Each new life welcomed at RiverView Health is special, but some arrivals carry an especially meaningful connection because of special ties.
Hazel Kay Wentzel was one of 85 babies—41 girls and 44 boys—born at RiverView Health in 2025, marking an increase of eight newborns over the previous year. Born May 27 to Sunshine (Sunny) and Alex Wentzel of rural Fisher, Hazel was delivered by Dr. Kari Wessman. She weighed 8 pounds, 11.6 ounces, and measured 22 inches long.
Strong Connections
RiverView has long been an important part of the Wentzel family’s story. Alex, an area farmer, was born at RiverView, as were many members of his family. Sunny and Alex, who were married in August 2021, also welcomed their first daughter, Oaklen, at RiverView in 2022.
While Sunny is the only member of their immediate family not born at RiverView, she knows more about labor and delivery services at RiverView than anyone else in the family. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Sunny serves as RiverView’s OB (obstetrics) Unit coordinator and has been present for hundreds of deliveries over the past five years.
A native of Climax, Sunny began working at RiverView in February 2021 on the Inpatient Unit and became OB Unit coordinator later that year. Today, she works on both the OB Unit and the Medical-Surgical Unit. As a patient and an OB nurse, Sunny has a unique perspective on RiverView’s obstetrics services.
“It was so fun to come in and have familiar faces caring for me,” she shared. “It was incredibly comforting to know everyone involved in my care and the care of our babies—from the kitchen staff delivering our meals to the lab staff and my coworkers who were also my nurses.”
That sense of reassurance extended to Alex as well. “Even my husband, who didn’t necessarily know everyone by name, told me after both of our deliveries what an amazing experience it was. He was very impressed by the care we received.”
Expect the Unexpected
As a nurse and a mother, Sunny understands that birth plans don’t always go as expected. She planned Oaklen’s 2022 delivery with Family Medicine/OB provider Dr. Erik Kanten, who has since retired from OB services. However, complications during Oaklen’s birth required a cesarean section (C-section), requiring the delivery services of RiverView OB/GYN Dr. Kari Wessman. When Sunny became pregnant with Hazel, she was prepared for another C-section, this time scheduled with Dr. Wessman—but Hazel had plans of her own.
“My water broke unexpectedly, and I wasn’t planning to deliver that day,” Sunny said. “OB care can be unpredictable. I know firsthand what it’s like when things don’t go exactly as planned.”
That experience has strengthened Sunny’s connection with her patients. “When patients go through similar situations, I can talk them through it and share my own experiences. I hope I’m able to ease their worries and give them the same sense of calm that my nurses gave me.”
Sunny’s experiences on both sides of OB care have also influenced how she approaches her leadership role. “Being both a nurse and a patient at RiverView has helped me become more compassionate and empathetic. Those experiences are invaluable when it comes to improving our processes and patient care.”
Accommodations Fit for Patients, Staff
Sunny has also had the opportunity to experience RiverView’s state-of-the-art birthing suites, which opened in 2020, from a patient’s perspective and as a team member. As a patient, she appreciated being able to stay in the same spacious room from admission through discharge. She reported that the large windows provided abundant natural light, while blackout shades offered welcome rest when needed. She highlighted the accommodations for support persons—such as a recliner and pullout couch—that meant Alex could remain comfortably by her side through the entire stay.
As a nurse, she values features like the breastmilk refrigerators in every room, spacious tubs for use during labor and postpartum, and safety supplies conveniently located within each suite.
“We get so many compliments from patients and visitors about our beautiful facility,” she stated. “We truly try to make the birth experience at RiverView special.”
That commitment extends beyond the delivery room. RiverView patients typically have the same provider throughout pregnancy and delivery—a rare continuity of care not often found in larger hospitals. Additional features also help to add a personal touch, including the celebratory meal for new parents, served tableside in their room. RiverView Auxiliary volunteers also add to the excitement with knit hats and handmade blankets for every newborn, which are sent home in a gift bag filled with keepsakes.
In Good Hands
While Sunny and Alex were pleased with both of their RiverView birth experiences, they especially valued the sense of calm and confidence they felt, even when plans took unexpected turns. “I felt really relaxed and at ease,” Sunny said. “I knew I was in good hands.”
Delivering her children at RiverView has only deepened her ability to care for others. “Having been in my patients’ shoes, helps me better understand how they’re feeling—and helps me care for them even better.”
If you would like more information on OB services at RiverView, call 281-9300.
The Wentzel family is full of RiverView birth stories—Sunny (left to right), is RiverView’s OB coordinator, and Oaklen, Hazel, and Alex were all born at RiverView. Photo by Stefani Bingham Photography
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