Known for its personalized care and collaborative approach, the hospital’s labor and delivery unit is a cornerstone for families across the region. The hospital has neonatologists on-site and available around the clock. These doctors specialize in the care of newborns under 28 days old, particularly those born prematurely or with medical complications. This level of availability is rare for Level II neonatal intensive care unit facilities.
“Our neonatologists can be at a patient’s bedside within minutes of an emergency. That's what I love about this facility,” Director of Women’s Services Jennifer Drinan said. “When a premature delivery presents at the hospital, our highly specialized and highly trained staff is prepared and ready to take action.”

Beyond neonatologists, nurses at CHRISTUS are highly trained to recognize the slightest signs of complications with a newborn. Their vigilance and experience often lead them to make timely, crucial decisions, noticing subtle changes in a baby's vitals or behavior that might otherwise go undetected.
“Our nurses are excellent at knowing when something is wrong with a baby,” Chief Neonatal doctor Jon Mazursky said. “They alert us, and we take action!”
This high level of education is complemented by a deep commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. By maintaining strong relationships with local midwife clinics, the hospital team is able to honor each patient’s birth plan, even when unexpected complications necessitate a transition to hospital care. Throughout this process, they ensure mothers feel fully supported and reassured.
“Patients that didn’t initially desire a hospital birth are comfortable coming to us for their care because we've worked so closely with their midwives,” Supervisor of Women’s Services Robyn Williamson said.

In the labor and delivery unit, compassion extends beyond the delivery room. The hospital offers guest rooms for parents with babies in the NICU—a rarity even among larger facilities.
“When staying in the guest rooms, parents can go back and forth to the NICU to see their baby and to feed their baby. We bond with these moms. It really is a family here,” Drinan said.
The results of this care echo long after discharge. Families often return to the hospital to share their gratitude, bringing back children to meet the staff who helped deliver them. This often carries on through multiple generations.
“I have moms of babies I’ve delivered who reach out to me and say, ‘My child is having a baby, and I can’t wait to see you and your team.’ That's a really rewarding part of the job,” Drinan said.

The dedication of the labor and delivery team reflects a larger commitment from hospital leadership.
“At CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital in San Marcos, we focus on teamwork, engaging our leadership, doctors and staff,” hospital President Bob Honeycutt said. “That’s what creates an environment where families feel supported, and it’s our commitment to compassionate care that keeps them coming back.”
The impact of this care extends far beyond the delivery room, fostering a sense of trust and connection that families carry with them long after they leave. CHRISTUS is a place where every birth is not just a medical event, but a deeply personal experience—one that families know they can rely on, time and time again. It’s a place where patients are going to get the best care, and they’re going to be loved.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.