Nurses at Mercy Medical Center, Rockville Centre, N.Y., conducted their third annual daylong pregnancy conference, “Birth, Baby and Beyond The Mercy Touch,” in April for local residents who are planning a family or already expecting.
The educational seminar included workshops and presentations that addressed various aspects of childbirth, including labor, delivery, breast-feeding, mental well-being and parenting.
“The best part of this program is that it is run completely by the staff, and they love doing it,” said Barbra Kahn, RN, a nurse in the maternal-child division.
An interdisciplinary approach on perinatal health education was provided, including a panel discussion led by obstetrician Jahanshah Seraji, MD, who spoke about pregnancy, fetal growth and signs of labor. Discussion topics also included high-risk pregnancy and the role of the perinatologist, neonatal services and the role of the neonatologist, picking a pediatrician and proper nutrition.
Labor and delivery nurse SaraJean Sheinin, RN, discussed pain management options for the patient, covering pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods of pain relief. A presentation and discussion about mental health awareness during and after pregnancy followed and was sponsored by the Postpartum Resource Center of New York.
Attendees took part in workshops on breast-feeding, newborn care, relaxation and a “Daddy Boot Camp.” Tours of the hospital were provided by staff of the maternal-child division throughout the day.
Information tables, staffed by nurses and physicians, included childbirth education, breast-feeding support, pediatric services, perinatal services and nutritional support.
Karen Rennie, RNC-OB, C-EFM, MSN, is a nurse at Mercy Medical Center.
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