Baptist Health Paducah provides comprehensive care for expecting and new mothers close to home
PADUCAH, KY (July 30, 2026) — When Karley Benton of Oscar, KY, arrived at Baptist Health Paducah's Obstetrical Emergency Department (OB-ED), she thought she was experiencing cramping and pain.
At just 26 weeks pregnant, Benton’s pregnancy had been progressing normally, and there was no sign she would soon face a medical emergency. What she thought were cramps turned out to be preterm labor.
Within minutes of arriving at the Baptist Health Paducah, Benton learned she was already four centimeters dilated and rapidly progressing toward delivery. The Labor & Delivery team acted quickly, coordinating care between obstetric physicians, anesthesia, nursing staff and the John & Loree Eckstein Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Just over an hour after arriving at the hospital, Benton delivered her daughter, Lovett, weighing only 1 pound, 12 ounces.
"Being a first-time mom at just 22 years old and hearing that your baby would be born at only 26 weeks was absolutely terrifying," said Benton.
"Finding out that Lovett could stay at Baptist instead of immediately being transferred hours away was one of the biggest blessings during the hardest time of our lives. I couldn't imagine recovering from a C-section while my newborn was four hours away."
The Benton family was able to bring Lovett home after 82 days in the NICU. Today, Lovett is a happy, healthy toddler, a testament to the care available close to home at Baptist Health Paducah.
Advanced care when it matters most
For families preparing to welcome a new baby, access to comprehensive, high-level care close to home can make all the difference. From routine prenatal care to complex deliveries, Baptist Health Paducah offers a full range of services designed to support both mom and baby at every stage.
A key part of that care is the hospital's Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the John & Loree Eckstein NICU, the only unit of its kind in the region. The NICU provides advanced care for babies born as early as 26 weeks, allowing families to remain close to home during some of life's most challenging moments.
"When minutes matter, distance matters," said Lisa Parnell, Director of Mother/Baby Care at Baptist Health Paducah. "Having advanced neonatal care available locally means babies can receive the specialized treatment they need without being separated from their families or transferred hours away."
The NICU is led by neonatologist Edward O'Neill, MD, and supported by a specialized team trained in high-risk neonatal care, including neonatal nurses, respiratory therapists and advanced practice providers. In addition, neonatologists live within minutes of the hospital, ensuring rapid response when needed.
"The NICU staff became like family to us," Benton said. "They celebrated every milestone, taught us how to care for our daughter and supported us through some of the most difficult days of our lives. When we walked out of the NICU after 82 days, we weren't just leaving the hospital. We were leaving people who had become part of our family."
Keeping families together
Baptist Health Paducah also offers neonatal transport services to bring babies from surrounding communities to Paducah for advanced care, as well as maternal transfer capabilities so mothers and babies can receive care together in one location whenever possible.
To further support patients, Baptist Health Paducah offers 24/7 access to obstetric emergency care through its Obstetrical Emergency Department (OB-ED). Staffed by board-certified OB/GYN physicians and certified nurse midwives, the OB-ED provides immediate care for pregnancy and postpartum concerns, including labor evaluations, urgent complications and unscheduled deliveries.
Benton credits the coordinated care she received across the Mother-Baby program with helping her family navigate an unexpected and frightening experience.
"Every person played a part in our story," she said. "The physicians, nurses, therapists and staff didn't just care for our daughter, they cared for our entire family.”
Parnell encourages expecting parents to learn about the resources available before delivery.
"Choosing where to deliver your baby is one of the most important decisions you'll make," Parnell said. "We want families to know they have access to advanced, compassionate care right here in western Kentucky."
"As a mom who hopes to have more children one day, there's never been a question about where I would choose to deliver again," said Benton.
"You never think you'll need a NICU until suddenly you do. Having a Level 3 NICU and transport team close to home can truly change outcomes because minutes matter."
For more information about labor and delivery services at Baptist Health Paducah or to schedule a tour, call 270.415.7264.