The First Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Maternity Patient Shares Her History of Exceptional Care

While at an OB/GYN appointment nearly 20 years ago, Barbara Milian’s physician mentioned the grand opening of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and the hospital’s maternity services at the Women’s Center.

“He asked if I’d like to have the first baby born at the facility and I said, ‘Absolutely!’ Sure enough, it was an amazing experience. I had a C-section,” says Milian, a Lakewood Ranch resident and local realtor who gave birth to a healthy, 9-pound baby boy named Julian on the very first day the hospital opened, Sept. 1, 2004.

The Women’s Center has since been renovated for enhanced comfort and access to services. The spalike atmosphere is designed to evoke a sense of peace and calm for women in every stage of labor.

A Repeat Visitor: Emergency and Surgical Services

“More recently I visited the hospital emergency room due to intense pain in my left side,” Milian says. “When I followed up with my doctor, I discovered the pain was due to fibroids.”

Last December, Milian had a hysterectomy at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

“It was another excellent experience,” she says. “On the day of surgery, they called us in right away. Later I woke up in the Women’s Center, where all the equipment and staff were amazing. They were so attentive, gentle and knowledgeable when checking my incision. “My obstetrician/gynecologist Dr. Jorge Alvarez is an amazing, hardworking, caring and highly skilled doctor,” says Milian. “He is the one who performed my hysterectomy and has been with me since day one, when he asked if I would like to have my baby at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.”

Hospital Expansion

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is expanding its medical campus with a brand-new patient tower. The five-story facility will offer an additional 60 beds and expand several services. Pre-construction is slated to begin this year and the first phase of the project is expected to be completed by 2025.