Dr. Kenneth Baker, chair of obstetrics and gynecology for St. Peter’s Health Partners, was interviewed for an article appearing for the pregnancy website “What to Expect.com.”
Dr. Baker discussed a variety of ways in which partners can support their significant other during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
From the article:
Kenneth Baker, M.D. Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SPHP
The first step partners should take “is to educate themselves on pregnancy and the changes that their partners will go through when they’re pregnant,” says Kenneth Baker, M.D., chair of obstetrics and gynecology for St. Peter’s Health Partners in Albany, New York,
Get familiar with morning sickness, fatigue, headaches and the other physical and emotional pregnancy symptoms that can pop up along the way. This allows you to be empathetic and do a better job as a support person.
When doing your studies, make sure you consult reliable sources, Dr. Baker says. Lean on professionals — a provider, doctor, midwife, doula — to give recommendations. “Someone who you trust and know can give you truthful information and not a blog,” he says.
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Discuss what you and your partner want for the birth before the day comes. (Davis prefers the term “birth vision” or “birth preferences” to birth plan because plans always change.)
Questions to ask yourselves when coming up with the plan, Dr. Baker says, include: Does your partner want pain medication or want to avoid a cesarean section? Discuss the pronouns you want the medical staff to use, and make that clear to them.
In celebration of American Heart Month, handmade red hats will be distributed to babies born in February at St. Peter’s Hospital. The program aims to raise awareness about congenital heart defects.
WTEN aired a story on the Provider Transition Agreement, signed by Ellis Medicine and St. Peter’s Health Partners. From the report: The two healthcare systems signed a “provider transition agreement” on Wednesday, which allows them to work together by sharing information. The next step towards the merger will require the approval of the New York State Department of Health of a two-year management services agreement. Click here to watch WTEN’s report.
The Albany Business Review published an article on the growth of local hospitals and hospital systems, including St. Peter’s Health Partners, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis.
