COLUMBIAMEMORIAL.ORG Winter 2026 5 “Please mention you were being seen at Providence Seaside and how far along you are so we can prioritize getting you in for a transfer of care appointment,” she says. “Patients seeking regular gynecological care are also welcome to call for new patient appointments. We are working closely with the Obstetric and Emergency Department providers at Providence to ensure a smooth transition.” Your OB-GYN questions answered Sarah Humphrey, MD, shares how the CMH Family Birth Center and the CMH-OHSU Health Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinic support our community, including new OB-GYN patients, and the services available to them at CMH. Q: What can pregnant patients expect from the OB-GYN Clinic? We provide prenatal care for any pregnant person. The first step is to schedule a phone intake with a nurse, who will then schedule you for an ultrasound and provider visit between eight and 11 weeks, depending on your needs and preferences. You will be cared for by one primary OB-GYN or CNM (certified nurse midwife) throughout your pregnancy, but you may see the other providers in the clinic due to scheduling considerations. This is encouraged, as we do not know who will be on call when you give birth. We are unable to guarantee a provider for delivery because, by rotating call, we ensure a wellrested provider. If your pregnancy is especially high-risk and you need to deliver at a hospital in Portland, we will work closely with that team to minimize travel when safe to do so. Although we are not currently able to offer vaginal birth after a prior cesarean (C-section) delivery, we can still care for you during your pregnancy, then refer you to a facility that offers these for your birth. Q: Can you tell us about labor and delivery at CMH? We are here to support you, whether you opt for an unmedicated childbirth or decide to use pain medications during labor. A whirlpool tub, epidural anesthesia, nitrous oxide and IV pain medications are available 24/7. Our Family Birth Center team is dedicated to your physical and psychological safety. Wireless monitors are available, and the team encourages movement and position changes during labor, while carefully monitoring you and your baby. We welcome doulas and any other support people you wish to have at your birth. We only use vacuum-assisted delivery when absolutely necessary and with your permission, and we do not routinely do episiotomies, except in very rare, unique situations. In addition to vaginal births, we provide C-section births — both emergent and planned — and tailor the experience to your individual needs, including Safe, high-quality care for laboring patients “Our providers involve patients in every decision and aspect of their care,” Dr. Humphrey emphasizes. “We have 24/7 coverage by boardcertified OB-GYN providers and pediatricians who have extensive experience at high-risk centers and share on-call duties.” The entire OB-GYN team completes regular drills and trainings, and a provider meeting is held each week to review higher-risk patients. Providers at the OB-GYN Clinic have a close working relationship with OHSU Maternal Fetal Medicine (high-risk pregnancy) physicians, which means higher-risk patients can receive care here, when appropriate. The clinic can also refer to other Maternal Fetal Medicine clinics, as well. — Continued on page 6
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQ1MTY=