trust, teamwork and shared commitment that defined her experience. Both mom and baby are home and doing well.

“The collaboration between our medical staff and the doula was seamless,” Mary Claire Bradshaw, women and children’s center director at DeTar Hospital North, said. “Everyone worked in tandem, communicating openly and supporting one another to make sure Avery felt heard, respected and safe. That teamwork is exactly what patient-centered care should look like.”

From the start, DeTar’s labor and delivery nurses embraced a team-based approach, working hand in hand with Hernandez to create a calm, supportive environment centered on Shipley’s wishes.

One of the most meaningful aspects of Shipley’s experience was continuity — having the same nurse, Shelli Green, R.N., by her side throughout her entire journey. From prenatal care through labor, delivery and recovery, Green remained a constant presence, helping Shipley feel comfortable and secure during an incredibly vulnerable time.

Green, who has nearly 30 years of nursing experience and has worked as a labor and delivery nurse at DeTar Hospital North since December 2000, was deeply invested in Shipley’s care. She worked extra hours to ensure she would be present for the birth, advocating for Shipley’s vaginal delivery and supporting both parents every step of the way.

“It’s important for us to honor our patient’s wishes,” Green said. “For Shipley, that was a vaginal birth. Her birth plan was important to her, and it was important for us to honor that. Our jobs every day end the same — with a baby — but every story is different.”

For Shipley, having the same nurse throughout the process made all the difference.

“Knowing Shelli would be there the whole time made me feel so safe,” Shipley said. “I felt comfortable and supported during such a vulnerable moment. She truly believed in my birth plan and never stopped advocating for me.”

Shipley also credits her physician, Dr. Gus Zamora, with helping her feel confident and informed without fear.

“Dr. Zamora always made me feel heard,” Shipley said. “He was honest with me, but he never scared me or tried to push me away from my wishes. He supported my goals and helped me trust the process.”

As labor progressed, Hernandez played a critical role — not just physically, helping Shipley with positioning and comfort, but behind the scenes as well. With Shipley’s mother living 12 hours away, Hernandez helped Anthony Esquivel navigate the experience as a first-time dad, taking photos, communicating with medical staff, and video chatting Shipley’s mother so she could be part of the moment.

“Our doula handled so many of the little things,” Shipley said. “She supported Anthony too, which allowed him to focus on me and our baby. That meant everything to us.”

For Shipley, the birth of Antonio was more than just a successful delivery — it was proof that when medical teams listen, collaborate and honor a patient’s voice, powerful things can happen. DeTar Hospital North continues to emphasize collaborative, compassionate care — ensuring that while every day may end with a baby, every family’s story is honored as uniquely their own.

Learn more about DeTar's maternity care at www.detar.com/maternity-care-services.

Back