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 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 2021 at the height of the pandemic, when mandated protocols were very strict. 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. 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 returned to the hospital, she found the same warmth, attentiveness and people-first culture that left such a lasting impression during 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. 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.”
Maternity Care at Broward Health Coral Springs
At Broward Health Coral Springs, maternity care is designed to support families through every step, from delivery to recovery and beyond.
The hospital’s Maternity Place combines experienced physicians, 24/7 obstetric and anesthesia coverage, and private labor, delivery and recovery suites designed for comfort and privacy. Families also have access to services such as lactation support, couplet care that keeps mother and baby together and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit for infants who may need additional attention.
To learn more about Broward Health’s maternity
services, visit BrowardHealth.org/Maternity.