“We are excited to celebrate our 50th anniversary this year here at Doctors Hospital,” shares Carman Berendsen, Director of Women’s Services & Maternal Fetal Medicine. “The first baby born here was in November of 1973 and in 1999, the women's service line was dedicated after one of our founding physicians, Dr. Clyde A. Burgamy.”
Women’s Services provide a variety of maternal support including labor, delivery, and Mother/Baby care for both mom and baby. “We are proud to do couplet care, where mother and baby share a room and are cared for by a mother-baby nurse. We are also a Level II NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) and have a maternal fetal medicine clinic that serves our high-risk population,” explains Carman. “Our baby's room is with mom 24/7. So, the mom and support person are involved in all care provided. Additionally, we have opened up our visitation policy and are welcoming families back to be a part of this special occasion.”
High quality care stems from an educated, experienced, and compassionate medical staff. “We have an amazing team of nurses whose experience ranges from less than one year to forty-plus years,” says Carman. “Our lactation team includes those who are IBCLCs (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants) as well as Certified Lactation Counselors. We are also a milk depot for Mother's Milk Bank of Colorado, providing human donor milk to hospitals across the nation.”
In addition to providing care for women from all over the CSRA, Doctors Hospital serves as the delivering hospital for Eisenhower Army Medical Center. “We are honored to serve a population that has dedicated their lives to serving our country,” she adds.
As one of the first Baby-Friendly designated hospitals in the state of Georgia, and the only one in this area, the medical staff strives to educate patients to make informed choices about infant care. In-person classes, which are free to the community, include infant care/CPR, childbirth preparation, and breastfeeding. A special safe sitter class will also be offered this summer to provide individuals with life and safety skills for babysitting and watching younger siblings.
Women’s Services also offers diagnostic breast and bone imaging and robotic surgeries for some gynecological procedures. “There have been many advancements with robotic surgeries over the years,” says Carman. “It's a less invasive procedure, which decreases the patient's recovery time as well as it makes it easier for the patient to recover.”
The best way to preview women’s services is to stop by for a visit. “I would like to personally invite any moms who are currently pregnant or thinking about having a baby to come take a tour at our facility,” shares Carman, “and see in person what all we offer.”
Doctors Hospital is located at 3651 Wheeler Road in Augusta. To sign up for a tour or for one of the classes offered, use the QR code provided here or visit doctors-hospital.net. You can also reach the Women’s Center by calling 706-651-3232.
