A new program to help pregnant women who are about to deliver more than one child is being introduced at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento -- with input from mothers to be.
The Moms of Multiples (MOMS) program is designed to enhance pregnancy, improve the birthing experience and keep babies in the womb longer so that they are healthier upon arrival.
"When it comes to multiples, every day counts," said Dr. William Gilbert, director of Women's Services at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento.
Sutter officials said the new MOM center may be the first clinical program of its kind in the nation to assist women pregnant with twins, triplets, quads and more.
Dr. Gilbert is expected to be at a press conference Monday to launch the center at the hospital, 5151 F St. Also to expected to attend is Kristi Voiles, an expert on the subject of multiple births.
Citrus Heights resident Voiles provided input for development of the program based on having given birth to six girls -- twins, triplets and a single baby.
"Toward the end of my pregnancy with the triplets, I was so big," Voiles told Sutter Medical officials. "The pain was just excruciating. Truthfully, there were days I would be sitting at home just crying because I felt I couldn't take the pain anymore. What you need is that support, someone you trust who says, 'Just hang in there one more day, and then another and another.'"
The MOMS Center will provide: weekly telephone calls by the nurse coordinator, nutrition information on healthy eating for each trimester, massage, support groups and an early postpartum home or office visit.
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