Generations Start at Gottlieb

There is a familiar face that spans two generations of photo albums in the Farris family.
And while not related by blood or marriage, he is related by birth.

Jaafar Afshar, MD, Obstetrics & Gynecology, at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital delivered Linda and Frank Farris’ first child 21 years ago, and this year, he presented them with their first grandchild.

“Dr. Afshar’s an angel,” said Frank Farris, doting father and proud grandfather. “He safely brought me three of my favorite people in the world.”

Linda Farris gave birth to daughter Lindsay in 1988. Twenty-one years later, Dr. Afshar delivered Lindsay Farris’ son, Julian Xavier Salgado on Jan. 30, 2009. “It is an honor to be a part of so many families,” said the doctor who has been delivering babies at Gottlieb for more than 25 years.

Choosing the obstetrician was an easy decision for Lindsay and fiancé, Ricky Salgado. They trusted the doctor who helped deliver her. “He is kind and very professional,” she said. “I started seeing Dr. Afshar as a young adult and, like my mother, I feel very comfortable with him.”

Linda noticed many changes in the Birth Center. “Now all of the rooms are private and tastefully decorated in soothing colors,” she said. “Their room had a flat screen TV and even WiFi so people could use their laptops.”

“When I was pregnant, only my husband was allowed to be in the delivery room,” she noted. “My baby stayed in the nursery most of the time, instead of with me.”

Linda and Frank were impressed with the open visiting schedule. “Lindsay and Ricky were surrounded by people who loved them.”

“I remember that visiting hours were restricted to just 7 - 8 pm. The nurse lined up all the babies in the nursery window,” said Frank. “As a grandfather, I really liked being able to spend time in the private suite holding my grandson. Lindsay and Ricky were able to bond as a family during this really special time and it was very meaningful to us.”

Linda also appreciated the security system used to identify and protect newborns. And she appreciated the breastfeeding assistance offered to her daughter. “The Gottlieb nurses are so experienced and they provided so much support for Lindsay as a new mother, that she felt very confident,” said Linda.

Lindsay was fortunate to have a healthy pregnancy and delivery with no complications, but Linda appreciated the resources she saw at the Birth Center during the advance tour she took with her daughter. “I saw the special high-tech, ultrasound they use to precisely see the position of the baby. It was a comfort to know that ob/gyne physicians are on staff 24/7,” she said.

“Some of the very happiest days of my life were shared with Dr. Afshar and Gottlieb,” said Frank.