A Partnership in Care: How Erica and her OBGYN Navigated Pregnancy Together

Erica didn't expect to form a long-term connection when she first met Jade D. Stafford, MD, OBGYN and Chief of Gynecology and Obstetrics for Emory University Hospital Midtown.

When Dr. Stafford stepped in to support Erica’s pregnancy toward the end of her second trimester it was, Erica says, simply a matter of timing and availability. But now she considers it a wonderful twist of fate that brought the two of them together as patient and doctor.

As Erica remembers their first meeting, she recalls that Dr. Stafford "knew what to do and made me feel seen and heard." She felt Dr. Stafford was warm and honest — a great combination of expertise and relatability.

The first part of Erica’s maternity journey was IVF services with Emory Reproductive Center, which supports patients with fertility from diagnosis and testing, through treatment and follow-up.

After one successful round of IVF, Erica was expecting her first baby. When she met Dr. Stafford, continuing her care with her as her OBGYN felt like a natural choice.

“Not every doctor is created equal,” Erica says. “Dr. Stafford brought rigor and experience that made me feel comfortable right away. My pregnancy was slightly high risk, and I knew I was in capable hands.”

Dr. Stafford says her own experiences shaped how she approaches care. “My passion for inclusive excellence work began in my childhood community, where access to quality care was limited. That inspired me to build a career in health care — as both an educator and an advocate.”

That sense of advocacy is something Erica values deeply. “Dr. Stafford is a proactive advocate for me — responsive and supportive. That’s so important.”

From their first meeting, Dr. Stafford took the time to understand Erica's full story, not just her medical history, but her fears and goals.

"This isn't only about pregnancy; it's about the journey of a woman's health over time," Dr. Stafford explains. "I focus on being there for women at every stage of life and from every walk of life. I want my patients to feel empowered."

With that philosophy in mind at their appointments, Dr. Stafford wanted to make sure Erica understood what was happening at each stage and why every decision was important.

Erica's pregnancy progressed well. Emory Healthcare takes an integrated approach that gives patients like Erica access to everything they need, including genetic counseling, prenatal screenings, nutrition guidance and emotional support.

"Erica and I shared a common situation in our pregnancies. We both conceived through IVF. I know from personal experience that it's important to be proactive but also reassuring," says Dr. Stafford. She notes that Emory works as a team of maternal-fetal medicine specialists, obstetricians, nurses and more. "We all collaborate so our patients have the safest, most personalized care possible."

The delivery via C-section went smoothly, with Dr. Stafford by Erica's side every step of the way. "She had such a calm presence," Erica remembers. "She made me feel like everything was going to be okay — because it was."

After her son was born, Dr. Stafford visited Erica and continued to be accessible in the months that followed — "rooting for me and supporting me," Erica says.

"So many women think their OB care ends after delivery," says Dr. Stafford. "But that's not how we work here. Postpartum recovery is a crucial part of women's health. We make sure our patients transition smoothly — physically, emotionally and mentally into the next chapter."

Erica finds that continuum of care invaluable. Now, two years after her baby's birth, Erica still sees Dr. Stafford for her regular wellness visits. "Erica and I have a great relationship," Dr. Stafford says. "It's professional, but we enjoy sharing a common bond and conversations around work, motherhood, staying healthy and just life in general."

Adds Erica, "Going to an OBGYN who already knows my story makes the process so much easier."

Emory Healthcare takes a holistic approach to women’s health, from the teenage years to adulthood, motherhood to menopause. This is thanks to our network of specialists who work together to make sure patients have seamless, coordinated care.

Women’s health isn’t separated into chapters. It’s one continuous story. The teams at Emory Healthcare understand that and seek to address reproductive health and long-term wellness, including bone density, heart health, mental well-being and more.

This approach also builds lasting relationships between doctors and patients. “We don’t just see patients once or twice,” Dr. Stafford says. “We see them through decades of life changes. This continuum of care lets us support patients in ways that are not only clinically excellent but deeply personal.”

For Erica, that relationship is a welcome part of her approach to health and wellness. “Dr. Stafford knows me — she knows what I’ve been through and what I need. It’s so important to find that kind of connection in health care today.”