TUCSON, Ariz. — As we navigate the chaotic world of the coronavirus, parents are looking for ways to bring their babies into the world in a calm and peaceful environment. That’s a goal that Paranatal Safety Officer Stacie Wood and Women and Children's Services Director Deona Bien at Tucson Medical Center try to accomplish every day.
“The care will continue to be compassionate at all times. We have learned how to smile with our eyes here. As the smiles on our faces are covered by the masks. Calm voices reassurance offering those doulas back at the bedside,” Wood said.
In-person birthing classes are canceled but parents can still get their training online.
“We have another option instead of Zoom with the instructor in the room. We have a class that they can do at their own pace. We also have a midwifery center at Tucson Medical Center and we recently celebrated our 1-year anniversary of being able to offer low-risk physiologic births in more of a homelike environment,” Wood said.
Safety is also priority number one. Healthcare workers will wear PPE at all times.
“We’re always ready, always here to help them. We do everything we can to make their birth experience special,” Bien said.
“They have all the comforts of birthing balls, aromatherapy, support bands, Bluetooth speakers for the family, and virtual reality goggles,” Wood said.
According to the hospital, some parents check-in and out in a flash, and doulas can participate in the delivery room.
The number of new babies delivered at TMC is on pace with last year.
“The only trend that we see is parents that are more ready to go home after they've delivered, they want to be home with their families," Bien said.
“Many of our families are home in 6 to 12 hours after giving birth. Not only have we been able to service the needs of our community but we are far-reaching to other states and communities to offer this childbirth education,” Wood said.
For more information on the TMC Midwifery Center, visit their website at tmcaz.com.