Best Kept Secret in Council Bluffs

My wife, Becca, and I moved to the Council Bluffs/Omaha area about a year ago.  Shortly after moving, we found out we were pregnant.  My wife found Dr. Sotolongo at Metro OB at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs and instantly knew he was our doctor.  Through the entire pregnancy, he was very warm, helpful and shared in our concerns - always easing the mind. When it came time to deliver (Due Jan 1, 2010), he decided to keep us after our appointment on the December 23rd because of the winter storm moving in.  Glad he did. Dr. Sotolongo said early on in the pregnancy that he would deliver our baby and there was no need to meet the other doctors in the hospital.  He was so true to his word.  He was not the on-call doctor the night of the 23rd, but he stayed by our sides waiting.

Our Daughter, Meliah, was born at Mercy Hospital Christmas Eve at 3:49 a.m.  The entire staff, with special recognition to Laurie and Fran, was incredible and a joy to be around.  I could not have asked for a better crew that night.  Even with having a c-section delivery, everything went very smoothly.  Mom was doing great, baby was in wonderful hands (and Dad was tired).  Laurie was one of the main reasons why we chose Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs.  Her knowledge, warm heart and great thoughtfulness really pushed us over the edge.  The undivided attention that we received from the staff was awesome.  Fran is another nurse that really stood out to us.  Her concern for our well-being and the health of our baby was her top priority.  She was very informative and helpful.  The entire staff, while we were there, even with the terrible weather blowing in, was a warm welcome.

Dr. Sotolongo, Laurie and Fran will always have a place in our hearts (and baby book!).  We can hardly wait to get pregnant again because we know exactly where we will be coming and know that the staff at Mercy Labor and Delivery will be ready for us!   I just want everyone to know what an incredible experience we had, both with the hospital and with the staff.  We both feel that Mercy Labor and Delivery is one of the "best kept secrets" in Council Bluffs.
-Brian