Columbus Community Hospital’s Maternal Child Health Department: Where Babies Begin

Columbus Community Hospital's maternal child health department offers the latest technology and amenities for expecting and new mothers — after all, it is where babies come from!

Of course, the residents of Columbus can rest assured that babies aren’t the only thing the maternal child health department provides for new parents. At 18,400 square feet, the unit features eight labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum (LDRP) rooms; a large special care nursery; and a full-service surgical suite with state-of-the-art technology.

"We're a community hospital with a real community feel, but we offer many of the same services you can get anywhere else," said Kimberly Eisenmann, BSN, RN, director of maternal child health.

The LDRP rooms allow patients to remain in one location during their time at the hospital. In the department’s old space, mothers had to switch rooms after delivery, but these new accommodations include everything for mothers and babies in one location.

Patients in CCH's maternal child health department receive care from their obstetricians, personal physician and the CCH nursing team, which includes lactation counselors. The hospital also has a group of certified pediatric hospitalists who provide infant care as needed around the clock.

One of the advantages of CCH's maternal child health department is that its size allows for close collaboration between health care providers and a welcoming atmosphere for patients.

"Our team strives for excellence and continuity of care," Eisenmann said.

In addition to providing needed medical care to new mothers and infants, CCH's maternal child health department also offers education and support for new parents.

CCH's First Steps program sends new parents’ information about pregnancy milestones. Then, at 36 weeks’ gestation, mothers who participate are invited to the hospital to talk about their birth experience. The program aims to make new parents' birthing experiences as enjoyable as possible by reducing anxiety of the unknown.

New parents also can receive additional education and support through CCH's Bump and Beyond Prepared Childbirth classes. These sessions teach expectant parents about the labor process, comfort techniques, medical procedures, pain relief, postpartum care, newborn care and more. Bump and Beyond classes cost $30 per couple.

CCH has lactation counselors on staff who can provide one-on-one care and breastfeeding education to new mothers. Lactation services are available 24 hours a day at the hospital, and patients can also schedule free outpatient consultations. 

Whether they provide patients with education before birth or care for new moms on their delivery date, the members of CCH's maternal child health department team are committed to being there for patients. 

For more information on the maternal child health department, visit columbushosp.org or call 402-562-3266.