Surprise Birth During Routine Visit Showcases UT Health Austin’s Collaborative Expertise
UT Health Austin clinicians work seamlessly to deliver compassionate care during an unforgettable birth experience
Reviewed by: Katharina, Cicely Cyphers, MSN, RN, and Terri Stuchl, RN
Written by: Lily Vining
For the clinical staff at UT Health Austin, February 7 started like any other day — but it became one they would never forget. What began as a routine prenatal appointment quickly turned into an extraordinary display of teamwork and dedication as clinicians and staff from across departments came together to deliver a baby in the outpatient clinic.
That morning, Katharina woke up with contractions ahead of her 40-week prenatal appointment. Her doula reassured her that she likely had several hours to go before delivery, so Katharina proceeded to her 8:45 a.m. appointment with Women’s Health, a clinical partnership between Ascension Seton and UT Health Austin.
“I figured, worst case, I’d just be a little dilated when I got there,” shares Katharina. “But as soon as I sat in the waiting room, I suddenly felt the urge to push.”
Springing Into Action
Katharina was quickly ushered into an exam room as word of the situation spread. Several floors below, Terri Stuchl, RN, a licensed registered nurse in UT Health Austin’s Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC), heard that a woman was in active labor and immediately sprang into action. She assembled a rapid response team, including fellow ASC nurses Mayte Silva-Juarez, BSN, RN, and Sherry Bristow-Cruz, MSN, RN, CNOR, along with anesthesiologist Mark Noble, MD.
The ASC team rushed to support the delivery, warming towels and gathering essential supplies. When they arrived, Katharina was already under the care of Justine Reilly, MD, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist in Women’s Health, who was preparing for an on-the-spot delivery.
Additional members of the Women’s Health care team included minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons Michael Breen, MD, FACOG, and Jenny Travieso, MD, FACOG; advanced practice registered nurse Sarah Felderhoff, MSN, APRN; and lead medical assistant Soraya Dahud, CMA. Obstetrician-gynecologist Max Holtz, MD, also provided clinical support and checked in frequently to ensure the family felt cared for throughout the experience.
“There were so many medical professionals in the room, it was like I had my own cheering squad,” recalls Katharina. “They did a great job keeping everything under control. Even if they were panicked, they didn’t let me notice.”
By 9:33 a.m., less than an hour after Katharina entered the exam room, baby Elliott was born.
Care That Goes the Extra Mile
After the delivery, Dr. Reilly accompanied Katharina and her husband in the ambulance to Ascension Seton Medical Center, remaining by her side to complete her post-birth care.
“She dropped everything and adjusted her schedule,” notes Katharina. “Her commitment to my care was truly remarkable.”
That same spirit of support extended beyond the delivery. “The clinicians at UT Health Austin really prioritize holistic care,” continues Katharina. “It never feels like a ‘get-in, get-out’ approach. They take the time to understand your life and provide the most personalized care possible.”
To commemorate the unforgettable day, the care team later gifted the family a baby onesie signed by everyone involved in the delivery.
Powered by Teamwork
This extraordinary care was made possible through a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach grounded in clear communication and a shared commitment to patient-centered excellence.
“In a moment where every second mattered, the team came together with compassion, calm, and a true sense of purpose,” says Terri. “Watching everyone step in so selflessly, offering support without hesitation, reminded me of the heart behind the work we do.”
“In the midst of an unexpected delivery, our clinical teams remained focused and composed, turning what could have been a chaotic moment into a seamless, compassionate act of care,” adds Cicely Cyphers, MSN, RN, a licensed registered nurse who serves as the Nurse Manager for Women’s Health.
A Day to Remember
From clinicians rushing up from the ASC to physicians stepping in without hesitation, this delivery was more than just a medical event — it is a testament to what makes care at UT Health Austin truly special.
“You can plan as much as you want for your delivery, but labor follows its own timeline,” shares Katharina. “It was a truly memorable day for our family. I imagine it was for UT Health Austin as well.”
For more information about Women’s Health or to request an appointment, call 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737) or visit here.