Photo By Rebecca Perron | 181214-N-GM597-028 Portsmouth, Va. Chrisse Van, left, gets information about...... read more read more
The Women’s Health Clinic at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) sponsored the second annual pregnancy fair Dec. 14 that offered information on a variety of pregnancy-related topics, including nutrition, exercise, fetal development, birthing positions and lactation.
Representatives from the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) and Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) were also at the fair to talk about their resources as well. The fair drew more than 100 patients who stopped at the tables for information in the form of handouts, demonstrations and poster boards.
“Every table we have here shows the support we offer our pregnant patients,” said Wendy Valentine, a registered nurse in the Women’s Health Clinic. “We have social work, postpartum support group, nutrition, MWR with perinatal fitness, new parent support group, Fleet and Family Support Center, perinatal educator with the different classes that are available, and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.”
At the Women’s Health Clinic’s table, Valentine answered patient questions regarding breastfeeding and lactation consultants at the medical center, as well as what to expect after delivering their baby. She offered them books about breastfeeding and guidelines to pregnancy.
Norma Dawn Knight-Pongratz, a perinatal educator, offered information about birthing classes, birthing equipment and pain management options.
“We are talking about our prenatal classes that we offer here at NMCP,” Knight-Pongratz said. “We have a lot of different offerings. Whether you’re a first-time mom or it’s your fifth baby, we can help. In our childbirth prep classes, we cover the stages of labor, the normal physical experience, induction of labor and pain control options. Some of our patients are experienced in childbirth and only need a tour.”
Knight-Pongratz had several items on display, including several types of birthing balls.
“I’ve had a good variety of questions with patients asking what the items are that are on display,” Knight-Pongratz said. “The peanut ball is something that gets a lot of interest. The handouts I have are the class schedules for January to March, along with packing lists and class descriptions.”
While staff from the medical center focused on patient-care topics, NMCRS and FFSC representatives were focused on the financial and home safety aspects of becoming a new parent. Racquel Pitts, a New Parent Support Program home visitor for FFSC, promoted their parent education programs and a pilot program that allows them to distribute boxinets to parents who don’t have a crib or a bassinet.
“Parents can use a boxinet like a bassinet – it’s a safe sleep box that gives a safe sleep environment for the baby,” Pitts said. “We are promoting safe sleep awareness to all of our prenatal families. We currently have a pilot program for those living in Portsmouth, Chesapeake or Suffolk. For the families who live in this area and may not have a crib or bassinet, this is something we can offer them and we are primarily targeting E-5 and below for the free boxinets. There are clothing, toys, safety items, a mattress and sheets in the box. For all of our families who sign up for the home visitor program, when we come into the home, part of what we talk about is safe sleep education.”
NMCRS also has a home visitation program called the Visiting Nurse Program. Registered nurses visit the home after baby is born to help parents with any issues they might be having.
“A lot of people who have stopped by are interested in the Visiting Nurses Program and are asking how to get in touch with our nurses,” said Lynn Culp, an NMCRS representative. “These nurses will weigh the baby, and talk to the parents about any difficulties they are having and any health issues.”
Culp also talked to patients about the Budget for Baby class.
“During the class, we’ll do a basic budget and talk about where their money is going and how to stretch it a little, and the importance of savings,” Culp said. “We talk about how expenses relating to having a baby will impact their finances. Those who attend the class receive an information packet with resources, they get a handmade knitted or crocheted baby blanket, and they get a $25 gift card.”
By the end of the fair, Valentine said the turnout was fantastic.
“We have gotten very positive feedback,” Valentine said. “We look forward to doing this again next year.”
| Date Taken: | 12.14.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 12.20.2018 13:06 |
| Story ID: | 304571 |
| Location: | PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 126 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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