Keeping Moms and Babies Safe During the Pandemic

3/24/2021

Northeast Regional Medical Center welcomed more than 500 newborns in 2020 and is prepared to deliver more this year

Kirksville, MO – The delivery of babies has been a happy event for the labor and delivery team at Northeast Regional Medical Center over the past year. Hundreds of infants have taken their first breath at the hospital and been a welcome sight in the midst of the global pandemic.

While the virus has changed many things in the world – the hospital’s childbirth center and nursery are a pleasant constant, located in a separate, enclosed area to provide specialized care and services. A dedicated team of nurses and obstetricians work exclusively with the moms and babies through delivery and post-partum care.

“I have been privileged to assist many moms in bringing their new babies into the world,” said Dr. Ralph Boling, Obstetrician-Gynecologist. “This past year has been one of the most challenging ones yet, but the OB department at Northeast Regional Medical Center has meet the challenge and protected both moms and babies.”

Pre-natal care remains critical and women are encouraged to stay in contact with their obstetrician and keep their appointments to be sure their pregnancy is on track. And once baby is here, regular visits to the pediatrician are important to help them thrive.

The hospital and physician clinics keep the safety of their patients as the top priority. Many actions have been taken to enhance infection prevention and support social distancing to maintain a safe environment during the pandemic.

When an expectant mom arrives at the hospital, she goes to the Main Entrance where staff will check her temperature and complete a screening questionnaire. Moms are tested for COVID-19 prior to their stay ore at the time of admission. Moms can have one guest who stays with them in their room throughout their stay and go in and out; the individual must have wear a mask at all times. An additional visitor will be allowed between the hours 9 am to 5 pm and can switch out and come and go.

“At the one year mark of the pandemic, I can confidently say that I have been impressed with the dedication and preparation NRMC has shown in keeping our moms and babies safe,” said Dr. Melodie Stocks, Obstetrician-Gynecologist. “It is exciting to see some changes to the visitor policies, but our commitment to safety has not changed at all. I know the infection control committee has my patients and their family’s wellbeing as their top priority.”

Labor and delivery proceed as they always have and most adjacent procedures remain available. Tubal ligation after delivery is an option if a mother is negative for COVID-19 and circumcisions can also be performed. Breastfeeding is encouraged, even for moms who test positive for COVID-19 and can protect their infant by wearing a mask.

Our birthing center offers:

• Experienced labor and delivery nurses
• Birthing balls and mirrors
• 4 spacious labor and delivery rooms with deep soaking tub
• 10 light-filled patient rooms
• Private baths
• New nursery

At Northeast Regional Medical Center, our physicians manage fetal anomalies and other challenging conditions that sometimes arise during pregnancy as well as twin pregnancies. We specialize in ultrasounds and other diagnostic procedures to assess babies while in the womb, and are experienced in managing pre-existing and newly found complications in expecting mothers, such as hypertension, cardiac disease and diabetes.

For information on the Childbirth Center at Northeast Regional Medical Center, call (660) 785-1570. If you need help finding an obstetrician, pediatrician or another physician, visit the “Find a Doctor” link at the top of the page or call (660) 785-1319.

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