SLP Birth Center Part of Nationwide Study into Premature Births

The methods and practices of a holistic women's health and birth center in the heart St. Louis Park will be getting a lot more attention soon, thanks to a federal study into reducing premature births.

Morning Star Women's Health and Birth Center, located at 6111 Excelsior Boulevard, is one of 48 holistic birth centers throughout the U.S. being examined using a $5.35 million grant given to the American Association of Birth Centers.

That money is going to allow Morning Star staff to further educate qualifying women, particularly those in at-risk situations, CEO and Executive Director Paula Bernini Feigal told the Sun Sailor. 

"I really believe that the prenatal and child birth experience has a profound impact on women’s health, physical and psychological health, and can enhance her sense of self for her whole life," Bernini Feigal said.

Morning Star opened in St. Louis Park several years ago, though it serves patients throughout the metro area due to its central location.

Rebecca Gorski, assistant director with Morning Star, told KSTP she suspects the study will be worthwhile.

"When women are supported psychologically and emotionally and physically throughout their child bearing experience they have better outcomes," Gorski said.

The grant money is part of the Department of Health and Human Services' Strong Start for Mothers and Newborns program, which is putting up to $41.4 million toward preventing long-term health problems for high-risk pregnant women and newborns enrolled in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program.

According to a release from the HHS, more than a half-million infants are born prematurely in the U.S. annually. Costs associated with preterm birth are around $26 million a year, with children born preterm often requiring costly medical attention, early intervention services and special education.

“As a nurse and a mother, I know there is nothing more important for a child than getting off to a healthy start,” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner said in a release. “We are excited to be partnering with health care providers and community organizations across the country to improve prenatal care to women covered by Medicaid and CHIP.”

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