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4-12-2007 staff report Thayer, who lives in Otego, said that it was very important to her to have family there for the birth of her children. She noted, "The midwives and nurses welcomed my husband and family into the room and included them in the birthing process. I can’t say enough about the midwives at Bassett. The births of my children have been spectacular moments in my life, and thanks to my midwives, I have nothing but wonderful memories." That’s the sort of patient testimonial that has earned Bassett Healthcare’s Nurse- Midwifery Service the American College of Nurse-Midwives’ Golden Commendation Award, according to a press release from Bassett Healthcare. he honor recognizes midwifery education programs that are innovative and compassionate in their delivery of midwifery care to families and have expanded access to care and participated in community outreach. Further, the honor recognizes participation in the education of midwifery students. "The Nurse-Midwifery Service has served the women and families of our eight-county rural region since 1986, said Patty Brown, director of Nurse-Midwifery Service at Bassett. Brown says the program’s record in those 21 years speaks for itself. According to the press release, the program has been recognized recently as a top performing hospital in the following areas: Lowest total Cesarean delivery rates. Lowest primary Cesarean delivery rates. A breastfeeding discharge rate of nearly 74 percent. Significantly improved public health outcomes in Bassett’s eight-county service area. Additionally, as other obstetrical providers have closed their practices, Bassett has added regional outreach sites to underserved areas. This eases the transportation barrier that has confronted many women in this rural region and affords them access to local prenatal care, the press release said. Several studies have shown that healthy women with normal pregnancies who choose certified nurse-midwives have fewer medical interventions. This is true at Bassett where there have been low rates of Cesarean section, episiotomy and perineal laceration and high rates of vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC) and vaginal birth of twins. Certified nurse midwives provide a full range of health care services, including gynecology checkups, family planning, prenatal and postpartum care, as well as delivering babies, the press release said. Bassett midwives see patients in Oneonta, Delhi, Hamilton, Little Falls, Herkimer, and Cooperstown. They attend births at the Birthing Center in Cooperstown and have an obstetrician available for consultation and backup if needed. |
Copyright 2007, Cooperstown Crier, Cooperstown, NY All rights reserved