by Kelsey Herbers
In recognition of its commitment to safe and quality patient care, Baby+Co, a Vanderbilt Health facility, has received a “Triple Aim” Best Practice designation from the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM).
The designation, which is given annually, recognizes practices that meet the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Triple Aim of improving the patient experience, reducing the cost of care and improving the health of populations. This is demonstrated by high breastfeeding rates and low preterm birth and cesarean rates.
The Nashville location of Baby+Co, which was acquired by Vanderbilt University Medical Center on May 1, is a freestanding birthing center that emphasizes a family-centered, low-intervention approach to delivery for uncomplicated pregnancies.
In 2019, its preterm birth rate was 2.7%, falling far below the ACNM benchmark of 11.4%, and its rate of primary cesarean births was 14.8%, below the benchmark rate of 23.9%.
Also in 2019, 92% of the center’s patients began exclusively breastfeeding their infants within the first 48 hours after birth, and 91% were still exclusively breastfeeding at six weeks postpartum.
“It is an honor for Baby+Co to receive this health care award. Our entire team has worked so diligently over the past five years to bring a woman-centered birth care model to Middle Tennessee, and we are encouraged by this recognition,” said Margaret Buxton, CNM, DNP, clinical director of Baby+Co.
“We know that families want options and support through the pregnancy and birth journey, and we are dedicated to continuing our efforts in partnership with Vanderbilt Health.”
To promote its high rates of positive health outcomes for both mothers and babies, Baby+Co provides comprehensive, free education programs for all clients ranging from childbirth and breastfeeding to newborn care. Patients are screened for their risk of preterm birth at entry to care, and patients at higher risk receive targeted education and support.
To promote vaginal birth and lower its rates of primary cesareans, Baby+Co offers continuous labor support with a focus on movement in labor, eating and drinking, and use of hydrotherapy for comfort.
“Our VUMC Baby+Co team has done a wonderful job providing high quality obstetric care to low risk mothers in an innovative birthing center environment. No other birthing center in the country does as well,” said Ronald Alvarez, MD, Betty and Lonnie S. Burnett Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at VUMC and chair of the department.