January 26, 2011

For this week's segment of Sargent Solutions, CBS19's Tiffani Sargent focuses on a local prenatal training course which new mothers say is a "life-saver."

Seven weeks ago, Alex Hudak was born healthy and on-schedule.

"I feel like I'm in a parallel universe. I'm wondering when things will get back to normal, but it's wonderful too," said Jessica Hudak, a new mother.

Hudak says the smooth delivery was a result of the helpful training she received from the University of Virginia Medical Center.

"I think for mothers all you know about it what you see in the movies and that's absolutely frightening. I think knowing the phases of labor, knowing exactly what to expect during the process of labor, I think that's what we want," said Hudak.

For the past 10 years, Diane Sampson an Education Coordinator, has taught hundreds of parents prenatal care at the UVa Medical Center.

"Prenatal education is kind of a right of passage for most new parents," said Sampson.

Sampson says it is important for parents to understand that they are not alone in the process.

"People put a lot of time and energy in purchasing a car and they do a lot of research. It stands to reason that going though birth and bringing a baby home would require a little research too," said Sampson.

According to Child Trends Data Bank, mothers who receive late or no prenatal care are more likely to have babies with health problems. They are three times as likely to have babies with low-birth weights, and five times as likely to have babies who do not survive.

Overall research shows that prenatal care has positive outcomes, including helping to reduce post-postpartum depression and reduce infant injuries.

"A mom who feels that she is supported, especially after the first few weeks after she delivers is going to fare much better through the first year of her baby's life. She is going to have confidence," said Sampson.

The prenatal clinic at the University of Virginia Medical Center is among many local providers, programs, services and organizations that will be featured at a first time event in the City of Charlottesville.

Healthy Birth Healthy Baby will take place on March 5.