COVER STORY
SPECIAL DELIVERIES RESUME AT CHILTON
The Maternity Center at Chilton Medical Center has officially reopened . The lullaby chime is once again ringing gleefully through the halls , signaling the arrival of our special deliveries .
During the COVID-19 surgeinMarch , Atlantic
Health System hospitals worked together to identifyareas where services could be safely and efficiently consolidated . To increase thecapacity at Chilton , the MaternityCenter wastemporarily relocated to Morristown Medical Center . Thankfully in early September , the Centerwas able to reopen and resume maternity and special carenursery services once again .
The maternity team is comprised of board-certified obstetricians , anesthesiologyspecialists , neonatology specialists , maternal-fetal specialists andnurse practitioners who are trained in the newest diagnostic and therapeutic options andon-site 24 hoursaday , seven days aweek .
Physicians also regularly partner with certified doulas and midwives to help women have apositive birthexperience . Caring nursesand expertmedical staff encourage momsand babies to remain together as much as possible to establish afirm bond , and our certified lactation consultants help new moms with breastfeeding in the hospital .
Over the last six decades , Chilton Medical Center ’ sMaternity Center has created the perfect setting for families to welcome ababy into the world , comfortably and safely . It ’ sfamily-friendly environment , expert medical care and personalized comforts and amenities provide support throughout the entire birth process , including :
• Lactation consultants and nurses trained in breastfeeding support
• Breastfeeding-accessible gowns
• Online breastfeeding support groups
• Birthing tubs for laboring
• Online parent education classes
• Newborn photography
• Wireless internet access
• Sleeping arrangements for partners
• Celebratory meals and gifts The Center can also accommodate awide variety of medically-responsible birthing plans and procedures , including birthing balls , peanut balls , squatting bars , birthing stools , aromatherapy and music .
PHOTOS : CHILTON MEDICAL CENTER
STRONGER TOGETHER
New mother JenChinskey had her
first child at ChiltonMedical Center in January2018 . She assumed that the mothering instinct would kickinwhen it came to breastfeeding herson , but that did not happen . “ Tome , it waswhat younaturallydid ,” saysChinskey .
“ My mom did it , my stepmother , my sister – soIwent in with the thought processthatIwould automaticallybesuccessful .” Unfortunately , herinitialattempts were unsuccessful . “ When Ifirst started , he wouldn ’ tlatch . The lactationstaff gave me anipple shieldtohelphim latch on more effectively . It took along time . But we are finally shield-free , and now it is very easy .”
Healthprofessionals agree that breastfeeding has many advantages .“ It ’ s really nature ’ s idealfood ,” says Amy Moriarity , manager , Maternity Center at Chilton Medical Center . “ Breast milk has qualitiesthat prevent and fight infection , it changes propertiesasthe infantfeeds and it helpstothin out mucus . Although formula-fed infants and mothers enjoy the bonding process , bonding may be enhanced in the nursing motherand infant becauseofthe secretion of hor-
To learn more about the Maternity Center at Chilton , visit atlantichealth . org / maternity .
HOLIDAY 2020 CHILTON MAGAZINE