HaysMed Birth Center Enhances Maternal Healthcare in Western Kansas

“HaysMed Highlights” is a series that explores the various teams and services at HaysMed, showcasing our exemplary patient experience and steadfast commitment to healthcare excellence.

The Birth Center at HaysMed, a leader in women’s health services in western Kansas, is proud to announce significant enhancements in its care offerings, focusing on comprehensive support for women throughout their pregnancy journey. In 2024, HaysMed’s Labor and Delivery Unit successfully delivered 553 newborns, underscoring the substantial contribution to regional health and the department’s role as a pivotal center for maternal and newborn care in the area.

“Supporting healthy families is at the heart of what we do, and it is a privilege to be trusted by so many mothers and families in our community,” said Dr. Timothy Hoskins, HaysMed. “Prioritizing maternal mental health is essential, as it is a fundamental component of family well-being.”

Advancing Maternal Health

HaysMed’s commitment extends beyond delivery. In a time where mental health awareness and assistance is on the rise, HaysMed is ahead of the curve, with resources and screenings for pregnant and postnatal women. HaysMed has initiated a crucial effort to increase screenings for prenatal and postnatal mental health and mood disorders, which are integral for early identification and support. These screenings are performed during the first prenatal visit at 10 weeks and again between 28-30 weeks. This proactive approach ensures that the Birth Center providers can offer timely interventions, including counseling and medication management.

Additionally, HaysMed patients benefit from the Kansas Moms in Mind initiative, which provides crucial support during the woman’s 4th trimester—a critical period after childbirth marked by physical and emotional adjustments. Supported by Kansas Connecting Communities and the Kansas Maternal and Child Health, this program enhances the providers’ ability to treat perinatal behavioral health disorders, focusing on conditions like postpartum depression and anxiety. This initiative ensures that new mothers receive comprehensive care and support during this pivotal phase, emphasizing the importance of maternal mental health.

Birth Center and Women’s Services

The Birth Center at HaysMed offers extensive women’s health and OB/GYN services. These include labor and delivery, lactation services, postpartum care, advanced surgical technology, and neonatal intensive care (NICU). Throughout their pregnancy journey, patients have access to wellness and prenatal education, both in-person and online to accommodate local and regional patients, covering topics such as birth, breastfeeding, newborn care, and sibling preparation.

Kalin LaBarge, Labor & Delivery Supervisor at HaysMed Birth Center, expressed deep appreciation for the families who choose this facility. “We are committed to maintaining our tradition of excellence and dedicated care for both our community and the region for years to come,” she stated. The HaysMed Birth Center is proud to have a distinguished team of experts, including Dr. Timothy Hoskins, Paula Bitter, APRN, and Anne Marie Hager, APRN, who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in maternal and newborn care.

Support for Women’s Entire Health Journey

At HaysMed, supporting women at every stage of their health journey is a top priority. The OB/GYN team, Internal Medicine, and Family Medicine department, comprising 19 providers—including physicians, advanced practice providers, and physician assistants—deliver complete reproductive health services and well-woman exams. Additionally, the dedicated Breast Care Center at HaysMed is staffed with a specialized radiologist and two breast care surgeons, ensuring timely and effective mammography readings and surgical interventions.

HaysMed remains dedicated to providing a full spectrum of maternal and women’s health services. With a goal to ensure a safe, comfortable, and joyous experience for all patients, supported by the latest in medical technology and the highest standards of care.