She Answered All My Questions

Logan Thomas, formerly known as “jellybean” was born on April 23, 2012, to parents Jason and Gayle Siebert. Logan is the first child for the couple. “We found out that he was a boy before the delivery, but not everyone in our family wanted to know so we called him jellybean,” said Gayle.

Gayle asked around about physicians who would be a good fit for her when she found out that she was pregnant. She knew she wanted to deliver at Pella Regional. Her sister-in-law had two of her children in Pella and Gayle had been impressed during her visits. “I like that you can stay in one room throughout the process. That’s a bonus,” said Gayle.

Gayle also felt that she would be more comfortable with a woman doctor. Dr. Tereasa Van Zee, family medicine physician who also practices obstetrics at Pella Medical Clinic, was who the Siebert’s chose to deliver their baby. “We started with Dr. Van Zee with my pregnancy. She answered all of my questions. I knew she had been pregnant herself and could relate. That made me more comfortable,” said Gayle.

Gayle is excited to have her baby boy home looking forward to him growing up and doing things as a family. “He’ll be walking and talking. I can’t wait to take him camping and fishing. I’m looking forward to all of it, teaching him all the fun stuff,” said Gayle with a smile.

“I’m not looking forward to his first illness, especially when he is so little,” said Gayle. She and Logan continue to go to Dr. Van Zee and the visits since his birth have gone very well. “I like it that I get called back quickly. I’m a first-time mom so I may have more questions than most,” laughs Gayle.” I never feel like I’m being dismissed or that they are thinking why is she asking this.”

As many families do, the Seibert family had a home visit scheduled after Logan was born. The home visit happens within 48 to 72 hours of discharge with a nurse going into the home to assess both the mother and baby, free of charge. The nurse weighs the baby and assesses how well the baby is eating and adjusting to the new environment. “I’m nursing and the nurse visited during a painful part of that learning process. She had great tips that really worked for me,” said Gayle.

“I’ve thrown Dr. Van Zee’s name out to many people since having Logan,” said Gayle. “She was so encouraging during my labor, and that’s a big part of why I think my labor went so well.”

“The nurses were amazing, so nice and friendly. There was a nurse in my room almost the whole time answering any questions I had,” said Gayle. “I’ll definitely go back when I have another child. That’s for sure.”

Learn more about Obstetrics at Pella Regional.