The Rockbridge Area Health Center now offers a unique prenatal program that is coordinated care across multiple sectors, is in one location, and takes a personalized team approach.
That approach promotes positive outcomes by including visits with the health center’s women’s health practitioner, registered dietitian nutritionist, and pediatric providers.
RAHC’s prenatal services include regularly scheduled medical check-ups, lab work, and screenings for women to ensure their babies remain healthy during pregnancy. Also included is education about how to handle and manage the different aspects of pregnancy, such as healthy eating and physical exercise, and what to expect during labor and delivery. After a baby’s birth, patients can continue to benefit from breastfeeding support and postpartum education.
Kimary Schatten is a certified nurse midwife at RAHC, specializing in women’s health care in the various stages of women’s lives. “Improving access to care has been a passion for me my entire life,” said Schatten.
Throughout her career, Schatten has provided health care services to many women and is certified to provide both obstetric and gynecological care.
“I’m thrilled to be able to provide women’s health services, as well as offer a local, 5-days per week option for prenatal care here in the Rockbridge area.”
During a RAHC prenatal visit, a baby’s development is monitored, and routine testing is administered to help find and prevent possible complications. With regular check-ups at RAHC, expecting mothers can also learn how to ease any discomfort they may be experiencing and can ask questions about their pregnancy and the birth of their baby. Patients also have the option for planned deliveries at University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville or Augusta Health Medical Center in Fishersville.
In addition to medical care, during the first trimester, prenatal patients will have scheduled visits with RAHC’s registered dietitian nutritionist who will offer dietary recommendations to maintain a nutritionally healthy lifestyle throughout pregnancy.
During the third trimester, patients also have the opportunity to meet with RAHC’s pediatric providers to discuss and coordinate post-birth follow-up appointments, routine examinations, and continued care through childhood. “Our goal at RAHC is to have long-term, trusting relationships with families and their children as they grow,” added Schatten.
RAHC’s services, including prenatal care, are available to everyone. Financial assistance is available, if needed.
To make an appointment or for more information about RAHC’s services including women’s health, prenatal care, medical, dental, or behavioral health, call or send a text message to (540) 464-8700.
This article was published in The News-Gazette on February 2, 2022.
