Keeping Moms and Babies Safe During the Pandemic
4/8/2021
Hospital welcomed more than 1200 newborns in 2020 and is prepared to deliver more this year
HUNTSVILLE, AL, 4/8/21 – The delivery of babies has been a happy event for the labor and delivery team at Crestwood Medical Center over the past year. Hundreds of infants have taken their first breath at the hospital and been a welcome sight in the midst of the global pandemic.
While the virus has changed many things in the world – the hospital’s childbirth center and nursery are a pleasant constant, located in a separate, enclosed area to provide specialized care and services. A dedicated team of nurses and obstetricians work exclusively with the moms and babies through delivery and post-partum care.
“The joy of bringing a new life into the world is a wonderful constant and it’s a privilege to support the moms and babies who are counting on us,” said Kevin McIntosh, M.D., department chair of women’s & children’s services at Crestwood Medical Center. “Our labor and delivery unit is a special place designed to keep them safe, with experienced nurses and central fetal monitoring.”
Pre-natal care remains critical and women are encouraged to stay in contact with their obstetrician and keep their appointments to be sure their pregnancy is on track. And once baby is here, regular visits to the pediatrician are important to help them thrive.
The hospital and physician clinics keep the safety of their patients as the top priority. Many actions have been taken to enhance infection prevention and support social distancing to maintain a safe environment during the pandemic.
When an expectant mom arrives at the hospital, she goes to the Crestwood Maternity Center entrance where staff will check her temperature, test for COVID-19, and complete an admission history. Moms can have two guests stay with them in their room throughout their delivery, in immediate recovery, and then when moved to the postpartum area. Once in the postpartum area, two visitors (ages 18 and older) are allowed from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Currently, there are no waiting rooms available. Individuals must wear a mask at all times and should minimize coming and going for the health and safety of mom and newborn.
“We are taking the necessary precautions for your protection,” said McIntosh. “Hundreds of moms have their babies here each year and we give each the personalized care they need.”
Labor and delivery proceed as they always have and most adjacent procedures remain available. Tubal ligation after delivery is an option if a mother is negative for COVID-19 and circumcisions can also be performed. Breastfeeding is encouraged, even for moms who test positive for COVID-19 and can protect their infant by wearing a mask.
For information on the Maternity Center at Crestwood Medical Center, visit www.crestwoodmaternitycenter.com or call (256) 429-5250. If you need help finding an obstetrician, pediatrician or another physician, visit the “Find a Doctor” link at the top of this page.
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