Interactive Walking Path Created For Expectant Mothers At Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital
Jun 18, 2019The Harris Birthing Center at Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital has introduced a new, interactive walking path for expectant mothers experiencing early labor.
On this path, expectant mothers will follow symbols on a wall, which will take them throughout the hospital, while stopping at eight activity stations. Studies show women who remain active in early labor have a shorter overall labor and a better delivery experience. Walking also reduces the chances of a cesarean section because of less time spent in bed.
The Centers for Disease Control stated the cesarean section method of delivery in the United States increased to 32% in 2017 (the year data is most recently available).
“This is ideal for women who come in with early labor,” said Madonna Ladouceur, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Harris Birthing Center at Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital. “It can help with pain management, it can help get the baby into the ideal position therefore making active labor even faster and it can help staff determine if it’s safe for expectant mothers to go home.”
Expectant mothers will find activity stations periodically throughout the hospital every 50-100 feet along the path. This is where they will stop and perform an activity or watch a video. The path will lead expectant mothers back to the birthing center. Activities include exercises such as squats or lunges, a meditation video, introduction of a lactation consultant, maternal support video and a hydration station.
“Our staff does such a wonderful job of making Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital and safe and welcoming place for women to give birth,” said Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital CEO Karima Bentounsi. “This new initiative will help women along in their journey and prepare for that marathon of labor.”
