OB/GYN & Women’s Health Team Puts Patients First
Photo: Kate and Brian Picinisco with their toddler, Banks, and new baby, Bristol, are settling in as a family of four after working with Sturdy Health OB/GYN & Women’s Health during their pregnancy and then delivering at Sturdy Memorial Hospital. Kate felt prepared and supported throughout her prenatal visits, her scheduled induction, and the birth of her beautiful daughter. Kate is most grateful for the calm and coordinated medical response paired with clear communication and emotional support that came when she experienced a complication just following the birth.
When Kate Picinisco saw the positive pregnancy test for her second child, her thoughts moved quickly. Amid the excitement and uncertainty, one decision felt clear. She would return to Sturdy Health’s OB/GYN & Women’s Health team for her care.
Kate had welcomed her son just 15 months earlier and had built a strong relationship with her OB/GYN, Dr. Jeannine Connolly. That connection mattered.
“Dr. Connolly always took the time to really listen,” said Kate. “She explained things in a way that made sense, and she made sure that I had the information I needed to make the best decisions for myself and my family. I never felt rushed, and our visits always felt personal.”
Throughout her pregnancy, Kate felt supported and understood. Because she was over 35, her pregnancy was considered “geriatric,” and her prenatal care was thoughtfully tailored to her specific needs, experience, and comfort level.
“Every pregnancy is different, and our role is to meet each patient where they are,” said Dr. Connolly. “Kate came into this pregnancy with experience, and she knew what worked for her. Our job was to build on that and make sure she felt prepared the whole way.”
That sense of preparation and trust carried into delivery day. When Kate arrived at Sturdy Memorial Hospital’s Weber Maternity Unit for her scheduled induction, the attentiveness of the care team was immediate. Nurses checked in frequently, explained each step, and made sure she felt supported.
Once induction began, labor progressed quickly. Dr. Connolly delivered Kate’s daughter, and within just 10 minutes of pushing, Kate was holding her newborn.
Shortly after delivery, Kate began showing signs of postpartum hemorrhaging. The response was immediate and coordinated.
“The team responded right away,” Kate said. “All of a sudden, it seemed like there were over a dozen clinicians in the room. Even though things were happening fast, everyone was calm. They explained what was happening and that helped my husband and me stay calm, too.”
Thanks to that rapid, coordinated care, Kate was stabilized quickly. In the hours that followed, the support extended beyond medical treatment. Nurses cared for Kate physically and emotionally, while also supporting her husband, Bryan. Throughout the night, multiple nurses stepped in to help with feeding and newborn care so Kate and Bryan could rest and recover.
As discharge approached, Kate found herself conflicted. She was eager to return home to their toddler son, but also wanted to be sure she was healthy enough to leave safely. The nursing team listened carefully, helping her weigh both her health needs and her family’s needs.
“It was not about how busy things were,” Kate said. “It was about what would work best for me.”
Today, Kate, Bryan, and their two children are settling into life as a family of four. They remain deeply grateful for the compassionate, coordinated care they received. Sturdy Health’s OB/GYN & Women’s Health team did more than deliver their daughter. They delivered reassurance, safety, and dignity at every step.
To learn more about how Sturdy Health is transforming care for our community, explore our 2025 Annual Impact Report.
