DELAWARE — Grady Memorial Hospital’s inpatient maternity unit officially closed July 31, ending decades of labor and delivery care in Delaware County.
In the days leading up to the closure, Delaware Source invited readers to share their memories of Grady’s maternity unit.
Over the course of a week, nearly 40 people responded — mothers, nurses, retirees, former patients and community members whose lives intersected with the unit across generations.
Their stories are remarkably consistent: They remember nurses who stayed long after their shifts ended, doctors who earned their trust, emergency situations where they believe lives were saved, and a level of personal care they say made Grady feel less like a hospital and more like family.
Many described multiple generations of their families being born there. Others reflected on careers spent caring for mothers and newborns.
The submissions below have been published in their entirety, with only light edits for spelling, grammar and clarity.
I delivered my daughter at Grady in March of this year, and it remains one of the best and safest experiences of my life. The nurses and staff at Grady were phenomenal. They guided me through those terrifying, brand-new first moments of motherhood with unmatched skill, empathy, and grace. Because of them, I felt completely taken care of, seen, and valued, never just like a number. — Anne Hines
My Grady baby is Oakleigh Haywood born 11/26/2025 the night before Thanksgiving! I went into labor 3 weeks early, not prepared WHATSOEVER! I left my OB appointment being told my water had broken that it’s was baby time. UTTER SHOCK ran through my body! I didn’t even have a bag packed! Thankfully for Grady being local I was able to go home pack a bag myself and go have our beautiful girl! Oakleigh is now 8 months old FULL of sass and attitude! She loves her people and her fur siblings!
A nurse I will never forget is Maddie! During my epidural things got very crazy and scary! I will never forget her grabbing my cheeks and telling me I got this and I proceeded to bury my face into her chest and sob!! She helped bring my sweet girl into this crazy world! She also helped push a mom who thought she couldn’t do it! Later assured by another nurse Oak was curled up on her chest. And I know if I was safe and comfortable there, Oakleigh was too! — Cora Hollingsworth
Not only was I born at Grady but my second daughter, Gianna, was born at Grady 7/31/25. Every single nurse i encountered was AMAZING. Especially Angel and Rachael. They talked with me about my oldest, Brielle, who I was missing to the point I was crying. Listened when I told them about my first birthing experience (which was far from the level of care I got at Grady!) at a different OhioHealth maternity ward. I definitely felt all the love and compassion with these beautiful people! You can tell the staff truly loves their job here and it’s so sad I won’t be able to have another experience at Grady’s L&D. But I’m so glad I chose to stay and have one of the best experiences of my life. Thank you for being a part of my family’s story. — Brieanna Torassa
I was born at Grady Memorial Hospital and Dr. Hammett delivered me. I currently work at Grady now and I couldn’t be more happy to be here. Grady will truly miss the Labor and Delivery unit. — Gabby Rosenberger
I had all four of my daughters at Grady’s maternity unit. Dr. Hammett, Dr. Gupta, Dr. Louvakis and every nurse and staff member provided exceptional care. They helped me learn to breastfeed and supported me through those overwhelming first days with each of my girls. Becoming a mom at 17 with very little family support was scary, but they made me feel safe, confident, and cared for. I’ll never forget that.
Although I won’t be having more children, I’m heartbroken to see this unit close. Delaware County is growing rapidly, and many surrounding communities rely on Grady for maternity care. My heart goes out to the mothers who will now have to travel farther to deliver their babies. Thank you to every member of the maternity team for the compassion and care you’ve given so many families. I hope to see maternity services return to our county one day. — Maisie Saenz
In 2012, Grady nurses and doctors saved the lives of my twin boys. I went into labor at 24 weeks and went right to Grady as it was the closest and where I was comfortable going. The quick actions of my team to alert Children’s Hospital is the only reason I am a mother today. I would not have made it anywhere besides Grady. The nurses saw me as a mom even when I walked out without my boys. The tears and reassurance of them all made me feel like the world wasn’t crashing down beside me. My boys are turning 14 this August. I would 100 percent have no fear of going to Grady again. — Kelly Schelb
I went to Grady with abdominal pain at 35 weeks pregnant. I had developed HELLP syndrome, a severe form of preeclampsia. The team at Grady were able to initiate treatment then send me to Riverside where I had a C-section under general anesthesia to save my life. My baby was born a whole month early but he miraculously didn’t need any NICU time. I experienced PTSD from my birth trauma. Postpartum I received support from the lactation consultant at Grady. At 7 weeks Postpartum my blood pressure spiked after starting medication for Postpartum depression. I went to the Grady ED and the same nurse who sent me to Riverside came down and listened to my birth story. She provided emotional support as I disclosed the PTSD I had been experiencing and encouraged me to get therapy. I didn’t deliver at Grady, but Grady Family Birthplace has greatly impacted my pregnancy and Postpartum. — Nicole Landes
My daughter, Kara, was born at Grady on January 3rd of this year at 36 weeks gestation due to severe pre-eclampsia. The care I received there was absolutely incredible, I cannot say enough good things about the nurses that took care of me when I was scared, worried, and in pain (shout out to Kayla and Maddy, you two got me through that awful experience on mag!) Grady maternity will always hold a very special place in my family. My daughter came into the world there, my son became a big brother there, and my children met there. — Emily Hardy
When I first found out I was pregnant I never thought Grady would be where I gave birth. I never wanted to go to Grady in the first place. But I’m very thankful I did. I had a very traumatic labor. While pushing my daughter got stuck under my pelvis and Nurse Jenna jumped on top of me and pushed on my stomach to get my daughter out. After she was born I didn’t stop bleeding. It was coming and coming. I emptied a hemorrhage cart and was almost rushed to emergency surgery to stop my bleeding. When I went into L&D my blood count was at 14 by the time I had my daughter I was at a 7. I almost lost my life. If it’s wasn’t for the L&D nurses and doctors that took care of me I would not be here with my daughter. I will never forget my labor experience at Grady. — Isabella Migliore
I was born at Grady memorial. My little brother was also born at Grady. My daughter Sunny (age 2) was born under wonderful nurses. The day I was induced everything was perfect. The nurses were exceptional. I had hand-picked one nurse for an award. They took care of everything and made me feel right at home. When I started having convulsions the nurses stepped in pretty quick and made sure I was okay before anything else! My mother who had passed in April of 2025 would be very disappointed the maternity unit is closing. — Martina Bellas
Because of the Grady maternity unit, I still have my son who is now 18 years old, born at only 27 weeks gestation. My OB was at Riverside and due to horrible winter weather, I delivered at Grady. Very scared and nervous because of Grady not having a NICU, they acted quickly and I was in the OR in a short amount of time. The care I received was nothing less than a great experience, especially considering my premature baby and the difficulties that come along with that. I was made to feel as if I were the only patient on the floor. From bedside manners, to the meals, daily housekeeping and everything in-between. I don’t think my son would be here today if Grady wasn’t open. I can’t thank you enough! — Tracie Mattix
Grady’s maternity unit has been part of my family’s story for decades. My mom worked at Grady for 39 years. Before I had my second son, my mom was admitted to Grady while my sister was giving birth. As my mom transitioned into hospice, the maternity nurses cared for her with the same compassion they showed new mothers. A few months later, I returned to deliver my second son. The unit manager, who had worked with and was friends with my mom, stayed with me through labor because she knew how much I missed having my mom there. I also gave birth to my first son at Grady, where nurses celebrated middle-of-the-night deliveries with ice cream sundaes and remembered me years later when I returned, and made us feel like family instead of patients. I had always planned for my third baby to be born there. Grady wasn’t just where my children were born — it was where generations of my family were cared for through both life’s happiest and hardest moments. — Randi Borror
I use to be a Strawser from Ashley, Ohio! My mom Susan worked as a nurse at Jane M. Case Hospital (now Grady Memorial) for 30 years! She gave birth to all 6 of her children there! She gave every one of her grandchildren their first baths on the maternity ward! I gave birth to my 2 girls there & also lost a child & they took great care of me! I also had a great grandchild born there! This is going to be missed more then they are thinking!!! 😢😢 — Penny Cantleberry
My son was born via a planned c-section in 2014. There were no complications with pregnancy and it was expected to be a typical delivery. Upon his arrival, he was noted to be struggling to breath and his SpO2 was in the low 30s. Grady managed to keep my son as stable as possible until Nationwide Children’s Hospital arrived. If it weren’t for the snow storm outside, he would have been life flighted. Throughout all his struggles and the team getting me back to my room after the c-section, the staff were constantly keeping me updated. The anesthesiologist would even go to and get updates for me. The team kept my son alive until NCH arrived and I am forever grateful. They also went above and beyond throughout the night as I told them I was leaving early the next day to be with my baby. They made sure I was up and walking and receiving the best care. The doctor even came in extra early to get me discharged. While my son was in the NICU, the nurse practitioners and staff checked in on us!! — Tiffany Webb
I was born at Grady in 1991 — born and raised in Delaware. I had my first daughter at Grady on 2/2/22 — it was the most amazing experience. I was induced because of preeclampsia. Nurse Angel was with me from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. — I always say she was truly my Angel during this time. Not knowing what to expect as it was my first, she helped me through everything during that shift. I had my daughter, Caroline at little after 9 a.m. The nurse who was there for my delivery, Melissa, was also wonderful. Angel was back on shift that night (thank god!) – she helped during such a vulnerable time. Being put on magnesium after birth, not being able to go to the bathroom, change your newborn baby, etc. was not what I imagined. Angel did everything for me. She taught me how to breastfeed. Nurse Kim held Caroline in the middle of the night so my husband and I could get some sleep. It was truly the best experience. The nurses and staff went above and beyond for me and I felt so lucky to be there. — Christa Ovalle
I gave birth to my daughter in August of 2002, I almost had her in the ER. The staff worked very closely and patient with me as it was chaotic. The staff that was involved from the ER to the maternity ward all bought something for my daughter as a personal baby shower. I also gave birth to my youngest son in March of 2004 at Grady. One particular former nurse that I remember and will always remember was Carol G. She was the most supportive loving nurse, she just had the biggest heart! She will forever be missed! Although my kids are grown, I still believe the doctors and nurses at Grady maternity ward is truly dedicated to their patients and their team! — Melody Immel
My Daughter Alexandria was born here. They helped me feel comfortable and safe. They explained everything that was happening and they listened. If I asked a question they stopped what they were doing to explain or they explained while it was happening so I was always aware. I wish Grady was keeping the Maternity unit open so that I and other moms could have other experiences like this. — Karina Jumper
I was born when it was still Jane M. Case Hospital; all five of my children were born there, two sons and three daughters. I received excellent care. Several of my grandkids were born there, my one grandson was born with Prader-Willi syndrome and was sent to Children’s, they transported right away. My daughter was very upset and they kept her posted on what was going on until she was able to go to him. I hate to hear of this happening, Delaware has grown so much and we need a place for our children to be born, not have to travel to Columbus or Marion to have our babies. It’s a sad situation and I’m very upset with the outcome. — Vicky Doutt
Rewind to 2015, I was 17 years old and I found out I was pregnant! It was a baby boy and on January 19th 2016 Cain Xavier Blevins was delivered by Dr Hammett at Grady, 7 lb 1 oz 19 in long, special needs and all pure perfection. Fast forward 10 years to 2025, I was 27 years old and I found out I was pregnant for a second time. It was a baby girl and on February 10th 2026 Braylee Michelle Kuse was delivered again by the one and only Dr. Hammett at Grady, 8 lb 15 oz 21 and 1/2 in long of pure perfection. There will be no other maternity unit that provides such personal one-on-one care, even if it was just someone to talk to. Your nurses were there to listen and wipe your tears. I’m sad for the expecting and to-be expecting mothers to not have the option of a hometown birth for their children. — Olivia Blevins
During COVID they treated me as family when I birthed my first born. They were my family. My mom worked up there. My sister in law worked up there. They made sure I was taken care of because they cared about the community. They cared about their patients. Regardless if they knew you or not. They were there for you and your baby through it all. They were there to make you feel special, loved and prepared to go home WITHIN YOUR OWN COMMUNITY. — Staci Bensley
I gave birth to my rainbow baby on January 27, 2026, they were so patient and amazing. I had Alex and Dr. Hammett as my maternity team, I was so scared that something would go wrong but they were there every step of the way, held my hand, made me feel relaxed and comfortable and never let me feel scared or uncomfortable. My little boy came out perfect. The staff loved and cared for him beautifully. After giving birth moving to the after-care room, I had a scare with some bleeding and the nurses made sure to respond in a timely manner and reassured me everything was okay and to just relax. They checked on me and my baby often and never let me leave without feeling confident my baby was in perfect health!!! I hate to see them close as this was a truly an remarkable moment; they reassured me that my baby would be in my arms no matter what!! I hope my memory will touch those nurses and remind them how amazing they are!! — Brittney Closs
My wife and I are new to Delaware. After moving in, we naturally sought out a local medical team to provide our essential care. Several of our doctors had offices at Grady but have now moved to other office facilities. Sadly, to me, the future is clear. Grady seems destined to be closed completely. Delaware City is certainly large enough to support a modern local hospital. Look at Memorial Hospital in Marysville for example. We are beginning to think we should have built our new home in the Marysville area. The lack of a well-equipped modern hospital facility is one item that is of concern to us. In an emergency, the drive time to Riverside or Dublin can be the difference between life and death. I hope I am wrong, but I think Grady will be gone in a year or two. It’s sad and a pathetic comment on OhioHealth’s commitment to Delaware residents. — Jeff Leonard
In May of 2024, I gave birth to my rainbow baby at Grady. It was the most incredible day of my life and I had the best possible care imaginable. During my labor I met wonderful nurses, STNAs, and CRNAs who were truly phenomenal and gave me a great birthing experience. I bonded with the nursing staff and talked about my infertility and past pregnancy losses with them on Friday and Saturday. One of the nurses then came in on Sunday, which was her day off, gave me a blue rainbow blanket she ordered online for my rainbow baby. That act of kindness shows how incredibly thoughtful and kind those nurses are and I am so grateful to them. Delaware is losing a truly amazing maternity unit. I was originally supposed to deliver at Dublin but when my doctor wanted to induce, Dublin said they were too full and couldn’t get me in for days. Honestly, I am so glad they couldn’t because I would’ve never met the incredible staff at Grady. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will never forget you. — Nicole Stock
I was born at Grady in January of 1993. When I became pregnant in 2022 my mom told me the perks of giving birth at Grady, the smaller hospital gives you more of an intimate environment and you are likely to have more attention from the staff. Boy was she right! I gave birth to my son Grant in August 2022. As a first time mom the nurses and Dr. Hammett gave me the confidence I needed to start my journey as a mom. I got an epidural and the anesthesiologist did a wonderful job! The staff were all so kind and truly made me feel loved. I gave birth again in February 2026 to my son Jackson. I felt like family from the moment I was in triage. With some scary complications after labor, the nurses went above and beyond caring for me and advocating for me to get more testing. I was having trouble breastfeeding and got one on one help from the charge nurse. She gave me and my son the start we needed for our breastfeeding journey. I love this place and I am sad to see it close. — Amber Cramer
I used to be an Ob/Gyn doctor at Grady for about 3 years. I can say with confidence that the staff at Grady’s maternity unit is unmatched. They have so much experience and can truly handle any situation thrown at them, despite being a small unit with limited resources. I was consistently impressed by the high caliber of care every patient received, and I truly felt at home and comfortable working with everyone there. I miss working with everyone there that became my work family, and I just want to tell them all how much I love them and appreciate all they have done for Grady’s patients, mothers, and babies over the years. — Patricia Amorado
76 years ago — let this sink in — 76 years ago, my mother was born at Grady Memorial Hospital. 37 years later, I was born at Grady Memorial Hospital. Over the past 6 years, my own four children were born at Grady Memorial Hospital. Three generations over 76 years stops here. The legacy of our hometown stops here. The nurses and doctors at Grady are some of the best. They fight for their patients. Those who know my birth story of my fourth child know exactly what I am talking about. This care exceeded just the Labor and Delivery Department. It included many doctors and nurses at Grady. Soon, I fear, this will all come to end. This is just the beginning. — Brittany Sisson
First born, Christina Diane Simpson, 3:06 a.m, Sunday morning. December 3, 1978. 6 lb. 10 Oz. No problems with natural delivery. Baby shower had been scheduled for December 4, so ended up having shower at hospital.
Second born, Tonya Renee Simpson, 10:54 p.m.. Wednesday evening, February 16, 1983. Remember Stephanie assisting Dr. J.R. Parker with delivery. Tonya’s due date was March 5, but she decided to come early. (Family joke, I had said I wasn’t having kids after 30. Well that day was fast approaching, February 22, so Tonya thought she better arrive before then). Tonya was born with cleft lip and cleft palate, very devastating. Tonya had some complications and had to be transferred to Children’s Hospital in Columbus. Two nurses I remember helping with Tonya and myself, Patsy Harmon and Trish Brown.
Christina now 47, married 3 children: Ryan 21, Tyler 13, and Kylie 11. Tonya, 43, 2 children: Nevaeh 21 (2 sons, Kingsley, 2 1/2; Kaysen, 5 months) Marvin Jones, M.J. — Luana Simpson
I had the pleasure of being a staff nurse at Grady Family Birthplace in 2013 for a couple years. I will never forget the life-changing diagnosis I got while I worked there and how wonderful the staff supported me during that time. I enjoyed my one-on-one deliveries after leaving a larger OhioHealth hospital and will never forget the intimate feel of a smaller hospital to care for my patients. Teamwork was always the focus in a delivery, while providing the best outcome for all. I had to be off work for a period of time, but was welcomed back with open arms and support from all who worked there. My connections still to this day from those I worked with and took care of, will be treasured forever. — Stacy Thompson
I gave birth to my daughter Zoey at Grady Memorial Hospital, was the best experience. All the nurses and stuff were so kind and gentle, understanding and helpful. — Michelle Parsons
I feel blessed that my 2 children were born at Grady Memorial. I had a short ride to the hospital when I was in labor and, since both babies were born in the winter, I felt confident that I could get to the hospital regardless of what the weather would bring. My obstetrician was Dr. Alan Bradley, who provided excellent care with a sense of humor in the mix! The nurses who cared for me during and after delivery were wonderful! I had personal, individual care and was kept informed on my progress and what was happening at each stage of labor. This was especially important with my first child. I was not treated like a number, being pushed through to make room for the next patient. My son was discharged on Christmas Eve. He was brought to me and my husband in a giant Christmas stocking with his personal information written on it. Delivering in a small hospital was a wonderful experience and my heart aches for those women in Delaware County who will no longer have that option. — Laura Slider
Twenty six years ago I met Dr. William Hammett, as my Dr. Thomas Hubbell was going to be out during my potential delivery. Both doctors are incredible physicians committed to their patients and community. Their care made me feel informed, safe, and cared for. I delivered all six of my children at Grady Family Birthplace via C-sections. During those times I was introduced to many nurses I still call friends and colleagues today as I have worked as an OB tech on this unit for 17 years. I have had the privilege of being support and giving 1st baths to many of my friends and family members’ new little ones.
One of the most cherished memories was welcoming my granddaughter. Our Grady girls treated my girl and her new little girls as if she was theirs. The excitement and care was overwhelming. My heart is breaking into so many small pieces over this closure. The fracture our community is feeling is hard. We weren’t just a family birthplace for patients , but a family ourselves. — Kelly Van Gundy
Not only was I born there, and all of my siblings, but my mom also worked there. The nurses became family and it was so special to meet my younger siblings surrounded by so much joy and familiar faces. When it came time to have my own daughters, there was no place I would rather have them. I received the absolute best care surrounded by nurses that were friends. There is no other way to describe what Grady Family Birthplace meant to me other than it felt like home. I will miss this special place in our community but feel so grateful that I got to experience it firsthand! — Lauren Moore
I had both my girls at Grady, they are 8 and 6. My sister in-law worked on the maternity floor for 20 years. The unit became family to us all. They gave me the best experiences that I will remember for a lifetime. — Jalessa Lyday
Our little guy, Dane Patrick Blevins, was born at Grady on 6/15/26. He made quite the memorable entrance for all when his umbilical cord detached past his navel. Thanks to the quick action of our pediatric nurse practitioner, nurses, and doctors he is here snuggling with us. My husband and I agreed that we would deliver here 1,000 times since every person we had contact with was amazing. Thank you all for helping us and saving our little guy’s life. We will never forget all of you. 🩷 — Mackenzie Blevins
I officially became a member of the Grady Bunch back on June 21,1984. Fast forward 23 1/2 years later, Jan. 12, 2008, I was blessed to deliver my firstborn at Grady! The doctors and nurses were amazing! I was super thankful that I had Dr. Hariklia Louvakis to coach me through this nerve-wracking time. Our Nurse Adriane was so attentive to our son and I.
Fast forward another year, April 2009, my husband is rushing me to the hospital because I was having a miscarriage. In those scary moments, I don’t know if I could have waited another 10-15 mins if we had to drive farther to a different hospital. The ER helped prepare me to have a D&C in the early hours of the morning.
Fast forward another year, April 12, 2010, my daughter decided to come so fast that the same doctor (Melissa Lenko) who had to rush to Grady to perform my D&C was the same doctor who was rushing in to deliver my baby girl. These nurses and doctors will be greatly missed!! — Kristin Morgan
My husband and I struggled with fertility issues and we weren’t sure we could have another baby after our first. We moved here from Mansfield in 2001, right in the middle of 9/11, which my husband was in New York at that time. We closed on our house shortly after, moved in and 2 weeks later we found out we were pregnant. I knew no one nor did I have established care yet. I was quite nervous about delivering somewhere unfamiliar but once I arrived in labor, I knew from the nurses alone that I was in good care. I had a special circumstance because I had had a previous spinal surgery and the anesthesiologist struggled to get my epidural in due to scar tissue. The nurses were preparing me that I might have to go without, when the anesthesiologist asked to try one more time, and she got it! We were so glad as my baby ended up being 10 lbs 6 oz! So thank you Grady for your wonderful care, I will never forget. That baby turned 24 this month and is 6’5” and works in cybersecurity! — Jana Henson
We were the last c-section at Grady and what they have given us can never be repaid. These nurses went above and beyond any expectation we could have ever had. OhioHealth is making a huge mistake by leaving this open wound in the community. Any mother who experienced Grady knows the family feeling when you walk into that floor. The knowledge and compassion these women have is unmatched. OhioHealth will never be able to replicate the team that is being torn apart. Dr. Hammett was incredible; his ability to listen to concerns and support your decisions is not what I have experienced with doctors in the past. I don’t think I will ever get that care from a doctor again. We are heartbroken that we just grew our family (the nurses included) and now we will never get to see them again. To Allyx, Taylor, Rachael, Hayley, Whitney, Emilee, Nikki, Melissa and anyone I forgot to name individually — we thank you so much and can never repay you. We miss you already. — Leila Bucher
My sweet, BIG, baby was born at Grady Memorial Hospital 10/11/23. After having my first two babies at Riverside Methodist, I will admit I was a little nervous about delivering at a smaller hospital — but after a brief visit to the maternity unit prior to delivery and getting to see it for myself, I felt a lot more confident. My older children go to school at Delaware City Schools and it was great that my husband could go and grab them to meet their new baby brother the day after he was born. Dominic was born at 9 lbs 11 ounces and after we were home the nurses and staff sent a card congratulating us on the birth of “big Dom.” I’m grateful to have had a birth there and be a part of Delaware history. — Cathy Laurent-Mastrilli
25 years I have worked on this unit. I have seen so many changes over the years, many in the technology area. I have worked with so many incredible nurses over the years. The great thing about working here has been the relationships I have had with my patients and families. This is where I was able to spend time getting to know their stories. Most of them were happy. Some were sad. All of these women came to us at their most vulnerable time. They trusted us with their life and most importantly the life of their newborn child. I tried my best to meet them at their level. I may not have been the most “professional” nurse but I met them where they were at. I always tried to go the extra mile because I had the time to. We were not a baby factory. We were Grady Family Birthplace and we all cared. I will be okay as I finish up the last 5 1/2 years of my career at another facility but it will never be the same. — Megan Freeman
