Kisha, 26, is carrying twin girls whom she plans to name Macey and Marleah and has already learned that her two daughters have unique personalities. “Macey is more active and outgoing and Marleah is going to be kind of shy,” she says.

Kisha was admitted to Community Hospital North during her 23rd week because of a short cervix and was told she would be staying in the hospital until the babies come. In the meantime, she’s been attending the weekly antepartum support group for women who are in similar situations.

The antepartum support group, which was spearheaded by Ellen Manolopoulos, R.N. and care manager, meets in Community North’s fifth floor solarium.

“The large, sunny room is flooded with natural light and offers a great change of environment from the patient’s hospital room and a place to interact with others who are experiencing complications in their pregnancies which require hospitalization,” says Jonell Allen, R.N. and perinatal clinical nurse specialist who helps facilitate the group.

Another bonus to the group meeting in the solarium is the large amount of space available. It can accommodate patients who are in their beds, in recliner chairs and in wheelchairs. Remote telemetry is available for patients who require continual fetal monitoring. All long-term antepartum patients are invited to join the group, however, each patient who attends needs permission from her doctor to participate.

The support group members discuss their pregnancies, eat snacks and participate in activities, such as journaling, aromatherapy, manicures and pedicures and sharing recipes. Since the group began meeting on May 28, the facilitators of the group also have invited lactation consultants who provide education and counseling.

Patient concierge Joni Brattain, who also attends the weekly meetings, has worked with Kisha to plan a baby shower, which will take place in the hospital on August 16. When first-time group member Christine, 22, found out about this service, she, too, was excited. Christine, who is in her 31st week, began having contractions on July 14. When she arrived at Community North, she learned that she would have to remain on bed rest and be constantly monitored by remote telemetry.

Even though some women have already delivered their babies, they continue to return to the group to share their stories. The group is also open to fathers and siblings. “There is great conversation and a safe environment to ventilate all the feelings that accompany the complications of pregnancy that require an unexpected hospital stay,” says Rainey Martin, R.N. and clinical manager.