Allana Oak, DO, is a family medicine obstetrician and lead physician of the St. Elizabeth Healthcare Laborist Group at the Family Birth Place at St. Elizabeth Edgewood.
1. What are the primary goals and services of the Beyond Delivery program at St. Elizabeth Healthcare?
You’ll receive expert advice from our experienced team as you navigate the joys and challenges of being a new parent. We hold monthly meetings and use a combination of virtual and in-person sessions. Our primary goal is to provide you with comprehensive postpartum care, including:
- Support and guidance from healthcare professionals so you can best navigate the early challenges of parenthood.
- Education and valuable information on various parenting topics, providing you with recommendations on the best parenting practices.
- Peer connections foster a supportive community so you can learn from others experiencing similar situations.
- Continuing care for new parents and their babies to ensure we meet your needs every step of the way.
2. How does Beyond Delivery support new parents, particularly mothers, in the first six months following childbirth?
We provide brief educational sessions on various parenting topics and a platform for Q&A discussions. This group setting fosters emotional support and community building among new parents, which enhances your early parenting experience. It’s BYOB! [Bring Your Own Baby!]
3. What educational topics and resources does the Beyond Delivery program offer new parents?
We offer a range of educational topics and resources to equip you with parenting knowledge and skills. These topics include:
- Breastfeeding education and support by certified Lactation Consultants.
- Mom’s health topics such as vitamins, tips for working moms, sleep and fatigue.
- Newborn care topics, including immunizations, infant nutrition and what you can expect during the first six months.
- Pelvic floor education about postpartum changes and treatment plans created by pelvic floor physical therapists.
- Postpartum topics such as pregnancy spacing and postpartum mental health and adjustment.
- Seasonal topics include baby and vacations, baby and pools, and sunscreen and hydration.
4. Who is the ideal candidate for the Beyond Delivery program, and what criteria do you use for enrollment?
The Beyond Delivery program is ideal for all new parents and their newborns. The only participation requirement is having a baby! We invite every new parent and their newborn to join. The program focuses on the first six months after delivery. However, if there is interest from participants, we can expand the program’s duration. This inclusive approach ensures every parent can benefit from the valuable resources and support.
5. Can you share some success stories from participants in the Beyond Delivery program?
Patients who have attended a Beyond Delivery session have been so grateful for the breastfeeding support from our certified lactation consultants. They also appreciate the opportunity to listen and learn from other parents facing similar challenges during the early infant period. These experiences highlight the program’s positive impact on new parents navigating sometimes complex situations.
6. How does the Beyond Delivery program address new mothers’ physical and emotional health needs?
The educational discussions and Q&A sessions address the physical and emotional health needs of new moms by focusing on topics our parents have requested. But often, the greatest need of a new parent is connecting with other new parents for advice and emotional support. This peer support approach is essential in meeting the emotional needs of new mothers.
7. What makes the Beyond Delivery program unique compared to other postpartum care programs?
The postpartum period is often a difficult adjustment for many parents. Our Beyond Delivery program stands out by welcoming all new parents and their babies, not just those who delivered at St. Elizabeth. It’s a community support group that values your input as new parents, addressing your most requested topics about postpartum and newborn care. We strive to provide both connection and education during this exciting but challenging time.
Are you ready to begin your parenting journey with the Beyond Delivery program? Connect with other parents, learn from healthcare experts and grow your parental confidence. Sign up today and make the most of your first six months as a parent.
