Memorial Hospital’s “I Gave Birth” Initiative

Apr 11

When we heard that Memorial Health System was launching the “I Gave Birth” Initiative in order to better educate mothers, families, friends, providers, and the community about the challenges and process of childbirth, we knew that we had to get the details to share with our incredible community of moms!

“Giving birth should be a joyous, natural experience, but medical challenges often disrupt this precious event. Despite advancements, the United States grapples with one of the highest maternal mortality/morbidity rates globally, surpassing some third-world countries.”

A simple yet impactful step involves providing new mothers with a bracelet. Memorial’s Director of Women & Children Services Deborah Davis says, “This visual cue serves a dual purpose: it identifies recent childbirth and prompts healthcare professionals to consider this factor in medical evaluations. The aim is to expedite accurate diagnoses and treatments, fostering a safer maternal healthcare environment.”

To foster a healthier maternal community, education is paramount. Cardiovascular disease, gestational hypertension, and postpartum hemorrhage are the top contributors to maternal mortality/morbidity.

The top five warning signs of maternal mortality/morbidity include:

1. Chest pain

2. Seizures or headache

3. Thoughts of harming yourself of others

4. Uncontrollable bleeding

5. Fever of 100.4 or higher”

We asked two local moms to share their fabulous experience with us and here is what they had to say!

Six months ago I was getting ready to deliver my second baby. The delivery of my first daughter was terrifying and long. I went in for a schedule C-section because my second baby was already holding true to her title as a second born and decided to position herself breech. I was so scared. My husband was putting on a brave face, but also nervous. Our day started with the best nurse, Brittani. She was calming and informative and reassuring. She stayed with me through the rough spinal. She held my hands and stayed positive. Next, we met Josh. He came in to explain the procedure and ended that conversation by telling us he had prayed the rosary for us. I am a very nervous patient. Josh was understanding and never let me feel alone while waiting on my husband to get to the room. He took pictures for us and prayed with us. Our doctor, Dr. Duplantier, was incredible. I trust her with my life and felt like she has kept me going during the birth of my two girls. C-section recovery is brutal. My nurses took care of me and our new Lainey so very well. We felt like we had the best round the clock care. Our family experienced a significant loss the week before we had our Lainey. And I cannot thank the staff of Gulfport Memorial labor and delivery enough for how great they made us feel. We felt seen and loved. So many nurses prayed for us and offered careful advice. We had the best experience. -Caitlyn N.

I recently gave birth to twins at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport, MS and I couldn't be more impressed with the care we received. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel welcomed and supported. The labor and delivery team was incredible – they were knowledgeable, attentive, compassionate and incredibly patient throughout the entire process. I am so grateful for the doctors, nurses, and staff at Memorial Hospital for their exceptional care and dedication. They made what could have been a stressful experience feel calm and manageable, and I am forever grateful for their expertise and kindness.
-Rachel

Learn more about Labor and Delivery at Memorial Hospital here:

Obstetric Services from Memorial Health System

Finding an obstetrician you trust is vital for the health and well-being of you and your unborn child. Memorial OBGYNs understand that pregnancy deserves one-of-a-kind care. We can help with the entire process from preconception counseling and pregnancy, as well as through labor, delivery, and postnatal care. We are here to care for you throughout your pregnancy, every step of the way. From our obstetric emergency room for when the unexpected happens to obstetric hospitalists who provide professional medical care while you’re in the hospital, you’ll always have the best care possible.

Memorial’s Laborist Program

These dedicated, practicing obstetricians and gynecologists adhere to a predetermined schedule to provide our pregnant patients with continuous medical coverage 24/7. If your doctor is unavailable at the time you go into labor, you can trust our team to handle the delivery.Obstetric Services from Memorial Hospital

We are here to care for you throughout your pregnancy, every step of the way. From our obstetric emergency room for when the unexpected happens to obstetric hospitalists who provide professional medical care while you’re in the hospital, you’ll always have the best care possible.

Obstetric Emergency Department

Memorial is the first hospital on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to offer a 24-hour Obstetrics Emergency Department dedicated to pregnancy-related emergencies. The OBED is staffed with Board Certified OB/GYNs through the OB Hospitalist Group to provide care for pregnancy-related emergencies and to diagnose labor. This provides an elevated standard of care for our patients and positively impacts the lives of women, their babies and their families.

Our goal is to improve patient care for moms-to-be and reduce wait times at one of the region’s busiest emergency departments. We care for many, high-risk moms-to-be who face both physical and socioeconomic challenges.

The Memorial Birthplace

At Memorial Birthplace, we want your baby’s birth to be a warm, comfortable, and joyous experience. Learn more about Memorial’s private labor/delivery/recovery rooms and mother/baby suites. Labor and Delivery rooms are private and allow you to stay in one room during labor, delivery, and recovery. These home-like, spacious, and comfortable rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure safety that only a hospital can offer. Our Mother/Baby Suites are comfortable and family-centered. Each spacious suite includes a sofa, rocking chair, TV and private bath. Our experienced nurses are available for you and your baby. They will answer your questions and teach you how to care for your newborn so you can return home with your baby feeling prepared and confident. Call (228) 575-2299 to schedule a free tour.

The Only Level III NICU on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

The Children’s of Mississippi Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) cares for sick infants and newborns in Gulfport and surrounding communities. The only unit on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Memorial NICU is staffed by board-certified neonatologists. We have access to subspecialty care through Children’s of Mississippi’s extensive network so we can help give premature babies and babies with other diseases the special care they need. Located on the seventh floor of Memorial Hospital Gulfport, the NICU was recently updated and features 23 beds in 11 semi-private rooms. One parent may stay with the infant in our comfortable rooms.

Memorial Breastfeeding Center

Memorial Health System is designated as a Baby-Friendly® Hospital, providing an environment that supports breastfeeding while respecting every woman’s right to make the best decision for herself and her family. Memorial has implemented the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, complying with the

International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. Our Breastfeeding Center offers nursing supplies like breast pump rentals, lactation consultants, and free breastfeeding classes. You don’t have to be a patient at Memorial to make an appointment with a Memorial lactation consultant.

Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Birthplace Classes

Memorial offers several classes at low or no cost for childbirth, breastfeeding, parenting, and infant CPR. See the upcoming schedule and register for classes.

Neonatal Developmental Follow-Up Clinic

Memorial’s Neonatal Developmental Follow-Up Clinic follows the high-risk neonatal patient from birth to age two and is available with physician referral for the patient with developmental delays, growth delays or those who may have experienced problems due to prematurity, or other problems. Thank you to the team at Memorial Health System for working so hard to put moms and their labor and delivery goals first!

Birthplace Classes

Memorial offers several classes at low or no cost for childbirth, breastfeeding, parenting, and infant CPR. See the upcoming schedule and register for classes.

Neonatal Developmental Follow-Up Clinic

Thank you to the team at Memorial Hospital for working so hard to put moms and their labor and delivery goals first!