AUGUST 2017 THECURRENTHUB.COM
20
NEWS FROM WNFH Free Skin Cancer Screening Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. As with other diseases, it can be prevented by taking certain steps. Try to stay in the shade, cover up and use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with and SPF of 15 or higher when outside. If you want to take it one step further, WellStar North Fulton Hospital is hosting a free skin cancer screening next Thursday August 10 at 5:30 p.m. To register call 770-751-2660. Registration is required and space is limited.
Reserve Your Spot in Line If you’re having a non-life threatening emergency, reserve your spot at the Emergency Department. You’ll be given a time to come in, so you can wait in the comfort of your own home. And when you arrive, the ED staff will be ready for you! To make a reservation, go to NorthFultonEmergency.com.
Pain & Spine Center Expansion As the demand for different ways to manage pain continue to grow, the Pain & Spine Center WellStar North Fulton Hospital is expanding. The expansion will provide patients with expanded infusion therapy, more waiting space, additional exam rooms and procedure expansion. By locating the source of the pain, the Pain & Spine center helps patients regain their lifestyle and reduce or eliminate pain. If you want to make an appointment, call 770-751-2719.
LET’S SOCIALIZE! Facebook.com/NorthFultonHospital Twitter handle: @NFultonHospital
HEALTH (
THE LIFE AQUATIC WellStar North Fulton Hospital becomes destination for water birth Lauren Kimbell appreciates the special birthing experience she’s had at WellStar North Fulton Hospital. Lauren and husband Daniel recently welcomed baby Judah to their family. He is their third child delivered at WellStar North Fulton, and just like his siblings, he was born in the water. “Water birth at North Fulton is great. You are in a hospital setting, the midwife is there… it’s the best of both worlds,” said Lauren, a chiropractor. “There’s a team environment and most importantly, they respect our choices and listen to what we think is was best for us.” For Linda Farrow, director of Women’s Health Services at WellStar North Fulton, listening to patients—and their families—while keeping mom and baby safe is precisely the key for success. “The biggest thing is we believe in safety and quality care. We always try to honor what the patients want, but our priority is to make sure when mom and baby leave the hospital they are happy and healthy,” said Farrow. Water birth, according to Farrow, is an option for norisk and low-risk mothers, who have not had any complications during pregnancy. Families that are considering this option are required to take a water birth class to learn about the process. Water birth is available in all six delivery rooms at WellStar North Fulton. Nurses, techs, physicians and midwives are trained to assist mothers and ensure quality care. “We really are a team and we all work together to give moms the best possible experience,” said Farrow. Under strict protocols, mothers are given the chance to labor and deliver in the tub, but sometimes plans need to be readjusted in order to protect mother and baby. Like family Lauren explained that in her case water birth helps her stay in control of her labor. While in the birth tub she is
able to focus, regain strength and keep calm. “I’ve never had birth on land. As the water birth goes, that moment is like a choir of angels singing,” she said. For the Women’s Health team it is very important to offer personalized care, not only to the mother, but to the family as well. “We really treat our patients like family, and we make sure that the mother’s partner or support person feels welcomed and participates in the process,” said Farrow. For Lauren, being able to experience child birth with her husband has always w been paramount. “The water birth nurses and midwives let him and I have privacy during birth. It is very well balanced and they respect our need to be alone,” she said. “It’s like they let you have a baby. They From left Annie age stand by in case you 4, Noah age 6, need them while Jordan age 8 and respecting the birth Judah just born. process,” added Daniel. Because of the high quality care and low cesarean section (C-section) rates, North Fulton is becoming known as a birthing destination. The hospital’s C-Section average for 2017 was a low of 13.1 percent. Avoiding an unnecessary C-section helps reduce recovery time, postsurgery complications and specialized care for babies sometimes needed when they are born too early in a scheduled C-section. This all adds up to parents inside and outside the North Fulton area choosing North Fulton Hospital for their birthing experience. “We have patients driving from Tennessee, Alabama and South Georgia just to have their birthing experience here,” said Farrow. Lauren and Daniel didn’t mind driving either. “We feel so strongly about water birth at WellStar North Fulton that we drove from Marietta,” said Laura. “There’s a reason why I always go back to it (water birth). Being in the water allows me to finish the marathon of labor.” ❍