Quincy Reporter

Blessing Health System issued the following announcement on Dec. 8. 

Beginning December 9, 2020, pregnant women who have given birth by Cesarean Section (C-Section) previously are now candidates to have a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) at Blessed Beginnings, the obstetric department of Blessing Hospital.

“Twenty years ago, the available medical evidence showed that VBAC caused unnecessary risks to mother and newborn,” said Maureen Kahn, RN, MHA, MSN, president/chief executive officer, Blessing Health System and Blessing Hospital. “At that time, experts recommended if a woman had given birth by C-Section in the past, any future delivery should also be done by C-Section for the safety of the mother and infant. So, Blessing stopped offering VBACs in compliance with the medical evidence.”

“The science has advanced. Today, experts say risks associated with C-Section are comparable to those of VBAC and that women should again have the choice,” she continued.

“Over the years, eligible women have regularly expressed interest to us in VBAC. We are pleased to again offer this option to eligible women choosing to give birth at Blessed Beginnings,” Kahn concluded.

To offer VBAC in the safest environment possible, Blessing Hospital has contracted with a national obstetrics/gynecology hospitalist group to have board-certified OB/GYN physicians in the hospital every day, around the clock, to provide care to all pregnant women, including those who have chosen VBAC.  The OB/GYN Hospitalist does not replace a woman’s personal OB/GYN.  The Hospitalist provides specialized physician care until the woman’s chosen OB/GYN arrives at the hospital, typically when active labor has begun. OB/GYNs on Blessing Hospital’s Medical Staff helped plan the Blessed Beginnings hospitalist program.

A pregnant woman who has had a C-Section previously will discuss the option of VBAC with her personal OB/GYN to determine if her medical history and current condition make her a candidate for the option.

Program provides new access to emergency care for all expectant moms

The Blessed Beginnings hospitalist team will also offer on-site emergency care, 24-hours a day, seven days a week, something that has not been available in the past. 

“On-site OB emergency care provides a new level of safety to the communities we serve,” said Jamie Kane, RN, nurse manager, Blessed Beginnings. “Pregnancy-related emergencies can happen at any time. Now, moms-to-be will have immediate access to a specialist at any time on any day for them and their baby at Blessed Beginnings.”

Blessing OB/GYN Hospitalist Team

Eric Colton, MD - Site Director of OB Hospitalists

Dr. Eric Colton is a Board-Certified OB/GYN who received a B.S. in Biology from the University of California, Irvine, CA and Medical Degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO.  He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis, MO. 

Kent Snowden, MD

Dr. Kent Snowden is a Board-Certified OB/GYN who received a B.S. in Biology from the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO and Medical Degree from Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO.  He completed his internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, MO. 

Bryson Whalen, MD

Dr. Bryson Whalen is a Board-Eligible OB/GYN who received a B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois, Champaign, IL and Medical Degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles.  He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Good Samaritan and Bethesda North Hospitals in Cincinnati, OH. 

Michael Jones, MD

Dr. Michael Jones is a Board-Certified OB/GYN who received a B.A. from the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO and Medical Degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.  He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO. 

Preeti Jhaveri, MD

Dr. Preeti Jhaveri is a Board-Certified OB/GYN who received a B.A. in Psychology from the New York University, New York, NY and Medical Degree from the University of Mumbai, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Mumbai, India.  She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Sparrow Hospital, East Lansing, MI. 

Nicolai Hinds, MD

Dr. Nicolai Hinds is a Board-Certified OB/GYN who received a B.S from Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA and Medical Degree from Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.  He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. 

Original source can be found here.