By Heidi Perez-Moreno
In 2021, when Mary Campbell had her first child at UNC Health Southeastern, the maternity room was noisy and cramped. With thin walls, she struggled to rest during her 36-hour stay, surrounded by the sounds of crying babies and bustling staff.
Fast forward to last month, and Campbell’s second experience was a world apart.
“I didn’t hear anybody the whole time I was there,” she recalled. “It felt like I was the only person on the unit.”
In December, UNC Health Southeastern unveiled its new maternity ward, a facility designed to offer a spa-like environment instead of a traditional hospital feel. The $35 million renovation created larger rooms with better temperature control, soothing lighting, big windows, reclining chairs, and private curtains around the beds.
The ward now includes four triage rooms, eight birthing rooms, and eight postpartum rooms all in one area. This layout helps doctors, nurses, and midwives to provide better, more efficient care.
Renae Taylor, the hospital’s vice president and chief nursing officer, noted the upgrade has impressed both staff and community members, especially during a recent open house. Many visitors expressed their desire to deliver their babies at the new facility, even if they had been receiving prenatal care elsewhere.
“It’s creating a more positive birthing experience,” said Dr. Constance Mulroy, an OB/GYN at the hospital. “The unit is comfortable and spacious, providing a relaxing atmosphere that our patients appreciate.”
While Robeson County has adequate maternity care facilities, several neighboring areas, like Hoke and Anson counties, face challenges due to a lack of local hospitals offering obstetric services. Bladen County has limited access to maternity care and closed its maternity unit after Hurricane Florence caused significant damage in 2018.
Many hospitals in North Carolina and nationwide are focusing on improving their maternity wards. For instance, WakeMed Cary Hospital revamped its labor and delivery unit in 2017, offering beautifully decorated rooms and modern amenities. Similarly, UNC Health Southeastern has added large soaking tubs in some labor rooms, allowing patients to relax during their stay, though they aren’t ready for water births yet.
Campbell’s experience with her second daughter, Hunter, was a dramatic improvement over her first. The spacious room allowed for more visitors, and the privacy curtain gave her peace of mind while breastfeeding. She appreciated the extra space to move around comfortably.
“It was much more comfortable,” she said. “We slept better this time.”
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