Little Company of Mary Hospital is known by many as ‘the baby hospital.’ To ensure all babies born at Little Company of Mary receive the highest level care, the hospital recently welcomed a new Maternal Fetal Medicine practice to the Family Birth Center. The six specially trained perinatologists will help Little Company of Mary give babies the best shot at a good start. It is another example of the hospital’s commitment to advancing care for the community. “Little Company of Mary truly is a jewel,” says Xavier Pombar, DO, the new Director of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Little Company of Mary. “My goal is to be part of the reason why people like to come here.”

Maternal-Fetal doctors are sub-specialists who are trained to manage complicated pregnancies. Women with chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, older moms, women with a history of miscarriage or pre-term labor, and women carrying multiples are at higher risk for pregnancy complications and so may be referred to a maternal fetal doctor. Some women seek the care of a maternal fetal doctor before they become pregnant, so they can learn how to manage risk and avoid complications.

The perinatologists at Little Company of Mary use the latest ultrasound technology to monitor moms-to-be. Targeted scans help detect genetic disorders and fetal abnormalities early, so doctors can work together to provide the best care to mom and baby. “We offer the same high-level scans available at the bigger hospitals in the area,” Dr. Pombar explained. “Having these services allows women to receive the bulk of their care here in the community, without having to travel.”

Specialists are at the Family Birth Center three days a week, seeing patients and providing obstetrical scans. Basic ultrasound is available five days a week and read within 24 hours. “If there are any unexpected problems, the patient is made aware the same day, so there’s no undue worry,” Dr. Pombar says. All care is provided in Little Company of Mary’s Family Birth Center, a warm and welcoming location for all, according to Dr. Pombar. “I honestly love going there,” he says. “The staff and the patients are what make Little Company so special, and we’re excited to be a part of it.”