[title subtitle=”WORDS and IMAGES courtesy Alicia Agent, Manager Marketing Communications Baptist Health-Fort Smith”][/title]
From picking a name to picking a paint color for the nursery, there’s a lot to do to get ready for a new baby. Those are just the fun things. There’s also paperwork to fill out, appointments to make and a hospital bag to pack.
But with the help of a new service at Baptist Health-Fort Smith, birth navigator Megan Williams aims to lighten the load for stressed out moms-to-be.
The birth concierge service is available to women who plan to deliver their child at Baptist Health-Fort Smith. Its goal is to improve patient experience by helping expectant women get organized ahead of their due date.
Williams is a Lamaze International-certified childbirth educator who took over the role as birth navigator last fall. In this role, Williams will meet with perspective parents who plan to deliver their babies at Baptist Health-Fort Smith to help them:
- Pre-register for delivery and sign-up for Baptist Health MyChart online
- Register for free childbirth and breastfeeding classes at Baptist Health-Fort Smith
- Connect with a financial counselor, if needed
- Discuss the mother’s birth plan
- Review hospital and unit policies for a significant other, siblings and visitation
- Receive a tour of Labor and Delivery and Postpartum Units
Williams says her goal is to increase access to services that the mom and baby may need and provide thorough education on what to expect on delivery day.
“One of my focuses is helping women make informed decisions about their care and knowing what their options are so they can have open discussions with their physicians about one of the most important days in their lives,” Williams said.
In addition to her duties a birth navigator, Williams teaches monthly childbirth classes. Williams was a preschool teacher prior to joining Baptist Health-Fort Smith’s Women’s and Children’s unit as a surgical technician. When the opportunity arose to teach childbirth classes and help expectant women navigate the birth process, she knew it was a perfect way to combine her experience and her passion.
“While working in labor and delivery, I developed a passion for helping moms understand the childbirth process, the tools available to help them and the outcomes that are possible,” Williams said. “I love teaching moms about Lamaze and the various birthing techniques available to alleviate pain and reduce stress.”
While the birth concierge service is only available to moms who plan to deliver at Baptist Health-Fort Smith, Williams’ free childbirth classes are open to all area mothers to give them the confidence and support they need to enjoy their baby’s arrival.
The classes feature curriculum focused on Lamaze, an international childbirth education program that helps women learn to respond to pain during childbirth in a way that both increases comfort and facilitates labor.
During the class, participants will learn about emotional and physical changes during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. The instructors will discuss the natural birth process, birthing techniques and potential medical interventions like cesarean section. Other topics to be covered are skin-to-skin contact, mother-newborn bonding and family bonding.
“The class is very hands-on,” Williams said. “The moms are able to get on the birthing balls to practice different positions and breathing techniques that can help alleviate pain during childbirth.”
All classes are held in the Nancy Orr Conference Center on the third floor of Baptist Health-Fort Smith. Evening and day sessions are available.
Baptist Health-Fort Smith also offers free breastfeeding education classes to local moms. This year, the hospital has added nights and weekend classes to make it more convenient for mothers who have busy schedules at work or at home.
To register for one of the dates listed, visit baptist-health.com or call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST for more information.
