Baby boom

Brenda Valdez, Maj. Amber Barker and Maj. (Dr.) Kermit Helo care for a record number of infants Nov. 2 in the 81st Inpatient Operations Squadron’s labor and delivery unit. Valdez is a lactation consultant, Barker is the squadron’s maternal child flight commander and Helo is the family birthing center’s pediatrician from the 81st Medical Operations Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Steve Pivnick)

Delivery unit has record-breaking baby boom

Published Nov. 28, 2011
By Steve Pivnick
81st Medical Group Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Nov. 2 wasn't an average morning for Maj. (Dr.) Kermit Helo, who examined a record number of newborns in the 81st Inpatient Operations Squadron labor and delivery unit.

The 81st Medical Operations Squadron pediatrician encountered the highest number of admissions and deliveries the family birthing center has seen over a 48-hour period.

"With a capacity of eight labor/delivery/recovery rooms, we were caring for nine moms and babies, while two other prospective moms were in labor. We also have two recovery rooms and three ante- partum rooms that can be utilized for our patients who are due to be discharged. " said Maj. Amber Barker, 81st IPTS maternal child flight commander. "Our staff is phenomenal -- they work as a team, nurses and techs alike. The communication and dedication to provide our patients optimal care didn't stop even with a 'full house.'

"Several staff members worked extra hours, showing their concern for and willingness to care for their patients," Barker continued. "This attitude allows us to keep our moms and babies together, giving them the best possible birthing and postpartum experience."

In addition to the labor and delivery staff members and the obstetrics providers, nurses and technicians from the family health, women's health and pediatric clinics.