PA Birthing Program Aids Disadvantaged Mothers
By Pohla Smith, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |
But the baby grew too large, and it was recommended the midwife deliver her at UPMC Mercy to be safe.
It then became a big part of doula
After Ms. Parm toured Mercy, Ms. Shope sat down with her client and Ms. Parm's mother and brainstormed, asking, "How can we make this better?"
Ms. Shope, 33, who works out of
"I ended up having to be induced, which I didn't plan on," Ms. Parm said, "and I needed an epidural. But it was the best-case scenario anyway because I didn't want a C-section."
"Marissa labored for hours and hours and hours and hours," Ms. Shope said proudly.
In addition to providing support prenatally and during birth, community doulas like those at
"You have a relationship. It's more of a friendship," Ms. Parm said.
"An obstetrician is 10 to 15 minutes," Ms. Shope added. "We're available to our moms 24 hours a day 365 days a year." There's a backup system of doulas in place in case of emergencies at
Since 2009,
"There's such an interest and such a need," said director
But that may be changing.
Part of the
"We would like to try to expand the services, and that's not only locally, but to look at expanding that model to other areas outside the county," said family physician
Dr. Smith said the department saw the takeover as an opportunity to create a natural synergy to serve the same population.
"One of our main areas [of focus] ... is providing care for the underserved population, and
The department provides obstetrical services -- there are about 70 residents -- that will be a good resource for mothers going to
"I think in particular we realized that the population
Breast feeding initiation among mothers who had a doula at their birth was 55 percent in 2009, 65 percent in 2010 and 74 percent in 2011.
Ms. Parm said she intends to breast feed Sophia until she is 1, though she will introduce solid food along the way.
Meanwhile,
But there always is room for continued improvement.
Dr. Smith said he does not see the takeover as changing
"I think philosophically we feel that
Pohla Smith: [email protected] or 412-263-1228.
___
(c)2012 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Visit the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at www.post-gazette.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services
Source: | McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Wordcount: | 801 |
CNN Special: The GPS Roadmap For Saving Health Care – Part 1
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Property and Casualty News