Dr. Pizzuto and her newborn daughter, Olivia.

As an OBGYN at Humber River Hospital, Dr. Kate Pizzuto has provided remarkable care for women throughout their lives: through puberty, pregnancies, deliveries and the transition to menopause.

When Dr. Pizzuto found out she was pregnant with her first child, during a pandemic, she found herself feeling a bit more anxious than she thought she would be.

“I think it’s always a hard transition to become a patient. And I found it especially difficult because I knew exactly what was going to happen during the pregnancy and delivery, but had so much to learn about being a new mom.”

Having Dr. Andre LaRoche, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, as her OBGYN was a huge sense of relief for her, considering that they share the same office.

Dr. LaRoche holding baby Olivia.

“I knew that I was going to be in good hands with him, and I was so happy to have him care for me during my pregnancy and delivery,” Dr. Pizzuto said.

On top of that, Dr. Pizzuto didn’t even hesitate to give birth to her now one-year old daughter, Olivia, at Humber because she couldn’t imagine delivering her anywhere else.

“To me, it was really important to deliver my baby at Humber because I know the exceptional quality of care that our department provides to our patients. It was nice to bring her into the world in the place that I work, surrounded by my colleagues,” she said. “I also think that when you look at the other hospitals in the area, Humber just provides the best care for our pregnant patients. For three years in a row, we’ve had the lowest neonatal harm index, which means it’s one of the safest places to have a baby in the province.”

“I wanted to recognize all of the exceptional care that we received while Olivia and I were patients at Humber. Our doctors and nurses went above and beyond to ensure that we had a great birth experience at Humber,” Dr. Pizzuto said.

A Star Is Born

Dr. Pizzuto made another easy decision by honouring baby Olivia’s arrival through the A Star Is Born Program. Olivia’s name was added on to our beautiful star wall outside the Mother Baby Unit, and her donation will help future patients receive great care at the Hospital.

“I wanted to recognize all of the exceptional care that we received while Olivia and I were patients at Humber. Our doctors and nurses went above and beyond to ensure that we had a great birth experience at Humber,” Dr. Pizzuto said. “On a more personal note, every time I’m on call and pass by the beautiful Star Is Born wall, I am reminded of my daughter and how my journey to motherhood began.”

She was also surprised to receive a birthday card from the Humber River Hospital Foundation in honour of Olivia turning one, which all A Star Is Born babies receive on their first birthday.

“Although my baby won’t remember her first birthday, I know that I felt a huge sense of accomplishment, that we somehow made through the year, especially being a first-time mom in the middle of a global pandemic,” she joked.

Dr. Pizzuto made another easy decision by honouring baby Olivia’s arrival through the A Star Is Born Program.

Learn More About A Star Is Born Today!

Honour your beloved child by sharing their name on our beautiful star wall, while giving a donation in support of Humber River Hospital. It’s the perfect way for adoring parents, starstruck grandparents, and aunties and uncles with stars in their eyes to show their love!

To learn more about A Star Is Born, please contact Saneh Singh, Senior Development Officer, Annual at (416) 242-1000 ext. 81517 or sansingh@hrh.ca