Special Delivery: Triplets

The combination of a high-risk pregnancy unit and new neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are offering unique services for Valley women and children at Community Regional Medical Center in downtown Fresno.

Marci Deck is one such Valley woman. Her triplets were the first to use the new 56-bed, state-of-the-art NICU.

“Every few weeks, I’d come in because of early labor issues; sometimes several times a week,” Deck said. “The triage nurses and everybody were wonderful and all of the doctors on call. Each time I came, I had to be prepared for the worst, and they had everything under control, every single time.”

The level III NICU has the latest in high-tech systems such as respirators, bottle-warming stations and even its own on-floor pharmacy.

Dr. Jeffrey Thomas, an obstetrician/gynecologist at Community Regional, says the NICU is a safe haven for moms like Deck and their babies when they are at risk for complications.   

"It allows for close proximity care, birth,” Dr. Thomas said, “and some of the events around it are quite traumatic and to have that baby close by after that delivery is a blessing to them.”

Deck agrees: "I think it's a hidden jewel. I did not know Community had so many resources for maternity, and for babies, and so I was just thrilled to just experience it, and now I tell everybody." 

This story was reported by Clare Frederick. She can be reached at MedWatchToday@communitymedical.org.

Thursday, March 26, 2009