The Sound of Connection: When Caregivers Become Family
May 5, 2026 –Nicole Benefield’s journey into motherhood began five years ago when she gave birth to her first daughter at Broward Health Coral Springs. Today, after delivering her second daughter at the very same hospital, with the same obstetrician genecologist (OB-GYN), the 34-year old Plantation resident said the choice to return was effortless—and deeply personal.
Nicole gave birth to Lenox Grace in January of 2021 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when mandated protocols were very strict. She could have only one visitor, and many of the moments she expected to share with her family weren’t possible.
If that wasn’t stressful enough, at her last visit with her OB-GYN, before giving birth, her doctor, Linda D. Green, M.D., told Nicole that her daughter was going to have a high birth weight, a factor that results in a higher risk of complications during delivery.
Dr. Green shared that there was an increased risk of shoulder dystocia, where the baby can be injured exiting the birth canal. She discussed all the risks and benefits with Nicole and her husband, Shawn, as well as the option for an operative delivery, called a cesarean section.
Also known as a C-section, a cesarean delivery is performed through incisions in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. Almost one-third of babies born in the U.S. are delivered via C-section. After weighing all the information Dr. Green provided, Nicole and Shawn decided to move forward with a scheduled cesarean delivery. The procedure was set for two days later.
“I didn’t expect to be faced with this decision, but I had a high level of confidence and trust in Dr. Green, and I valued her expertise as she talked about our options,” said Nicole.
From the moment she arrived at the hospital, Nicole said her entire care team – from Dr. Green to the nurses and staff – surrounded her with kindness, talking her through each step and answering every question with patience. They made her feel safe and supported, even without her mother by her side. To Nicole, they weren’t just medical professionals, they became family when she needed it most.
“Childbirth is a very vulnerable time for a woman,” said Nicole. “When Lenox was born, it was hard not to have my mom there. But the compassion, warmth and level of support I received during Lenox’s birth made all the difference.”
Four years later, when Nicole was expecting again, she knew she wanted to return to Dr. Green and the team at Broward Health Coral Springs for care.
When she came back to the hospital, she was impressed by updates to the Maternity Place, but what mattered most was that the heart of the hospital hadn’t changed. It offered the same warmth, attentiveness and people first culture that left such a lasting impression with her first birth.
“It’s the people,” Nicole said. “The hospital is beautiful, but my doctor and the staff… they are what make Broward Health Coral Springs extraordinary.”
Nicole delivered her second healthy baby, Phoenix Grace, in November 2025.
Today, both of her daughters are thriving, healthy, joyful girls who are growing beautifully. Watching them together and watching the special bond they share with their father is something Nicole treasures every day.
To the Broward Health Coral Springs team, Nicole shared her heartfelt gratitude.
“You made a difference in our lives. You comforted me. You made me feel heard, valued and cared for when I didn’t have all my family around me,” said Nicole. “You became an extension of my family. We will never forget the way you supported us.”
About Broward Health
Broward Health, founded in 1938 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ranks among the 10 largest public healthcare systems in the United States. Nationally recognized for its focus on high-quality care for the residents of Broward County and beyond, Broward Health boasts four hospitals, two trauma centers, was the county’s first statutory teaching hospital and has an ever-growing graduate medical education program. It includes more than 50 health centers and physician practices covering virtually every healthcare specialty.
Broward Health never stops working toward its mission of Exceptional Care, Extraordinary Compassion and Everyday Excellence. Driven by more than 11,000 talented employees and physicians who deliver care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, Broward Health is one of the largest employers in Broward County with an operating budget of over $2 billion and annually provides over $523 million in charity and uncompensated care.
For more information about Broward Health, visit BrowardHealth.org.
