Date: Fri 18-Jul-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: KAAREN

Quick Words:

Childbirth-Parisi-Johnson

Full Text:

Birth Center Opens Soon

Connecticut soon will have its first freestanding birth center in more than 10

years. In August, the Connecticut Childbirth & Women's Center will open for

business and births in Danbury.

Owned by obstetricians Kenneth Blau, MD, and Patricia Whitcombe, MD, the

center is operated and deliveries attended by certified nurse-midwives Cathy

Parisi and Rhonda Johnson. The two physicians, along with their associate

Pamela Gilmore, MD, provide any necessary backup for clients.

A true birth center is an out-of-hospital ambulatory care facility that

provides safe, low-cost, comprehensive maternity care to healthy families who

have participated in sound prenatal screening and care and are anticipating a

normal birth. The center is an adaptation of the home rather than a

modification of the hospital.

With this in mind, the new birth center in Danbury is located not within the

confines of Danbury Hospital but rather across the street from the hospital.

Women receive expert prenatal care from the midwives and are constantly

screened for any potential complications. Visits average 30 minutes each,

which allow plenty of time for families to get to know the midwives and ask

questions or receive information about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and

child care. Routine testing such as ultrasound, amniocentisis, urine and

bloodwork are offered at appropriate intervals during the pregnancy.

Families are encouraged to participate in classes offered at the center.

Childbirth preparation, introduction to the birth center, sibling preparation

for delivery attendance, newborn care, and breastfeeding are among the groups

which will soon be offered. Plans also are being made to provide support

groups for new mothers and expectant mothers.

Midwifery offices are located on the lower level of the childbirth center. The

birth area is on the upper level. Because the center is located on an uphill

corner, both upper and lower levels allow walk out to the street level.

The birth area has two delivery rooms, each equipped with queen-sized beds,

armoires, tables and chairs as well as a full bath with double-sized jacuzzi

and shower. A third delivery room will be available in the near future.

Also on this level is an oversized family room with full-service kitchen,

queen-sized sleeper sofa, television and a VCR for families who may want to

come to the center during the birth. An outer parlor provides an area for

family and friends to sit, read, talk and gather either during or after the

birth.

"The Connecticut Childbirth & Women's Center will offer families choice of

where to give birth," Ms Parisi said. "Safe, satisfying care provided by a

certified nurse-midwife is a goal. This is accomplished by allowing families

as much freedom, involvement and choice as possible through education and

knowledge about the birthing process and choices that are available."

"Every birth is a unique and rewarding experience," she said. "Midwives

acknowledge this and work with couples to develop and plan a birth experience

which reflects their own needs and individuality. The birth center is the

perfect vehicle to help families accomplish the goal of personal care. Choices

do now exist. With the opening of the Connecticut Childbirth & Women's Center,

those choices have expanded."

Appointments are being accepted by the midwives at the center for well-woman

gynecological care, problem visits, and pregnancy. For an appointment or for

an initial free consultation and to tour the center, call 748-6000.