Atrium Health Navicent is committed to addressing Georgia’s high maternal mortality rate and giving all mothers and their babies the very best services so they can thrive. Georgia has the second-highest maternal mortality rate in the nation. Black women in Georgia are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women nationally, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For Chevair Mustafa, the new manager of Women’s Services at Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin, it’s a fact that hits close to home.
“It's no secret that Georgia has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country. Being a woman of color myself, in my new role I have the opportunity to be a part of a diverse team making continual efforts to decrease these disparities, implement evidence-based interventions and identify high-risk mothers earlier to help improve maternal health outcomes. I am a firm believer that the more attention and care given, the better the patient,” she said.
Mustafa and her family are new to central Georgia, having moved here from Nashville, Tennessee. She’s worked in health care for more than 15 years, serving both in clinic and hospital settings.
“I have a natural affinity toward the care of women. During each of the five deliveries of my children, I came into contact with many who truly impacted my care. This, in turn, fuels my desire to help mothers during such an important time in their lives,” she said. “My passion for women's health has led me to develop a true sense of ownership in ensuring and providing safe health care for all women.”
Thankfully, for moms in Baldwin County, this high-quality and specialized care is available close to home. Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin is now offering tours of its birth center and C-section suite, along with breastfeeding support and more. From labor to delivery and throughout recovery, Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin Family Birth Center has the support and amenities mothers need for an experience that’s safe, special and comfortable.
Preparing to welcome a new little one is made easier through virtual childbirth classes that help expectant parents prepare for bringing a baby into the world. Physicians recommend that all pregnant patients participate in classes between the 24th and 36th weeks of pregnancy, with all classes completed by the 36th week.
Virtual childbirth classes offered include:
Preparing for Childbirth: In this live virtual class, a registered nurse will provide information about what to expect during labor and delivery, relaxation and breathing techniques to help during labor and pain management options.
Breastfeeding Basics: In this live virtual class, a registered nurse will teach tips and techniques to help mothers have a positive, successful breastfeeding journey. Class topics include how breastfeeding works, how to establish a good milk supply, how to help your baby latch, how to position your baby for breastfeeding and how to determine if your baby is getting enough milk. Resources for additional support will also be discussed.
Understanding Infant and Child Safety: In this live virtual class, a registered nurse will discuss common accidents and injuries affecting infants, what you can do to prevent injury and how to be prepared in the event of an emergency.
To sign up for virtual childbirth classes, visit Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin Childbirth Education Classes.
In-person tours of the Family Birth Center will help moms feel better prepared for the birth experience. Tours provide information about services, policies and procedures, along with a walking tour of labor, delivery and recovery spaces. A state-of-the-art C-section suite on the Labor and Delivery floor is available as well.
“With high-quality care close to home, you can feel confident you and your baby are in the best, most caring hands every step of the way. We have providers specially trained in prenatal and newborn care, anesthesiologists, emergency physicians, respiratory therapists, hospitalists and more on-site,” Mustafa said.
Nurses and lactation consultants are well versed in breastfeeding to help new moms through support, education and enrichment. All mothers are provided with breastfeeding support services during their stay, tailored to fit their needs based on individualized assessments.
“We have helped generations of central Georgia families welcome new babies. Your baby’s birth will be one of life’s most precious moments. We want our community to be able to confidently count on us to make the experience as personal and joyful as possible, in our warm, family-centered environment — especially as we are the closest facility that offers maternity care within the seven surrounding counties,” Mustafa said.
Mustafa is also making plans for community activities including educational offerings, classes and events tailored to the area’s perinatal population and building support groups for local moms.
Even though she’s new to central Georgia, Mustafa said she’s eager to help provide critical maternal care so needed by the Milledgeville community.
“I am enthusiastic and determined to implement a positive impact in confronting maternal health disparities by building relationships within the community, as well as prioritizing the health of women for a stronger and healthier community,” she said. “Health care is about taking care of others as we would ourselves. Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin aligns with this framework as our mission is to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing for all. What job is better than that?”
To register for a birth center tour at Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin, located at 821 North Cobb St. in Milledgeville, call 478-776-4341.
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