Finding out that you're having a baby is such an exciting time in your life. It's funny though … almost the actual minute that you see the positive pregnancy test, you immediately start asking questions. Is it a boy or a girl? When will my due date be? What should we name the baby? When do we start telling everyone? I remember when I found out that I was pregnant, I was super-duper excited, but also very nervous. You have so many things running through your mind when you're pregnant, where you're going to give birth doesn't need to be one of them. The Christ Hospital Liberty Birthing Center is one of the greatest birthing centers in Cincinnati. It's different and exciting! To learn more about it, I talked with Jennifer Demos-Bertrand, DO, from The Christ Hospital Physicians - Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Due to COVID-19, what sort of extra precautions are being taken?
Dr. Demos-Bertrand: In addition to the rigorous sanitization process that is standard at all of our facilities, all of our staff are wearing appropriate PPE, and patients and visitors are required to wear masks as well. We are also allowing only one visitor for each patient (doulas are considered part of the medical team), which has been pretty standard across the United States throughout the pandemic. Additionally, our patients who have scheduled C-sections or inductions are being COVID tested prior to delivery.
What makes the Liberty Birthing Center different from the typical birthing experience?
Dr. Demos-Bertrand: Our rooms are LDRP rooms, which stands for Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum. This means that our moms never have to change rooms, and for continuity of care, will often be with the same nurse throughout their hospital stay! Our patient rooms are large, with huge bathrooms and amenities that include a refrigerator, coffee pot and microwave. Our nursing care is top notch and our lactation support is available daily. We also have an Outpatient Lactation Office, right in the lobby of the Liberty Birthing Center, where moms can come for appointments as needed after they are discharged.
If plan to have or need a C-Section, can I deliver at the Liberty Birthing Center?
Dr. Demos-Bertrand: Yes! We have two operating rooms within the Liberty Birthing Center dedicated to C-sections.
I saw that hydrotherapy is offered. What is hydrotherapy and how do I know if it's right for me?
Dr. Demos-Bertrand: Hydrotherapy means using water to help with pain management during labor. The options for this are getting into the large walk-in shower in your room or laboring in the labor tub. Anyone can use this option! Many women who choose not to have an epidural spend a lot of time in water to help with pain. We have wireless and waterproof fetal monitoring so that we can keep an eye on your baby's heart rate at all times.
If I'm having a baby, how do I schedule my birth and prenatal care?
Dr. Demos-Bertrand: It easy to schedule these appointments! You just call 513-585-0140.
If there was one piece of advice you would give moms for each trimester, what would it be?
Dr. Demos-Bertrand: In the first trimester, I recommend moms eat whatever sounds or tastes good. Don't worry about eating a balanced diet; it will all balance out by the end. The second trimester is the sweet spot of pregnancy. You are finally feeling good again; you feel the baby move; you aren't too uncomfortable and you're starting to show. While this applies to all trimesters, drinking water in the third trimester is especially important! The uterus is a muscle, and when dehydrated, it gets tight, which is a contraction. The more hydrated you are, the less likely you will have contractions. We also recommend taking birthing classes so that you can educate yourself on the labor, delivery, postpartum and breastfeeding (if you choose to) processes. Learn more about the Childbirth Education classes we offer.
Can you tell me more about your practice's philosophy? What can a new patient expect with you and your partners?
Dr. Demos-Bertrand: I have two great partners: Dena Costa, MD, and Teresa Schutte, MD. We provide excellent, evidence-based care. We really get to know our patients over the course of 40 weeks. You can expect a clean, streamlined office, friendly faces and great care. Our office is literally across the lobby from the Liberty Birthing Center.
See! I told you it was exciting and different! From huge bathrooms and in-room kitchenettes to hydrotherapy, The Christ Hospital Liberty Birthing Center is incredible. They're accepting new patients and make great care a priority!