Inside the Women’s Health Department at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, childbirth is more than a clinical process—it is a coordinated effort led by a team of highly specialized professionals dedicated to guiding families through one of life’s most important moments.
That team—and the expertise behind it—was on full display during a guided tour of the Labor and Delivery and Mother-Baby Recovery units at the 10th Annual Baby Expo Symposium, that had over 250 attendees and held April 4.
“Our annual baby expo is designed to provide health education and promote a wide range of perinatal topics for beneficiaries who are pregnant, postpartum, or within the first year after delivery. In addition to offering information on prenatal care, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, newborn care, and maternal mental health, the event serves as a supportive resource hub for military families,” said 1st Lt. Brittany McClain, registered nurse, and Baby Expo coordinator. “Recognizing the unique challenges faced by soldiers and their families—such as deployments, frequent relocations, and limited support systems, the Baby Expo connects attendees with military and community-based resources tailored to their needs.”
Soldiers and their families were provided with information on balancing military duties with family life, as well as resources that promote resilience, stress management, and healthy relationships, she added.
Designed for expectant mothers and growing families, the tour of the units offered an in-depth look at not only where care happens, but who provides it—and how their specialties shape the patient experience.
Moving through private birthing suites and recovery rooms, participants were introduced to the layered approach to maternal care. Each space reflected a balance of comfort and capability, but it was the staff behind the scenes who defined the experience.
A key highlight of the tour was the opportunity for families to connect directly with a certified labor and delivery nurse specializing in maternal-newborn care, whose role is central to ensuring safe, personalized birthing experiences.
“By fostering a supportive environment, the Baby Expo not only enhances health literacy but also strengthens the overall well-being of military families, ensuring they feel informed, connected, and supported throughout the perinatal period,” said McClain.
1st Lt. Rachel Naves, surgical nurse, serves as a postpartum nurse specializing in helping mothers transition after delivery, offering hands-on support with breastfeeding, newborn care and physical recovery, and 1st Lt. Veronica Baubeng, OB/GYN nurse, trained to monitor fetal heart rates, manage labor progression, assist with pain control options and respond quickly to any complications provided details about the services throughout the tour — serving as both clinical experts and patient advocates. The nurses highlighted the collaborative approach within the unit, which includes certified nurse midwives who specialize in low-risk pregnancies and focus on natural, patient-centered birth experiences, as well as obstetric providers who manage higher-risk cases. Together, these specialties strengthen the clinic’s ability to provide comprehensive, continuous care tailored to each patient’s needs.
“We are with our patients every step of the way,” said Naves, as she provided a tour for the first group of expecting families. “Our job is to make sure mom and baby are safe while also helping families feel heard and supported.” She added that building trust is just as important as clinical care. “Childbirth can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time parents, but education and communication make a huge difference,” she said. “When patients understand what’s happening, they’re more confident, and that leads to a better overall experience.”
“I’ve been nervous about delivery day,” said Ann Torres, wife of Sgt. Anthony Torres, 3rd Cav. Regt. “But seeing the rooms and meeting the people who will be there makes me feel a lot more prepared.”
Throughout the tour, that sense of collaboration remained a central theme. Nurses, midwives and providers work in tandem from the moment a patient arrives through recovery and discharge, ensuring continuity of care at every stage. The nurses explained how individualized care plans are developed, allowing each mother’s preferences—whether related to pain management, delivery methods or postpartum care—to be safely incorporated into the experience.
Inside the Mother-Baby Recovery unit, families learned more about postpartum care and that education continues well beyond birth, with staff guiding parents on safe sleep practices, recognizing warning signs and building confidence before returning home. For many attendees, the tour transformed uncertainty into reassurance.
“It was a good experience. We didn’t get to do that with our first baby, so it was good to know beforehand what to expect and where everything is,” said Vicky Cansino-Zamora, wife of Pfc. Jason Kobo, 62nd Eng. Bn.
The Women’s Health Department tour was one of several interactive opportunities offered during the Baby Expo Symposium, an annual event that connects military families with resources, education and support systems throughout pregnancy and early parenthood.
By opening its doors and highlighting the specialized roles within its care teams, CRDAMC not only showcased its facilities—but reinforced its commitment to patient-centered care, where expertise, collaboration and compassion come together to support parents and their newborn.