If you’re planning to deliver at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, one of the first things you’ll quickly realize is: Not all OBGYNs deliver at the same hospitals. And in Orange County, that matters a lot.
Hoag Newport is one of the most sought-after hospitals for labor and delivery — known for its beautiful facilities, strong care team, and overall experience. Because of that, many expecting moms specifically look for OB-GYNs who deliver at Hoag Newport Beach.
As a local mom and Orange County maternity and newborn photographer, I see the same names come up again and again in mom groups — so I’ve rounded up some of the most frequently recommended options below.
Why So Many Moms Choose Hoag Newport
Hoag Newport has built a reputation as one of the top places to deliver in Orange County.
Moms often mention:
- Private, comfortable postpartum rooms
- A calm, well-run labor & delivery experience
- Strong nursing support
- Overall elevated experience compared to larger hospitals
For many families, it feels like the right balance of excellent medical care + a more personal environment.
Even within the same hospital, your experience can vary a lot depending on your doctor. The following is a list of frequently recommended OBGYNs who deliver at Hoag Newport Beach.
Note that hospital affiliations and insurance plans can change — always confirm directly with the provider.
DR. JENNIFER BROAD
City: Costa Mesa, CA
Group: Broad Medical Group
Delivery Hospital: HOAG Newport Beach
Insurance Partners: Aetna, Medi-Cal, Anthem BlueCross, Blue Shield California, CalOptima
Why moms love her: Dr. Broad is consistently mentioned for her attentive care and supportive approach throughout pregnancy. Many describe her as both thorough and reassuring — especially for first-time moms.
DR. YONATAN MAHLLER
City: Newport Beach, CA
Group: Orange County OBGYN
Hospital: HOAG Newport Beach
Insurance Partners: Aetna, Blue Cross, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Shield, Cigna, GEHA, Great West Health Care, Medicare, Meridian Health Plan, Multiplan, Nippon Life Benefits, PHCS, Tricare, UnitedHealthcare
Why moms love him: A name that comes up frequently for reliable, consistent care. Patients often mention feeling well-guided throughout pregnancy and delivery.
DR. JEFFREY S. ILLECK
City: Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, CA
Group: Beach Obsterics and Gynecology Medical Group
Hospital: HOAG Newport Beach
Insurance Partners: Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Tricare, United Healthcare
Why moms love him: Dr. Illeck is often described as calm, communicative, and steady — especially valuable during delivery.
DR. JODY W. LAI
City: Irvine and Newport Beach, CA
Group: PACWHA
Hospital: HOAG Newport Beach
Insurance Partners: Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare
Why moms love her: Dr. Lai is known for a thoughtful, patient-centered approach and strong communication style.
DR. NICOLLE S. UNDERWOOD
City: Irvine and Newport Beach, CA
Group: PACWHA
Hospital: HOAG Newport Beach
Insurance Partners: Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare
Why I personally loved working with her: Dr. Underwood was my own OB for both of my pregnancies, and having a provider I trusted made such a difference in how I experienced that season. She was calm, patient and knowledgeable, and we were able to make informed decisions together — exactly what you hope for when navigating pregnancy and delivery.
A Note From a Local Mom & Photographer
Many of the moms I photograph in Orange County — especially those delivering at Hoag Newport — are in this exact season of life: anticipating, preparing, and trying to take it all in. And almost every time, I hear some version of: “I didn’t realize how quickly this would go.”
As an Orange County maternity and newborn photographer, I specialize in documenting this chapter in a way that feels natural, soft, and true to you.
Whether it’s:
a maternity session along the coast
those early newborn days at home
simply capturing your family as it grows
There’s no single “best OBGYN at Hoag Newport Beach” — just the one that feels right for you. Ask around, trust your instincts, and choose someone who makes you feel safe and supported. And if you’re in this season and want to remember it — I’d truly love to be part of your story 🤍