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Make way
for baby
THEY
are images from the not-
so-distant past: an anxious dad pacing
the waiting room, eager for word of
his wife and new baby. Grandparents
given just a peek of their newest
grandchild. A new baby’s siblings,
aunts and uncles kept away.
What a difference a few decades
make. Today, childbirth is often
considered a family affair, with loved
ones and friends visiting the hospital
and even attending the birth.
Having a baby is a joyful
event that many moms
understandably want to share
with others. And more women are
glad to be welcoming their babies
through a family-centered approach
to childbirth.
We’re proud to offer this style
of maternity care, which can help
family members be more involved in
the birthing process within the safe
environment of the hospital.
Doctors and nurses focus on
delivering high-quality medical
care—on what’s best for mom
and her baby. But women are
encouraged to make personal
choices during the process as
well. And families and friends are
welcome to be involved.
Guiding principles
We know that mothers and
their families want a personalized
experience during and after the birth
of a new baby. And we embrace a
family-centered model of childbirth
by:
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Recognizing the individual needs
of the mother and her family.
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Providing coordinated,
compassionate care before, during
and after the birth.
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Encouraging strong bonds
between a mother and her newborn
and helping establish a good feeding
routine.
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Having an experienced, skilled
and caring medical staff.
Here for new parents
One thing that hasn’t changed
over time is that new parents usually
have questions and concerns about
caring for a newborn.
You can be assured that staff
members are available 24 hours a
day to answer those questions and to
offer support and encouragement for
new families.
To learn more about our childbirth
program, including childbirth classes,
call
518-481-2244
.
C E R T I F I E D N U R S E - M I D W I V E S
They deliver more than babies
Did you know that there is a group of
medical professionals that offer top-
quality care for women of all ages,
through every stage of life? They are
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs).
Midwives are probably best known for
helping women give birth. But CNMs also
care for women from the time of their first
menstrual periods through menopause—
and beyond.
Each CNM is a licensed registered
nurse who graduated from an accredited
college or university, obtained an
advanced degree in midwifery, and
passed a national certification exam.
This background, along with extensive
hands-on clinical training, enables them
to offer a full range of primary care to
women, such as:
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Providing well-woman exams, including
doing Pap tests and breast exams.
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Providing information about health
screenings, tests and vaccines.
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Counseling women about family
planning.
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Treating sexually transmitted infections.
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Writing prescriptions for treatments
and medications.
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Offering health education on topics
such as basic nutrition and parenting.
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Helping women navigate menopause.
The University of Vermont Health
Network–Alice Hyde Medical Center
recently hired two new Certified Nurse-
Midwives. Kristina Colwell will begin
seeing patients at our Women’s Health
practice in November. Ash Draper will
begin seeing patients in December.
For an appointment, call
518-481-2896
.