July 25, 2025

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Newport Birthing Center Closure Threatens Island Mothers and Babies

Newport Hospital may shutter its Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center, the last comprehensive labor-and-delivery unit on Aquidneck Island. Residents warn that losing on-island birth services would force pregnant women—many on Medicaid—to travel to Providence or other mainland hospitals, a journey complicated by bridge closures, storms and limited public transit.

Community leaders and donors say the center has been sustained by philanthropy for 150 years and argue that its closure represents a failure of state and federal healthcare funding—not just a line-item budget decision.

Alaska Tops U.S. States in Childbirth Expenses, FAIR Health Data Shows

U.S. childbirth costs vary dramatically by state, with Alaska leading at roughly $29,200 for a vaginal birth and $39,500 for a C-section, according to FAIR Health’s latest national data. On average, Americans pay in-network totals of $15,200 for vaginal deliveries and $19,300 for C-sections, though most insured patients’ out-of-pocket expenses average under $3,000 (Peterson-KFF, 2022).

High costs reflect regional differences in provider salaries, malpractice premiums and insurers’ negotiating power, FAIR Health’s Rachel Kent tells Axios. Meanwhile, Black and Hispanic patients face higher out-of-pocket maternal care costs than white and Asian peers, spotlighting persistent inequities (JAMA Health Forum, 2024).

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Prisma Health Launches Mother-Infant Wellness Mental Health Program

Prisma Health-Upstate has rolled out South Carolina’s inaugural Mother-Infant Wellness Program, a partial hospitalization model designed to treat perinatal mood and anxiety disorders while keeping mothers and their babies together. Founded by psychiatrist Dr. Neha Hudepohl, the program operates five days a week for up to six hours a day, providing intensive individual and group therapy, medication management and bonding support.

Postpartum depression and anxiety affect more than 20% of women, and suicide is a leading cause of maternal death nationwide. By offering wraparound care—including art therapy and plans for yoga and music therapy—the program aims to reduce stigma, accelerate recovery and promote healthy mother-infant relationships. Women up to one year postpartum can self-refer; insurance, including Medicaid, is accepted.

New Mom School Greenville Launches Peer-Based Postpartum Classes

Greenville’s New Mom School is filling a postpartum support gap by focusing entirely on mothers as they navigate the fourth trimester. Founded by Nicole Parmelee—who credits an online Facebook group for saving her sanity near term—the local franchise group meets once a week for eight weeks in small cohorts organized by baby’s due date.

Key Features:

90-minute classes led by experts (pelvic floor, feeding, mental health)

Neutral, clutter-free space near Haywood Mall with ample parking

Community building through facilitated meet-ups and group chats

Diaper Bank Distributes Millions of Diapers Post-Hurricane, Aids NICU Families

Asheville, NC — In early July, Babies Need Bottoms Diaper Bank marked a major milestone by distributing 2.5 million diapers to families struggling after Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina in 2024. Because diapers are excluded from SNAP and WIC benefits, this outpouring of community support has been a lifeline for low-income and displaced parents.

To honor the achievement, board members, volunteers and donors assembled 100 specialized Care Kits for mothers and nurses in the Level III NICU at Mission Children’s Hospital. Each kit—packed with diapers, wipes, cozy blankets and lactation-support items—offers practical help and emotional encouragement for families navigating the NICU journey.

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Newport May Close Island's Last Birthing Center, Forcing Medicaid Moms on Risky Journeys