New moms appreciate VNA’s helping hand
When Ruhsan and Tim O’Brien brought 9-pound, 15-ounce daughter Melosh home from Cape Cod Hospital, they were confident second-time parents who knew they could count on the Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod (VNA) before and after their daughter’s birthday.
The VNA has been offering a new prenatal program for just over a year. The prenatal program, in addition to its existing postpartum program—which helps new moms through education, support, and clinical care before and after the baby is born—is now called “Perinatal Pathways.”
“We are really trying to break down barriers so everyone can have easy access to the care they need and deserve. Every mom deserves great care!” said Meg Payne, director of Public Health & Wellness, VNA of Cape Cod.
Patients can call 774-487-4758, request more information through our online request form or ask their obstetrician for a referral to Perinatal Pathways. “It’s that easy to get to us,” she said.
Perinatal Pathways is still a program of the VNA’s Maternal Child Health Department, but the new name is a way to help everyone recognize the wraparound care that’s available, Payne said. It’s not just prenatal (before the baby is born) care or postpartum (after the baby is born) care; it’s both.
“Expectant moms need medical care long before the baby is born to help ensure healthy babies and birthing parents,” she said. “The VNA strives to educate and empower families throughout their birthing journeys.”
Before Baby is Born
Before Melosh was born, Ruhsan was enrolled in Perinatal Pathways through her obstetrician’s office. VNA nurses scheduled at-home visits that helped alleviate any worries Ruhsan may have been experiencing.
Typically, nurses talk with expectant parents about things like what to expect at each stage of pregnancy, so parents know what to anticipate and know that what they are experiencing is normal.
VNA nurses also provide lots of education, help birthing parents prepare for breastfeeding, talk about mental health, nutrition and any issues they may be having—all in the comfort and privacy of their own homes.
“My nurse, Rana, was amazing and I love her,” said Ruhsan. “She took my blood pressure at each visit and played with my daughter, pretending to take her blood pressure so she wouldn’t be scared. Rana answered all my questions for all the months before Melosh’s birth and said I could text her if needed. When some test results came back that concerned me, I texted her, and she texted me immediately. She explained the results so I could quit worrying, and I will never forget that. I appreciate her kindness so much.
“Cape Cod VNA nurses are the best thing a mother can have in the house. They are so nice . . . like having a big sister.”
Delivery
When Ruhsan went to Cape Cod Hospital to deliver Melosh, it helped to know what to expect, she said.
Once at the hospital, she appreciated everyone’s help all the more.
“I was in labor and scared,” Ruhsan recalled. This time, she had a C-section. “When my husband had to leave for a while to take care of our 2-year-old, the nurse held my hand. She never let go of my hand, and she never left me alone in the room! There aren’t words to express how grateful I am to her and everyone at the hospital. Everyone was amazing!”
Postpartum Care
Back at home now, Ruhsan and Tim are thrilled with “big sister” Aurora’s love for her new sibling.
The family has had several follow-up home visits from the VNA that included a well-baby check, in addition to checking on mom; a policy that is standard with the Perinatal Pathways program.
“I feel very blessed,” said Ruhsan. “My new nurse is just as kind and so very helpful. She has taught me some new things already and is helping with Aurora, making sure she is happy and adapts well.”
After Melosh joined the family, Ruhsan’s mother came to help, and her husband took time off from his job through paternity leave. The first day Ruhsan was home alone with the girls, her nurse came to check that all was well, and Ruhsan said she appreciated the visit and the support.
Perinatal Pathways looks to offer consistent medical “eyes,” in case babies or parents need special care at any stage of the pregnancy and/or up to several weeks postpartum, Payne said. VNA nurses are trained and experienced in the physical and emotional aspects of maternity care. What’s more, she said, VNA nurses truly care about each patient and family. They go the extra mile to ensure patients’ comfort and healthy outcomes.
