BRG Recognized as Top Center for Maternity Care

BATON ROUGE, La. – Baton Rouge General (BRG) has been named a Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care by Blue Cross Blue Shield, demonstrating quality care for all deliveries and better overall patient satisfaction. BRG is the only hospital in Baton Rouge and one of only five in the state to receive this distinction.

“We remain focused on quality for all patients as we work to increase maternal health equity and reduce maternal mortality,” said Erika Moss, DHA, MBA, BSN, RN, director of women’s services. “From more detailed reporting to help reduce healthcare disparities to providing doulas for any patient who wants one, we continue to support the mothers and babies in this community.”

Studies show that the availability of midwives and doulas decreases risk during childbirth and increases patient satisfaction. A doula is a trained professional who is part of the maternal care team, supporting a patient before, during and after they’ve had a baby. They can also provide education and advocacy, helping women make informed decisions about their care. BRG is partnering with a local doula program to increase the availability of doulas for patients both at its Birth Center and community wide.

BRG’s Birth Center provides specialized care including a wireless monitoring system that allows nurses to monitor laboring moms without any restrictions. That means moms can walk around, shower, and be as comfortable as possible without the cords and monitoring belts. In 2019, BRG began offering nitrous oxide as a pain management alternative. It can reduce anxiety and ease the pain of childbirth, empowering patients to help manage discomfort while staying in control. Also that year, BRG was the first hospital in South Louisiana to offer a new IV treatment for postpartum depression, which affects about one in nine women in the U.S. either during pregnancy or after childbirth. The treatment, which required a hospital stay, has since been replaced with a new oral medication approved by the FDA specifically for postpartum depression.

In addition to a level III NICU, BRG offers high-risk pregnancy care, boutique birthing suites, natural birth options, a breastfeeding support team, and three convenient locations for prenatal check-ups.

Learn more about BRG’s Birth Center here or by calling (225) 763-4141.

About Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with over 600 licensed beds between three campuses. Baton Rouge General opened its doors in 1900, and has provided the Greater Baton Rouge community with high-quality healthcare for generations. An accredited teaching hospital since 1991, Baton Rouge General is affiliated with several medical school programs, and offers other medical education programs, including a School of Nursing, School of Radiologic Technology, Family Medicine Residency Program, Internal Medicine Residency Program, and Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. For more information, visit BRGeneral.org, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BatonRougeGeneral and follow us on Twitter @BRGeneral and Instagram @batonrougegeneral.

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