Cay Hill:--- St. Maarten Medical Center's midwife Anne Roos initiated an information session for first time parents to be together with the White & Yellow Cross Foundation (WYC) and the Baby Wellness Clinic. Some 12 expecting mothers and their support, including two fathers to be, attended the session at the offices of Baby Wellness Clinic part of the Collective Prevention Services department of Government in the Vineyard Office Park building."Of course first time mothers have a lot of questions, not just about the pregnancy but also on what to expect after the baby is born," Anne Roos said. "We frequently get the same type of questions during consultations and I thought it would be a good idea to organize an information evening and contacted the Baby Wellness Clinic. The baby wellness clinic in turn contacted the WYC. I'm happy that both were immediately enthusiastic about doing a joint information session," she continued.
Maria Henry, Acting Head Collective Prevention Services opened the evening with some words of welcome. Anne Roos then introduced the new midwife at SMMC, Eveline Geerdink. Eveline started service this week and looks forward to also play an active role and sharing information and educating new mothers on the ins and outs surrounding maternity. "Working in a community as diverse as St. Maarten's really attracted me. I also look forward to work in the intimacy of a small team and build a bond and guide the new mothers and their support throughout the pregnancy," she states. Eveline did her midwifery studies in Holland and Belgium.
Ilse Carter, Head District Nursing of the WYC gave an explanation about the maternity care that the WYC provides for a maximum of 10 days after the baby is born. One of the district nurses will visit the new mother at home and during a period of one hour provide her with practical tips regarding caring for her new born.
The Baby Wellness Clinic was represented by Registered Nurse, Marcella Richardson and Mayra Martina Registered Nurse and Acting Head of Youth Health Care. Both stressed about the importance that the new parents visit the Baby Wellness Clinic for regular checkups and vaccinations of their baby. "Newborns should have their first checkup within the first few days to weeks after birth. Even when things are going well, frequent checkups during the first year are an important way to monitor the baby's growth and development" Mayra Martina said. The services of the Baby Wellness Clinic are free of charge and new parents are encouraged to visit the clinic for the first time as soon as possible after the baby is born.
Anne Roos concluded the information evening with a presentation on what to expect during the delivery, the importance on breastfeeding and advised on the post natal care.
The two attending fathers to be were commended for their presence followed by a short question and answer session after which the information evening was closed.
The participants enjoyed the session and the participating organizations agreed to continue with the information initiative in the future.
