Mandy Roop

It’s been about three months since Mandy Roop delivered her first child, Harper Grace, at LewisGale Medical Center in Salem, Virginia, and as every new sunrise greets their family, thankfulness for those who cared for mom and baby continues to grow. 

“It just goes so fast,” Mandy said. “I feel like Harper learns a new skill every day. She just found her hands and feet. She’s starting to smile and laugh at us. It’s amazing the progress she’s making.” 

Harper was born prematurely at 36 weeks, becoming one of the first babies to receive care at LewisGale Medical Center’s new Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which opened in late November 2023. The NICU is home to board-certified neonatologists and specially trained staff who provide care and attention 24/7. 

During her pregnancy, Mandy developed preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, putting her and her unborn daughter at risk for other complications. She and her husband were relieved to know the special care nursery was opening at their preferred hospital. 

“It was scary going into it with the potential of her being a NICU baby, but we’re so thankful for the staff, it made it so much better knowing that she was in such good hands,” Mandy said. “Even though stays feel so short, it felt we were part of a NICU family, and I didn’t expect that. I don’t miss the NICU life, but I do miss the care team we grew so close with.” 

Mandy delivered via cesarean section (C-section) and said the superior communication with physicians, nurses and their family made the scary situation manageable and relatively calm. She appreciated that the labor and delivery team kept her family informed and ensured they had everything they needed.

“Everyone was super transparent. They were direct but in an empathetic way,” Mandy said. “They explained what they were going to do and why they were going to do it, and that just put us at ease through the whole process.” 

Mandy and her husband are excited to continue to watch Harper grow and hit major milestones. Their follow-up appointments with pediatricians continue to go well, and as they think about their next child, there’s no question where they’ll choose to deliver. 

“We will 100% be back to LewisGale Medical Center for our next baby,” Mandy said. “We felt at home, they were super welcoming, and I don’t just say that. When we had to leave Harper at the hospital, I was heartbroken, but I didn’t worry about her care, and that made it so much easier.” 

LewisGale Medical Center offers a wide range of women’s health services, including labor and delivery services, in Salem, VA. HCA Virginia Health System also provides women’s health services at our hospitals across the state, including gynecologic services, high-risk pregnancy care, prenatal care, midwifery and labor and delivery services. We also offer classes, events and maternity unit tours for new parents and expectant moms.