Growing Family Recommends Dr. Bryn Parker and Gritman Family Birth Center
Leela Assefi couldn’t be happier with the pregnancy care her growing family received from Obstetrics Physician Dr. Bryn Parker and the Gritman Family Birth Center team.
Leela and her husband, Justin Barnes, gave birth to two daughters with the support of Dr. Parker and an experienced team of Obstetrics and Family Medicine professionals. The Moscow couple’s journey started with a long-distance relationship that began in earnest at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. After they got married, Leela and Justin both knew that they wanted to grow their family but struggled with infertility for several years.
Justin Barnes and Leela Assefi with their daughters, Veeda and Yasmeen Barnes
When Leela became pregnant for the first time, she was randomly matched with Dr. Parker, a Family Medicine and Obstetrics physician at the Gritman Downtown Clinic. The pregnancy was considered high-risk because Leela and Justin were both in their 40s, and Dr. Parker explained the risks clearly so they could feel better prepared for any outcome.
“She spends time with her patients,” Leela said. “You can tell she really cares about her patients.”
When the pregnancy unfortunately ended in a miscarriage, Leela and Justin appreciated Dr. Parker’s expertise, honesty and care during that initial appointment.
“Having that knowledge and information in a matter-of-fact yet kind and compassionate way really helped me go through that process and grieve that in the best way possible,” Leela said.
The couple later went through five rounds of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, which resulted in two viable embryos. Before the first successful embryo transfer for Leela and Justin’s oldest daughter, Veeda, Leela was diagnosed with fibroids and endometriosis, further complicating her pregnancy.
Dr. Bryn Parker
Throughout the IVF process and Leela’s pregnancy, Dr. Parker collaborated with Leela’s IVF doctor and the rest of her health care team to develop a comprehensive and tailored birth plan. Dr. Parker, who is fellowship-trained in obstetrics from the University of Washington, recommended a C-section due to the high-risk nature of the pregnancy.
“I can tell that she felt strongly and wanted to cater to us,” Leela said. “What I really appreciate is that she is so smart, competent, and humble.”
Because of the trust Dr. Parker had built with her patients, the convenient location, and the positive things they had heard from other parents, Leela and Justin decided to deliver both of their babies at the Gritman Family Birth Center with Dr. Parker performing the C-sections. Leela described being in awe at the level of teamwork from everyone involved in her care, including the nurses and anesthetists, with Dr. Parker “at the helm.”
Prior to delivering her first daughter, Leela’s care included weekly scans at the Gritman Family Birth center, prompting Leela and Justin to become familiar with the facility’s nurses and other team members.
“It’s just the small details that really make a difference,” Justin said. “When we first met Dr. Parker, she cared about the small details. I feel like when you care about the small details, that’s what leads to excellence, and that was our experience.”
Leela and Justin described receiving exceptional care during and following both of Leela’s deliveries — from the nurses who provided information designed to help educate new parents, to the Food Services staff who treated Leela and Justin to a candlelit steak dinner.
“I was blown away by the care,” Leela said.
Leela was especially grateful to a nurse who helped her navigate breastfeeding as a first-time mom.
Since having their second daughter, Yasi, Leela and Justin are embracing the chaos and enjoying each moment now that their family is complete.
“We’ve been blessed with great kids, wonderful care,” Justin said. “When you have wonderful care and the resources to find the right people who can help you, there’s nothing you can’t get though.”
When talking with soon-to-be parents, Leela and Justin share her experiences with Dr. Parker and the Family Birth Center, hoping it will help other couples find care that works for them.
“It’s a great place to have a baby, and they really treat you with the utmost care,” she said.
Learn more about our award-winning Gritman Family Birth Center at gritman.org/family-birth.
Call Gritman Downtown Clinic to schedule your OB appointment: 208-882-2011
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