“Healthy Babies Are Worth The Wait”

Jennifer Abell (far right) of the March of Dimes presents members of the CMH Family Birth Center a banner for their commitment to improving the quality of care for moms and babies.  Pictured, left, are Donna Arnstein, Janie Joy, Dr. Nikisha Smith, Kelly McKenny, Kelly Mattingly, Dean Teague, President and CEO, and Dr. Barbara Estes

The Family Birth Center at Calvert Memorial Hospital has been recognized by the Maryland Patient Safety Center, the March of Dimes and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for successfully reducing the number of medically unnecessary early births, giving more babies a healthy start in life. 

Calvert Memorial developed and implemented policies and procedures to reduce medically unnecessary (elective) inductions and Cesarean deliveries scheduled before 39 weeks of pregnancy. 

Dean Teague, President and CEO, says, “We’re proud of our expert team of physicians and nurses who recognized this problem in our community and worked hard to avoid scheduling elective inductions or caesarean deliveries before 39 weeks of pregnancy.”

Holly Dooley, Director of the Family Birth Center, added, “Everyone works together to provide the very best and safest care and outcomes for all of our mothers and babies.”  

“Every week of pregnancy is critical to a baby’s health,” says Scott Berns, MD, MPH, senior vice president, deputy medical director for the March of Dimes. “I commend Calvert Memorial Hospital for being a champion for babies with their quality improvement effort.”