Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1518199
8 | Health Matters: Providence St. Joseph Hospital UNITING WOMEN'S SERVICES: A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH Lisa Cowan, executive director of Women's and Children's Services at Providence St. Joseph, highlights the strategic move to consolidate women's health services under one roof. "Before this expansion, our women's services were not co-located," she says. "We wanted to create an environment that provides women with easier access to well- coordinated care." With a commitment to providing holistic care, the center houses a myriad of specialized services. In the same building, women can see a genetic counselor and have a state-of-the-art diagnostic ultrasound, and see a maternal fetal medicine specialist in tandem with their OB-GYN appointment. Tamera Hatfield, MD, a maternal fetal medicine specialist and medical director of Perinatal Services, reflects on the continued advancement of women's services at Providence St. Joseph over the years, noting that as more space has been allotted, additional service lines and supportive programs have been added, from fetal diagnostics to maternal diabetes care. BRIDGING THE TRANSITION: MOTHER-BABY ASSESSMENT CENTER The Mother-Baby Assessment Center offers specialized postnatal care for new mothers and their infants, ensuring their well-being during the critical transition from hospital to home and addressing any concerns. Follow-up appointments, typically scheduled around three days after discharge, ensure that mothers and babies receive ongoing medical attention and support during this pivotal period. During these assessments, health care professionals conduct thorough evaluations, addressing a range of factors such as feeding habits, infant weight gain, jaundice levels and the mental well-being of the mother. "Our goal is to bridge the gap between discharge and their first visit with a pediatrician," Cowan says. In instances where there's a health concern, whether it be a baby losing weight or a mother suffering from postpartum depression, these assessments are essential in identifying and addressing issues early on, ensuring timely intervention and support for optimal maternal and infant well-being. "We get them the help they need in real time," Cowan says. She speaks from personal experience. "My grandson was born on Groundhog Day last year," she says. "I got to be there with them for the follow-up appointment and was a part of the process as a grandmother rather than the executive director. I witnessed how beautifully it's done. There's something super special about this service we provide to our community." NURTURING MATERNAL HEALTH: SPECIALIZED CARE FOR EVERY NEED In their dedication to nurturing women as they navigate the beautiful yet challenging journey of motherhood, the center has developed specialized programs to address each patient's unique needs. The Maternal Mental Health program, spearheaded by a licensed clinical social worker, offers vital support to women experiencing depression, anxiety or trauma related to childbirth. Identified through screening or post-treatment referrals, these women receive ongoing counseling and care for up to a year, so they're provided with a safe space to discuss their concerns and challenges. For women with high- risk pregnancies where hospitalization may be necessary for extended periods, the team ensures seamless access to mental health resources to alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms during their stay. Additionally, the Maternal Diabetes and Wellness Center—directed by Dr. Hatfield and equipped with advance practice registered nurses, nurse educators and a registered dietitian—is dedicated to supporting pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Through personalized care plans and education sessions, the team empowers women to manage their blood sugar levels effectively and maintain a healthy pregnancy. For those with preexisting diabetes, meticulous monitoring and insulin therapy are initiated early on to mitigate risks of miscarriage and birth defects. Postpartum, the center continues to provide guidance on long-term diabetes management and ensures a smooth transition to primary care follow-up, prioritizing the overall health and well-being of both mother and baby throughout their journey. MONITORING FETAL DEVELOPMENT: ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES Advanced fetal diagnostic services provide expectant parents with invaluable insights into the health and development of their baby throughout pregnancy. State-of-the-art fetal diagnostic ultrasound services are available to detect any potential abnormalities or health concerns in the fetus early on, allowing for timely intervention and management. This proactive approach is essential for ensuring the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby. The specialized care provided by the center's team of experts, including sonographers and maternal-fetal medicine specialists, ensures that patients receive personalized attention and support throughout the ultrasound encounter. Dr. Hatfield emphasizes the center's commitment to providing advanced prenatal testing and monitoring. "We offer a full spectrum of services," she says. "Our team of highly skilled sonographers are trained to understand prenatal diagnosis and are able to obtain images of the fetus that are not typically evaluated in routine ultrasounds. Their attention to the overall pregnancy journey is crucial." Nonstress tests are done twice weekly as needed to provide antepartum surveillance of the baby. This fetal monitoring involves checking the baby's heart rate and the amniotic fluid to reduce the risk of stillbirth. The center performs up to 50 ultrasounds and 75 nonstress tests each day. "What sets us apart from the traditional radiology unit is that there are specialists going into patient rooms and reviewing results of ultrasounds, getting history about the patients and identifying if WE WANTED TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT PROVIDES WOMEN WITH EASIER ACCESS TO WELL- COORDINATED CARE. LISA COWAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF WOMEN'S AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES