Not Just a Delivery—A Journey of Support, Strength, and Shared Decisions

At Memorial Community Hospital, Lauren and Sam McKee found more than care—they found a team that saw them through one of life’s most profound moments.

When Lauren and Sam began their pregnancy journey, they weren’t just looking for a provider—they were looking for a partner.  Lauren recalled their Bradley childbirth class in Bellevue, “There was a lady there who was raving about Dr. Sisk, and we switched at like 28 weeks. We immediately really liked him.”

Their path wasn’t without challenges. Diagnosed with gestational diabetes, Lauren was met with an approach that felt personal and empowering. “He let me go on a keto diet so I didn’t have to use medication, and we were able to control our numbers,” she said. They communicated regularly through a patient app, giving Lauren the confidence that her concerns were always heard. Her gratitude for Dr. Sisk ran deep—not just for his innovative approach, but for the way he empowered her through open communication and informed consent, allowing her to manage her condition without unnecessary interventions.

Then came an unexpected Friday night. “I had just not been feeling good for a couple of days,” Lauren remembered. Despite worrying she might be overreacting, she messaged the care team, and that instinct may have saved her life. Reflecting on the experience, Lauren added, “Within 12 hours, it could have been a completely different story.”

After the discovery of severe preeclampsia, Dr. Sisk calmly walked Lauren and Sam through their options, making it clear that while the situation was serious, they still had choices. Together, they decided to begin induction with a Foley catheter rather than medication—an approach that aligned with Lauren’s strong desire for a natural birth. 

The 32-hour labor tested every ounce of Lauren’s strength. After 12 hours of unmedicated labor, she faced the difficult realization that she might need pain relief—something she had hoped to avoid. “It was a really hard decision for me,” she admitted. Choosing to move forward with an epidural was an emotional moment, but Lauren credits her anesthesiologist, Kris, with making the process easier. “Kris explained everything so clearly and helped me feel more comfortable,” she said. Her care didn’t stop there—Kris continued to check in throughout her labor, ensuring she remained as comfortable and supported as possible.

After her epidural was placed, Lauren was grateful that Dr. Sisk allowed her to continue progressing naturally and talked her through each step with patience and clarity. However, after several hours of stalled labor and pushing, it became clear that additional help might be needed. True to his approach throughout their entire experience, Dr. Sisk again informed Lauren and Sam of all their options, emphasizing that things needed to progress quickly to deliver their baby safely. Lauren and Sam continue to admire how consistently Dr. Sisk kept them informed, involved, and empowered in every decision.

At that point, labor had progressed too far for a safe cesarean, and together they decided to move forward with vacuum assistance. “Dr. Sisk was super calm about it,” Lauren said. “He was literally drenched in sweat, working to deliver our son safely.” As signs of fetal distress began to show, Dr. Sisk looked Lauren in the eye and said, “Lauren, this is it. We have to get him out.”

Right at sunrise on Easter morning, Lauren delivered their baby boy, Ira. “It couldn’t have been more beautiful,” Sam reflected. What had started as a long and exhausting labor became something much more profound—a moment of triumph, shaped by teamwork, trust, and deep resilience. The impact of the care they received will stay with them forever. “Dr. Sisk came in and had tears in his eyes,” Lauren shared. “He said, ‘I’m sorry that was so hard.’”

Unfortunately, Lauren’s challenges didn’t end there. Complications with placenta delivery led to fears of hemorrhage, but the nursing staff was quick to act and continued to provide support well after delivery. “They’ve been so just like, ‘What can we do? How can we help you?’” Lauren said. Like many new moms, Lauren faced unexpected challenges with breastfeeding in the early days. She credits her success to the compassion and encouragement of the nursing team, who walked beside her with patience, knowledge, and reassurance. “I definitely would not have continued breastfeeding without their support,” she said. 

Looking back on their experience, Sam emphasized, “Dr. Sisk wasn’t just coming in when it was time to deliver. He was just so supportive and walked us through everything.” He continued, “It would have looked drastically different with any other hospital. The people here made this experience beautiful, intimate, and almost spiritual. We’re just incredibly blessed.”

Now home with baby Ira, they carry with them not just the memory of a remarkable birth, but of the compassionate people who helped make it possible.