When architect Farah Qadeer began preparing for her first baby, she chose Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Center for its highly recommended prenatal education classes, personalized maternity care and praise from fellow Moms in the Bergen County community. More than a year later, she’s still praising the hospital’s comprehensive support—and is planning to return for the birth of her second child this fall.
Living in Saddle River with her husband Tahir, Qadeer said the hospital’s virtual childbirth education courses played a crucial role in her early journey to motherhood.
“As a first-time mom with no prior experience, I found the newborn care webinars incredibly informative,” she shared. “The live demonstrations and interactive Q&A sessions helped me feel more confident and prepared for labor, delivery and newborn care.”
Maternity tour
The classes, led by in-person instructors at the hospital, covered a range of topics, from basic newborn care to what to expect during labor and delivery. Qadeer also attended an in-person maternity tour, which helped her understand what to pack, what the birthing suites looked like, and what amenities were available.
“The tour made a big difference,” she said. “It helped me visualize the experience and feel more at ease.”
Qadeer’s prenatal care was managed by Sonata Cooper, M.D. and Miriam Langer, M.D., both of whom she described as attentive and informative. When she went into labor, Dr. Cooper was on call, and Maria Bitar, M.D., a hospital laborist, delivered her baby.
“No one really knows what to expect during childbirth,” she recalled. “The team was so professional, attentive and reassuring throughout the labor process. I felt completely taken care of.”
Following three hours of active labor, she delivered a healthy baby boy. Her recovery was smooth without any complications, which she attributed to the skilled care she received.
Mother’s and child’s health
Qadeer also appreciated the hospital’s dual focus on mother and baby during her stay. She had a private room, and the nursing staff was attentive and professional.
“They checked on both of us regularly and made sure I was healing well,” she said. “That level of care meant a lot.”
The hospital’s flexible visiting hours allowed Farah and Tahir’s family to visit after work, which was especially meaningful since her son was the first grandchild on her side of the family.
Beyond medical care, Qadeer praised the hospital’s administrative support. From birth certificate paperwork to reasonable accommodation forms for her job, the staff was responsive and helpful.
“They made the process seamless,” she said. “Anytime I needed documentation or support, they were on it.”
She also highlighted the hospital’s community events for expecting moms, such as the bi-annual Baby Expo which featured local vendors and helpful resources, and the New Mom’s Support Circle, a monthly support group.
“I even recommended the hospital and my OB-GYN to my sister, who gave birth there this past spring,” she said.
With her second baby due later this year, Qadeer is returning to Pascack Valley Medical Center with full confidence.
“I trust the team completely,” she said. “They made my first experience so positive—I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”
For more information about women’s health, visit our website. For a schedule of upcoming birthing, breastfeeding and new parent classes, visit our community calendar.