Stormont Vail Health earns distinction as a TeamBirth recognized site

Thanks to the Stormont Vail Health Mother & Baby Department,  Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka has earned TeamBirth Recognition. As one of only ten hospitals in the  U.S. to receive this distinction, our Mother & Baby team must attest to TeamBirth's core components,  submit observations from a huddle, and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to TeamBirth through  engagement activities. 

"After almost two years, earning designation as a TeamBirth site is the ultimate reward," said Melinda  Theis, Nurse Manager, Birthplace & Breastfeeding Center. "It reinforces our team’s commitment and  celebrates our success in respecting patients' autonomy throughout their birthing journey. TeamBirth  huddles empower patients to take charge of their care, feel heard, and actively participate in their  delivery experience. This recognition also reflects our commitment to supporting our community by  ensuring every family feels respected and involved in one of life's most important moments." 

Stormont Vail implemented the TeamBirth program at the Topeka Campus hospital in March 2023. Since  then, C-sections among first-time mothers have declined, indicating that more women are giving birth  naturally. This trend reflects improvements in maternity care and support for safe vaginal deliveries,  which often lead to faster recoveries. 

"TeamBirth provides a standard structure of communication that occurs among people giving birth, their  families, and their health care professionals," said Amber Weiseth, DNP, MSN, RNC-OB, Director of the  Delivery Decisions Initiative at Ariadne Labs. "We're so encouraged by Stormont Vail's leadership and  staff for this ongoing commitment to ensure that every patient has a voice in the decisions made  throughout their birthing process."