(March 13, 2013) Sellersville, PA – It was a rare occurrence in the Birth and Family Center at Grand View Hospital when maternity nurse Donna Derstine, RN, helped deliver a second generation baby in the same family. With veteran obstetrician Fred Adibi, MD, nurse Derstine helped deliver 9 pound, 3 ounce Noah Nyce on December 14, 2012.. Derstine helped deliver the baby’s father, Jordan Nyce, at Grand View 31 years earlier on November 27, 1981. The proud new parents found out about the generation connection from Jordan’s mother, Ruth Ann Nyce. The two women have been friends since before Jordan was born. “It’s really something that my friend delivered my son and now my grandson,” she shared. Baby Noah’s parents remarked that they too were surprised and happy about the coincidence. On arrival to the maternity unit, Angela had said to her husband, “Wait! She delivered you? I thought the nurse’s name sounded familiar.” A lot has changed in Grand View’s maternity department since Derstine joined the hospital staff 35 years ago. “There’s no comparison in what we had then and what we have now,” she said. “For starters we had only three labor beds. That meant we had to transfer moms to a separate delivery room just minutes before birth, causing some commotion. The new birthing beds are a lot more comfortable.” They allow expectant parents to stay in the same room for labor and delivery where they have many comforts such as spa-like showers and a room-in bed for a support person. “The surroundings are really nice for everyone - especially for moms and staff, and also for the whole family.” Other things have changed as well. She recalls, “Epidurals were rarely given as going ‘natural’ was the thing to do. And in 1976, we had just started allowing dads to be present in delivery, so we’ve come a long way.” This is not the first time in Derstine’s nursing career that she’s delivered a second generation baby in the same family. “It was about 10 years ago when I delivered my first one. “This actually makes me feel quite old!” she laughs. Derstine herself was born at Grand View. “On my birth certificate the hospital is in the background along with my tiny footprints.”

Grand View Maternity nurse Donna Derstine, RN, with Angela and Jordan Nyce of Souderton enjoying their hours-old newborn son Noah and his big brother Harrison. Both baby Noah and his dad Jordan were delivered by nurse Derstine. Grand View maternity nurse Donna Derstine holding first generation, baby Jordan Nyce in 1981 with his parents.

About Grand View Hospital
More than 1,600 babies are born each year at Grand View where the Birth and Family Center combines a comfortable, attractive décor with state-of-the-art obstetrical technology. Skilled and compassionate physicians, nurses, lactation consultants, and support staff are committed to helping mothers have a safe, comfortable birthing experience. All of Grand View’s registered nurses have attained specialty certifications in inpatient obstetrics, maternal-child nursing, fetal monitoring, and third-trimester ultrasounds. Nearly all are trained and certified in neonatal advanced life support.

A partnership with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) brought renowned neonatology and a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to Grand View earlier this year. The NICU is staffed with CHOP neonatologists and is specially equipped for infants who need more help and closer watching than those in a regular newborn nursery. Expectant parents of high-risk babies are invited to learn more about CHOP neonatal care at Grand View or to schedule a tour by calling (215) 453-4902.

Grand View Hospital, Bucks County’s first hospital, has provided residents of Bucks and Montgomery counties with comprehensive health care services since 1913. Grand View offers a range of care – particularly emphasizing the areas of cancer treatment, women's and children's health, surgery, orthopaedics, and heart and vascular care. For more information on Grand View Hospital and its services, please call the Grand View Information Line at 215-453-4300 or visit www.gvh.org.