Welcoming Lyla: A DeTar Employee Shares Her Birth Experience at DeTar Hospital North

3/11/2026

DeTar Hospital North is celebrating a special delivery that highlights the compassionate care and patient education families receive in the Women and Children’s Services unit.

Gabrielle Salinas, an employee of DeTar Healthcare System, welcomed her daughter, Lyla, on March 3, 2026, at 3:55 a.m. Lyla weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 18 inches long at birth. She joins her proud parents, Gabrielle and Mario DeLaGarza Jr., and a very excited big brother, Oliver, age 6, who has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of his baby sister.

Salinas chose DeTar Hospital North for this delivery after hearing positive feedback from coworkers about the hospital’s labor and delivery team.

“While I delivered my son at another hospital, the move to DeTar North was absolutely worth it,” said Salinas. “What stood out most was the staff and the education I received. I felt welcomed on the labor and delivery floor and never felt like a burden. I was well informed about everything being done for both my baby and me.”

Salinas initially came to the hospital because she thought she was having Braxton Hicks contractions, but in fact she was in labor.

“My husband and son were worried, so we decided it was best to get checked out,” she said. “On the way to the hospital, I thought I might be sent home since the timing was irregular, but I was glad I had eaten dinner just in case. I was even hoping I wouldn’t miss my son’s first T-ball practice the next day.”

Instead, the visit turned into a memorable and welcoming birth experience.

“I was nervous about coming in before my induction date and worried I might be a bother, but the staff and nurses were amazing,” Salinas said. “Kim Reyna, R.N., one of the labor and delivery nurses, helped me feel relaxed by keeping me distracted and making sure I was comfortable.”

Salinas also recognized nurse Natalynn Vasquez, R.N., who assisted with the delivery, along with Cindy Lassmann, postpartum R.N., and the emergency department registration team. “Kim helped me feel less nervous, and she and Natalynn encouraged me to move and stay active during labor,” Salinas said. “Cindy was very informative and even showed us a new way to burp the baby. I also appreciated small comfort measures like the heating pad for cramping and how attentive the team was during my epidural.”

After Lyla’s arrival, Salinas experienced an immediate and emotional moment with her newborn.

“I felt so much joy and gratitude when I held her,” she said. “I was thankful for a quick delivery and that she was healthy enough for immediate skin-to-skin connection.”

One of the most meaningful moments came later, when Oliver finally met the sister he had been asking about every day.

Salinas emphasized the level of education provided by the nursing team throughout her stay.

“I will say this over and over — the education provided by the nursing team at DeTar North was exceptional,” she said. “I felt very educated throughout my stay, and that is something families truly need in the Crossroads.”

As both a patient and an employee of DeTar Healthcare System, Salinas said the experience reinforced her confidence in the care provided at the hospital.

“As an employee, it means a lot to know that patients are under great care at DeTar, especially experiencing it firsthand,” she said. “They provide excellent education to families in a supportive and welcoming environment.”

Looking ahead, Salinas is most excited to watch her son step into his new role as a big brother. “After asking for a sibling for so long, I’m excited to see their bond grow,” she said.

She also offered simple advice for expectant families preparing for delivery. “Don’t forget your essentials — and make sure your partner has their bag packed too,” she said with a laugh.

Mary Claire Bradshaw, director of women and children’s services at DeTar Hospital North, said stories like Salinas’s reflect the hospital’s mission to provide exceptional care and support to growing families. “Every birth is a special moment, and our team is committed to making families feel informed, supported and cared for every step of the way,” said Bradshaw. “We are honored that Gabrielle chose to deliver at DeTar North and are thrilled to welcome baby Lyla to the world.”

Salinas says she would happily recommend DeTar Hospital North to other expectant mothers in the Crossroads. “I loved my experience,” she said. “Everyone I met was so kind and friendly, and it truly felt like a welcoming environment.”

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