Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 1, 2021

KH . ORG 17 We’re here for growing families! Learn more about our Family Birth Center at KH.org/birthing . TOP: Sisters Kendra Dorosh (at left) and Tara Dorosh go for the babies’ first stroll with newborns Blake (left) and Everly. The babies were born within about 24 hours of each other on Sept. 23 and 24 in the Kootenai Health Family Birth Center. It was a memorable and happy experience for the mommies and their families. (Photos courtesy of the Dorosh family.) delivery that offers an optimal experience for patients and promotes the highest quality outcomes,” said Megan Bosworth, BSN, RNC, CCE, nurse manager of the Family Birth Center. Amid the pandemic, these dedicated teams continue to provide exceptional care and support for families. Staff wear protective gear during patient interactions. For patients who are COVID-19 positive, pending or unknown, airborne contact precautions are utilized—gowns, special masks or helmets, eye protection, and gloves. Symptomatic and COVID-19-positive patients are placed in a negative pressure environment. Every patient, visitor and staff member who enters the Family Birth Center is routinely screened and their temperatures are checked. COVID-19 testing is done on patients prior to procedures. “We do not separate mom and baby unless one or the other requires a higher level of care due to medical conditions,” Megan said. Patients will be accompanied by their support person of choice, a doula if they have one, and a highly experienced labor and delivery nurse during their stay. They are also closely cared for by their physician and/or midwife. It’s an all-inclusive experience in the Family Birth Center. Nursing staff are able to give real-time updates to family and friends if patients wish. State-of-the art birthing rooms come with private tubs and all of the amenities required to support a delivery with minimal intervention. An OB-GYN hospitalist is on site 24/7 to provide emergency care. The Obstetric Emergency Department allows pregnant women over 20 weeks with pregnancy- related complaints to bypass the emergency department and come directly to labor and delivery—no waiting in a waiting room. Delivery suites and postpartum rooms offer movies, Wi-Fi, room service, private refrigerators, sleeper sofas, recliners, dining seats, private bathrooms and informational videos for those last-minute questions. “No matter what’s going on outside of the hospital, we’re here for our expecting moms,” Megan said. “It’s important to feel confident about your birthing experience, and we work to offer the best experience possible.” Proud father Gabriel Dorosh holds new baby Everly.