Maternal Child Health

The Desormeaux Story

Hospital maternity units are filled with the joy and wonder of new life. But every so often, that joy is interrupted by a serious emergency that puts everyone to the test. Not too long ago, Sonia and Kent Desormeaux experienced the incredible elation of childbirth coupled with the life-saving skills of the Methodist staff.

When a nurse brought in Sonia's newborn son after an emergency C-section, it could have been the last time she ever saw him. "They told me I had life-threatening toxemia, and that I'd have to fight to stay awake, and stay alive," said Sonia. "My two intensive care nurses didn't leave my side for three days. When I was out of danger, we all cried together."

Sonia's story is even more remarkable because of her husband's plight. Kent, a two-time Kentucky Derby-winning jockey, was in the labor and delivery room with her, on his own gurney. He had just sustained 16 skull fractures that almost took his life, in a horse racing accident. "He couldn't even lift his head, but he wanted to be there for me and the baby," said Sonia.

The story is dramatic, but this kind of compassion and advanced care at Methodist is an everyday event. We truly pamper every mother and child. This, combined with our new Berger Tower and our private labor, delivery, and recovery rooms (LDRs), a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and 24-hour anesthesia coverage make our Maternity program one of the most respected and popular in the San Gabriel Valley.

Sonia has delivered two children at Methodist. "I can't say enough about the doctors and nurses; we still keep in touch," Sonia adds. "At Methodist, it truly was all about me and my family."