Berlin, VT – A free film screening to be hosted next week by University of Vermont Health Network – Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) will explore the roles of nursing and midwifery can play in solving a crisis in American obstetrical care: In the United States, more women die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth than any other wealthy nation.
That is the focus of the documentary film ‘American Delivery’, which will be shown at 5:30 pm Monday, May 12, at The Savoy Theater, 26 Main St., Montpelier. The free screening, which members of the public can RSVP for here, is made possible by supporters of the hospital’s Annual Fund.
Travis Beebe-Woodard, MSN, RN, director of inpatient services at CVMC, had previously worked with filmmaker Carolyn Jones on the film ‘In Case of Emergency’ – another documentary-style project that highlights the impact of emergency nursing in health care. He said the hospital was hosting the screening as a way to continue community conversations exploring gaps in the country’s health care system that impact expectant mothers and their unborn children.
“Carolyn’s work is like a peephole that helps you understand a little more about the experience of being a nurse. There’s just not a lot of awareness of the struggles that we have in the American health care system caring for moms and babies and families as well as we could,” said Beebe-Woodard. “Obstetrical and Maternal care has a profound effect on population health. We have an opportunity to improve the outcomes we’re generating through the care we’re providing.”
Meeting the needs of the community
Beginning in April, CVMC’s Obstetrics, Midwifery and Gynecology team instituted 24/7 first call coverage by certified nurse midwives.
The shift, which came in response to widespread community need for more access to midwifery-led care for low-risk pregnancies, is a major change, said Rachel Long, MD, medical director of CVMC’s birthing unit.
“It’s rooted in Vermonters wanting a more patient centered experience that minimizes interventions,” said Dr. Long, who joined the hospital in 2019. “One of the things this documentary really highlights are the benefits of midwifery care: lower interventions and hopefully fewer C-Sections. It’s not a model that is used a lot in America, but that’s hopefully where we are headed.”
To support the shift in care philosophy, CVMC has expanded its midwifery team, adding two new certified midwives. The hospital’s labor and delivery team is now comprised of four OB/GYNs and four certified nurse midwives.
Panel discussion and community Q&A
After the screening, members of the hospital’s Obstetrics, Midwifery and Gynecology practice will participate in a panel discussion led by Beebe-Woodward and Monica Cerminara, nurse manager of the hospital’s Women’s and Children Center.
The panel will include Dr. Long; midwives Julia Cook, CNM, and Hillary Sylvester, CNM; lactation consultant Mary Letourneau, RN; nurse educator and lactation consultant Emily Warner, RN; and perinatal mental health counselor Jennifer Auletta, MA, LCMHC, BC-DMT.
Dr. Long hopes the conversation, which will include updates on the hospital’s growing midwifery practice and an exploration of the nationwide issues with birthing care in the United States, will prompt more community feedback on perinatal care and preferences.
“We’re hoping to really hear from our community, because their feedback is what prompted this expansion of midwifery care,” said Dr. Long. “We want to hear about people’s experiences, what’s going on and what they want. We’re listening to our community and trying to take actions in response to what we hear.”