DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. – (June 17, 2019) – Halifax Health Medical Center has launched Volusia-Flagler’s only Maternity Nurse Navigator Program. Shelley Jones, an advanced practice registered nurse in the Halifax Health-Center for Women and Infant Health, leads the program as the hospital’s maternity nurse navigator.
Jones has more than 25 years of clinical experience as a labor and delivery nurse and a nurse practitioner for an obstetrics and gynecology practice. In her new role as maternity nurse navigator, Jones provides individualized, patient-centered care to mothers-to-be, new mothers, babies and their families.
“Those who are unfamiliar with the role of the maternity nurse navigator should know that they are there to serve as a mother’s personal coach, advocate and friend from pregnancy through parenthood. A navigator is there to meet with you and your partner to collaborate, educate and help you set expectations so that you may have the best pregnancy, labor and delivery experience possible,” Jones explains.
The first meeting with the maternity nurse navigator can be as early as 10-20 weeks gestation of pregnancy. The second meeting will occur at 20-30 weeks and the third will happen at 30-40 weeks. During these meetings, the maternity nurse navigator will answer any questions or concerns a mother may have as well as provide information on nutrition; maintaining a safe and active pregnancy; how to cope with pregnancy discomforts; activity and weight gain; hospital pre-registration; selecting classes and enrolling; tips for selecting a pediatrician; and finalizing a birth plan.
One to three weeks following delivery, the maternity nurse navigator will be available to meet to discuss community resources and support groups available; signs of postpartum depression; and breastfeeding concerns; as well as answer any other questions new parents may have at that time.
There is no fee for services offered by Halifax Health’s Maternity Nurse Navigator Program.
In addition to a maternity nurse navigator, expectant mothers will also find refreshed Labor and Delivery rooms at Halifax Health Medical Center. Twelve labor and delivery rooms were recently refurbished to present a spa-like feel. The rooms feature new artwork, essential oil diffusers and speakers that can provide relaxing music to mothers while in labor.
To learn more about Halifax Health Medical Center’s Maternity Nurse Navigator Program or to schedule a tour of the Halifax Health-Center for Women and Infant Health, call 386.425.BABY (2229) or visit halifaxhealth.org/ob.
Halifax Health
Recognized by The Joint Commission as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures, Halifax Health serves Volusia and Flagler counties, providing a continuum of healthcare services through a network of organizations including a tertiary hospital, community hospital, freestanding emergency department, an urgent care, psychiatric services, a cancer treatment center with five outreach locations, the area’s largest hospice, a center for inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, primary care walk-in clinics, a walk-in clinic specializing in women’s health, a pediatric care community clinic, three children’s medical practices, a home healthcare agency, and an exclusive provider organization. Halifax Health offers the area’s only Level II Trauma Center, Comprehensive Stroke Center, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Emergency Department, Child and Adolescent Behavioral Services, complete Neurosurgical Services, OB Emergency Department and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that cares for babies born earlier than 28 weeks. For more information, visit halifaxhealth.org.
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