after some 30 years of seeing expectant parents trek an hour or more to regional medical centers. Fabiola Ortiz Vaughn and James Vaughn, Noelie’s proud parents (pictured left), were a perfect fit for UNC’s low-risk, personalized-care labor and delivery model. With a due date of Oct. 5, baby Noelie came almost on schedule and barely an hour after they arrived at the hospital. “It was amazing,” James says, “we got there about 3 [p.m.], and Noelie was born at 4:15; from the time Fabiola’s water broke, it was only 30 minutes and four pushes, and then baby was out.” Fabiola’s account is equally glowing: “We were able to do everything natural; I used the birthing ball and walked around some, and we were able to adjust lighting and music in the room so it was really comfortable.” Comfort and convenience were high on UNC’s list of objectives in opening the maternity center in September 2020, but creating a model for sustainable, healthier labor and delivery options is the long-term vision. “Part of our strategic plan is for patients to be able to get health care locally,” explains Chatham Hospital President Dr. Jeffrey Strickler. He cites research from the North Carolina Institute of Medicine that speaks to the growing need for elevating the maternity care in our state. NCIOM noted in a March 2020 report that the maternal mortality rate in the U.S. has been increasing steadily over the past 20 years, despite the fact that more than half of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Infants born in North Carolina are more likely to die than those born in 40 other states. Delivering closer to home typically has a healthier outcome for mother and baby, notes Dr. Dana Iglesias, Chatham Siler City
W E L L N E S S
BRINGING UP
BABY
CHATHAM MATERNITY CARE CENTER WELCOMES ITS FIRST NEWBORNS
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BY CONNIE GENTRY
oelie Vaughn was just 10
days old when she stole the limelight for this story. Arriving on Oct. 8, 2020, at a healthy 8 pounds, 2 ounces, Noelie was among the first babies delivered at Chatham Hospital’s new Maternity Care Center. UNC Health brought state-of-the-art amenities for labor and delivery to its hospital in
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CHATHAM MAGAZINE
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2021
