It’s a Monday afternoon on the Postpartum Unit at GBMC and the atmosphere is buzzing with the joy of new life. Nurses are visiting each patient room, ensuring that the road to parenthood is paved with all of the care and information needed for a healthy start.

One of the busiest postpartum units in Maryland, GBMC’s team is dedicated to family-centered care. States Etna Weinhold, RN, Clinical Manager of GBMC’s postpartum unit, “We want every patient to feel like our only patient. Our role as caregivers encompasses care, education and support for the entire family.”

Many will agree that the quality of postpartum service is second to none. Just ask GBMC patient Dr. Jeanne DeFeo, a pediatrician from Anne Arundel County who delivered her fifth child, a girl, at GBMC in February. “I’ve had all five of my kids at GBMC and every experience here has just been great. All of the nurses in Labor and Delivery, Newborn Nursery and Postpartum have provided the greatest care and were always quick to answer any questionsI had.” Dr. DeFeo emphasizes that traveling the 45 minutes to one hour from her home in Anne Arundel County was “well worth the hike. I just love my obstetrician and the staff at GBMC has made all of my experiences pleasant ones.”

“We go above and beyond our patients’ expectations every day,” adds Ms. Weinhold. “We try to anticipate every patient’s needs.”

The nursing staff is keenly aware that education of the family is a key element of postpartum care. From the moment a new mother arrives on the unit, there is a cooperative effort between the newborn nursery and postpartum nursing staffs to perform a full assessment of the newborn and mother, answering questions ranging from basic baby care practices to lactation support for mothers who desire to breastfeed. Postpartum nurses address the emotional issues of parenthood as well, such as bonding with a new baby and educating families about symptoms of postpartum depression.

“New mothers are dealing with a variety of emotions and are frequently in need of comfort and reassurance,” explains Ms. Weinhold. At GBMC, comfort is defined as more than just the fluffing of a pillow or delivery of an extra blanket. It is delivered through a listening ear or in and a warm and knowing smile.

Preparing for Life After Birth GBMC

Victor Khouzami, MD, Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics at GBMC, wants patients to know that life after birth at GBMC does not stop at the Postpartum Unit doorway. “Postpartum care is not only about time to physically heal, but is also about preparing new parents to go home with the confidence and the information they need to love and care for their baby. We make sure our patients know they have our support even after they are discharged.”
GBMC’s Lactation Station is just one example of the continued support services available to parents during their stay and following discharge. A unique retail store with shelves stocked with everything a breastfeeding mother could need, the Lactation Station’s consultants are available to provide the nursing mother support, information and encouragement.

“GBMC’s lactation specialists were there for me any time I needed them,” adds Dr. DeFeo, who says that even though she is nursing for the fifth time, it’s still not easy. “Any time I have called, the consultants were always very quick to call me back, answer my questions and provide great advice and support.”

 Care and Respect – Delivered in High Doses

Part of the Postpartum Unit’s high satisfaction rate among patients is due to a unique program that enables each nurse a turn in the charge role. “This leadership responsibility has encouraged professional development, communication, camaraderie and admiration among staff for the person in

charge,” reports Ms. Weinhold. The result: a great sense of responsibility and pride in the delivery of care. These things, in addition to consistent and coordinated communication, offer an outstanding care team, which works cohesively for families.

“We go the extra mile,” says Maggie Albano, RN. “We naturally and easily love our careers, which brings a joyful approach to patient care, enhancing patient satisfaction.”

There is a pride of ownership that can clearly be experienced in GBMC’s Postpartum Unit. Perhaps it is due to the passion every team member brings to his or her practice. Or, perhaps it is due in part to the sense of family that surrounds the unit, its staff, as well as the patients and families.  Either way, what the Postpartum Unit at GBMC truly comes down to is family.