From pregnancy to delivery, mothers and families who seek care and/or delivery at BSW – McKinney have the dedicated support of expert providers and caretakers to guide them through their pregnancy journey. This dedicated team’s top priority is to create and maintain a family-centered care environment.
Designated by the Texas Department of State Health Services as a Level III Maternal Center and Level III Neonatal ICU, BSW – McKinney is prepared to support mothers and families through the joys of welcoming a new baby no matter the challenge. Here, mothers and their babies have access to high-risk specialists and a dedicated team of OB-GYN, neonatology, and anesthesia onsite 24 hours a day.
Making a delivery plan
Carol Brown-Elliott, MD, maternal medical director on the medical staff at BSW – McKinney, shared that having a plan is an important piece of the pregnancy journey and preparing for delivery.
“As a maternal program, we believe knowledge is power, and we strive to educate our patients about the “urgent maternal warning signs,” Dr. Brown-Elliot said.
A pregnant or postpartum person may experience any of the urgent maternal warning signs during the pregnancy and/or up to one year after delivery.
“We emphasize the importance of seeking immediate medical evaluation since some of these signs may be confused with normal pregnancy symptoms,” Dr. Brown-Elliott said. “Educating our patients and their families can be lifesaving. Patients and their families are encouraged to utilize resources and confide in their OB-GYN and fetal-maternal (MFM) specialist when applicable.”
Dr. Brown-Elliott recommends additional resources such as the Texas Department of Health and Human Services Hear Her Texas campaign as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Hear Her Campaign for additional insight and education.
OB-GYNs may consult with a maternal-fetal medicine physician, and in collaboration, the team will develop a family-centered birthing plan outlining their options and the type of care they and their baby may need. For mothers who have high-risk pregnancies, collaboration with a MFM specialist and other sub-specialists the mother or baby may need during pregnancy and delivery has been shown to improve outcomes.
“BSW – McKinney has a dedicated and compassionate maternal team on its medical staff,” Dr. Brown-Elliott said. “They work well together to support turning complicated pregnancies into uncomplicated deliveries.”
Finding the right place to deliver
To find the hospital that best suits their needs, mothers and families should schedule tours of their preferred hospitals and explore any offered classes such as child birthing, breastfeeding and newborn care classes.
Mothers shouldn’t hesitate to ask questions—whether it’s about pain management, sound, scents and lighting, support with positioning and movement, or equipment to aid in the birthing process such as a birthing ball, BSW – McKinney has expecting mothers and families covered. The team’s top priority is creating a memorable, comfortable, birthing and delivery experience.
When it’s time to go to the hospital, families will find a dedicated suite for each step of the journey; different care areas at BSW – McKinney include high-risk (antepartum), labor and delivery and postpartum suites. Spacious birthing suites allow families to remain together during the entire birthing process, creating a comfortable environment for a cherished experience.
BSW – McKinney designations and amenities
The Level III NICU provides advanced comprehensive care for premature or full-term critically ill babies. The NICU offers 24/7 coverage with neonatology specialty trained caregivers ready to care for babies at a moment’s notice.
BSW – McKinney is a proud member of the Texas Ten Step Program, which aims to improve maternity care practices in birthing facilities. A few amenities available to families include:
- private ensuite bathroom with shower
- sleep area for a support person
- soothing colors and ambient lighting to create a calming, relaxing environment
- Flat screen TVs and a work area with wireless internet
- comfortable visiting hours
- family lounge
- lactation consultants and nursing staff specially trained to assist moms with breastfeeding
- 24-hour neonatal nurse practitioner to care for infants who may need advanced care
- fetal surveillance system to monitor babies before they are born
- two surgical suites for Cesarean births (C-sections)
- easy access to childbirth, baby care and breastfeeding classes
- specialty newborn and breastfeeding items available for purchase through the Simply Mom's boutique
Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of BSWH’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or BSWH.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi Platform Journalist Summer El-Shahawy with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business
