#United States #Norwalk #Maternity Care #Stamford Health #Oula

Oula and Stamford Health Launch New Maternity Clinic

In a significant development for maternity care in Connecticut, Oula, in collaboration with Stamford Health, has opened its new clinic in Norwalk. This initiative marks Stamford Health's first entry into midwifery services, seamlessly merging Oula's midwife-led care approach with Stamford Health's established reputation in maternity services. Notably, a second location in Connecticut is planned for 2026 to further enhance the accessibility of their offerings.

With approximately 2,400 births occurring annually at Stamford Hospital, the demand for midwifery care continues to grow. According to Oula's recent survey conducted in 2023, nearly 80% of women expressed a desire for a healthcare model that integrates both midwives and obstetricians. The newly established Norwalk clinic aims to address this demand, providing integrated, personalized maternity care in Fairfield County.

Welcoming Environment for Patients

The Norwalk clinic is designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for patients seeking maternity care. From thoughtfully organized exam rooms to comfortable waiting areas filled with nutritious snacks and curated resources, every element is aimed at ensuring patients feel valued throughout their journey. Services include comprehensive care from preconception to postpartum, facilitated by a dedicated team comprising midwives, obstetricians, and care navigators. In addition, the clinic offers telehealth services, around-the-clock virtual support, expert resources, workshops, and an exclusive digital community for patients.

Kathleen Silard, President and CEO at Stamford Health, emphasized the importance of collaboration in healthcare, stating, “A pillar of our strategy as an independent health system is to collaborate with like-minded, high-quality organizations for patient care. Our patients expect and deserve a variety of care options.” The aim of the new clinic is to broaden access, providing patients with innovative and high-quality midwifery approaches throughout their prenatal and postpartum experiences.

Comprehensive Support for Childbirth

At Oula provided by Stamford Health, all expectant mothers will deliver their babies at Stamford Hospital, with support from a skilled team that includes nurses, obstetricians, hospitalists, neonatologists, and specialists in maternal-fetal medicine, behavioral health, and genetic counseling. Furthermore, the hospital has undergone significant renovations, including the upgrade of the Whittingham Pavilion which now features the Hackett Family Maternity Unit, Cohen Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Susan Falk Rapoport Women's Specialty Center, and The Hollander Family Birthing Center, all designed to create a holistic and caring childbirth experience. Patients will benefit from private maternity rooms and a patient-led visitor policy, alongside a well-baby nursery accessible 24/7.

Adrianne Nickerson, co-founder and CEO of Oula, expressed enthusiasm for the clinic's opening, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive, collaborative care for Connecticut-area patients. “This new practice draws on Stamford Health's long-standing excellence in maternity care, coupled with our proven approach that drives best-in-class patient outcomes, experience, and equity,” she stated.

Since its inception in 2021, Oula has facilitated over 2,500 births and has consistently surpassed maternity benchmarks in New York City regarding diverse demographics – boasting 62% lower preterm birth rates and 29% lower cesarean birth rates compared to averages. The Norwalk clinic represents Oula's expansion into its second market, alongside another facility planned in partnership with Stamford Health.

By accepting most major insurance plans, including Medicaid, Oula aims to provide wider access to top-tier maternity care effective in centering patient needs.

For more information or to book a consultation at Oula provided by Stamford Health, patients can visit here.

About Oula and Stamford Health

Oula, founded in 2019, redefines modern maternity care with a comprehensive approach that reflects the needs and preferences of expecting parents. The culmination of Oula’s ethos is its patient-centric model, ensuring optimal outcomes for both mothers and their babies. Stamford Health, a non-profit independent health system with over 4,100 employees, offers community-focused healthcare services ranging from emergency care to outpatient services, solidifying its commitment to high-quality, compassionate care across the region.

For further details about Oula or Stamford Health, visit their respective websites.