Golden Isles Pregnancy and Post-Partum Resources

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Golden Isles Pregnancy Resources

If you've recently found out you're expecting, are trying to get pregnant, or have recently given birth, we've rounded up the pregnancy and postpartum resources you can find in the Golden Isles. While an exciting time, it can also be very trying, stressful, and scary. We hope the resources mentioned will assist you in navigating this time in your life.

Golden Isles Birthing Centers

Southeast Georgia Health System (SGHS) Maternity Care Center

SGHS is the only maternity care center in Glynn County (its Camden Campus also has a maternity center, which has three certified nurse-midwives on staff). There are additional options available in Jacksonville and Savannah.

  • SGHS maternity care support groups
  • As of summer 2022, SGHS policy allows mothers to be accompanied by two visitors, meaning a mother can bring her birth partner and birth doula (who supports both the mother and the partner). SGHS does NOT consider birth doulas part of the birth team (because SGHS does not employ them).
  • Three of five St.SiMoms babies have been born at SGHS. Both mama and babies received impeccable care!

Waterbirths and Unmedicated Gentle Birth Experiences

If you wish to have a birth center waterbirth and an unmedicated gentle birth experience in southeast Georgia, look into The Midwife Group and Birth Center in Savannah. Note that they're not able to support high risk births or perform VBACs or other uterine surgeries at this time.

There are also birth centers in Jacksonville but know that the midwives in Florida follow different restrictions and limitations due to state laws and will likely not travel for birth in Georgia.

Waterbirth International is an excellent resource if you're looking for more information regarding waterbirths.

Golden Isles Doulas and Midwives

The Doula Studio dba Port City Births
  • Professional doula
  • Offers a Blissborn®️ Childbirth Education Course
  • Waterbirth trained (FYI, SGHS hospital policy does not currently accept waterbirth practices) 
  • Teaches pre and postnatal yoga (Yin and pre/postnatal are her specialties) and fertility yoga.
  • Support in adoption, bereavement, and all types of birth
  • Leads meditations and visualizations, affirmations workshops, and hypnosis exercises which can help with fertility and preparing for birth and beyond.
Mandy Miller
  • Professional doula
  • Childbirth educator
  • Newborn care
  • Prenatal yoga
  • Massage services including myofascial, prenatal, deep tissue, neuromuscular, Thai, fertility, and infant.
Coastal Midwifery & Behavioral Health
  • Services offered include home birth (it’s not illegal to have a midwife or home birth, contrary to what many may think), pregnancy care, gynecology, and primary care.
  • Home birth availability fills up quickly. The sooner they’re retained, the better your chances of having them available for the birth.

Breastfeeding Support/Lactation Consultants

SGHS Lactation Consultants

Lactation assistance is available by appointment (even to families who aren’t planning to give birth there); to schedule a meeting with a Lactation Consultant, please call:

  • Brunswick Campus: 912-466-3184
  • Camden Campus: 912-540-6821
SGHS Maternity Care Support Groups

The Milky Weigh breastfeeding support group meets at the Brunswick Campus on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 11am-12:30pm. SGHS also offers childbirth preparation classes and tours of its maternity ward.

Golden Isles Lactation

Golden Isles Lactation consists of three local IBCLCs (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants) who will perform home visits, phone consultations, and virtual consultations. Some insurance is accepted, and you have the option to pay cash. They also have a sliding scale if needed.

Camden Lactation

Lynn Hrivnak, RN, IBCLC, is the founder of Camden Lactation. She serves both SGHS campuses and leads the lactation course. She also offers home lactation consultation visits to Glynn County. Click here to contact Camden Lactation.

La Leche League Breastfeeding Support

Click here to find support by location. When this was written, support was available in Kingsland, Fernandina Beach, Jacksonville, and Savannah, but something outside the Golden Isles.

Lip Tie and Tongue Ties

Lip and tongue ties can be discussed with lactation consultants, pediatricians, midwives, and chiropractors.

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Revive Physical Therapy
  • Dr. Chandler Fox, PT, DPT, CLT, Cert. DN, CCVR
  • Dr. Chandler is an Orthopelvic Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in pelvic floor rehab for postpartum women. She also hosts pelvic floor rehab workshops and is a mother of one.
  • She can be reached at info@reviveperformancept.com
Excelarate Physical Theraphy
  • Dr. Kathrine Meacham, PT, DPT, Cert. DN, APHC
  • Kathy completed her undergraduate at the University of GA with a Bachelor in Exercise and Sports Science in 2013. She then received a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Emory University in 2018. Kathy has recently completed her certification in pelvic floor therapy.
  • She can be reached at excelaratept-secure@outlook.com

 

Holistic/Functional Medicine, Chiropractors and Acupuncturists

Dr. Jenni Boczar at Family Health Chiropractic
  • Chiropractic services for prenatal patients, infants, and children
  • Offers massage, including prenatal.
  • Accepts many types of insurance.
Lori Brown Acupuncture
  • Treats reproductive issues and fertility through acupuncture: 
  • Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  • Irregular or heavy menstrual cycle
  • Menopause
  • Infertility
  • Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
  • Most other reproductive issues
Saint Acupuncture & Wellness
  • In addition to acupuncture, they offer manual therapies, cupping, and moxibustion.
  • Their Chinese Herbal Pharmacy is stocked with healing as well as tonifying herbal formulas that are prescribed specifically for your condition. With over 500 formulas in stock, they can treat almost anything that walks through the door.  
  • Medical Massage is also available, including prenatal massage.
Concierge Wellness Care
  • Dr. Sage Campione, Integrative Practitioner, offers a personalized, progressive health care plan for wellness, weight loss, hormonal support, adrenal healing, nutritional advocacy, brain nutrition, and mental health. Her training includes Ayurvedic Medicine, Wellness, Nutrition, and Functional Medicine.
  • Offers chiropractic services for prenatal care and infants.
Centered for Life
  • Centered for Life is a non-profit Christian holistic counseling center for individuals, couples, and families.
  • Dr. Neil Goodman, MD, FAAP, FACP, is Board Certified in Pediatric (ages 5+) & Adolescent Medicine.

Contributed by April McEwan of The Doula Studio. Interested in becoming a guest contributor? Get in touch with us here!

See any missing resources? Let us know!