Messagerie A N N U A LR E P O R TJuly 1st 2022 to June 30th 2024
Enhance the quality of and accessto birthing and healthcare optionsin Southeast Alaska.To provide excellence in midwiferycare, supported births, andhealthcare services while growingand nurturing a natural health andwellness community.Nurture. Educate. Empower. Trust.Respect. Integrity. Collaborative.OUR MISSIONOUR MISSIONOUR VISIONOUR VISIONOUR VALUESOUR VALUES
A P P R O A C H"The Midwifery Model of Care"The Midwifery Model of Care prioritizes offeringpersonalized, hands-on care to clients throughout theentire childbirth journey, including before, during, andafter birth. Midwives, who are skilled healthcare providers,provide a range of services such as pregnancy tests,prenatal care, and education on various aspects ofchildbirth and postpartum care. They approach childbirthas a natural process rather than a medical condition. Thisapproach aims to ensure the safe and confident birthingof babies while providing essential support to pregnantindividuals and their families.Everyone should have access to high-quality,attentive, and respectful care. The midwifery model,known for its low-tech, high-caring approach, deliverspositive outcomes for low-risk women and familiesfacing vulnerabilities.Pregnant individuals under midwifery care are valuedparticipants in decision-making processes and areactively involved in their care. The midwifery modelfocuses on avoiding unnecessary interventions duringlabor, maintaining the normalcy of childbirth, andaddressing unique needs often overlooked bytraditional medical models.At the Juneau Family Birth Center, the care journey beginswith a consultation to explore services, tour the facility,and address any queries. Subsequent appointments with amidwife allow for in-depth discussions on medical history,pregnancy adjustments, and early pregnancy guidance.Ongoing prenatal visits, led by a team of staff midwives,ensure clients and their families are acquainted with allpotential birth attendants.During labor, the designated midwife supports the clientat the birth center or home, providing continuous carethrough labor, delivery, and postpartum. Followingdischarge, a series of home visits and office appointmentsoffer comprehensive postpartum care, aiding in thehealing process, fostering breastfeeding, and guiding thefamily through the initial weeks after birth.
Our Impact:The Juneau Family Birth Centerwas founded to provideprenatal, birth, and postpartumcare to families throughoutSoutheast Alaska using amidwifery care model.Midwifery care has beenproven to have betteroutcomes in comparison totraditional medical care, withlower rates of preterm birth,low birth weight, and cesareanbirth. Pregnant people withcontinuous midwifery care areless likely to receive an epiduralor episiotomy and more likelyto have a spontaneous vaginalbirth. In a follow-up reviewdone in 2016 where it wasfound that people receivingmidwifery-led care were 24%less likely to experiencepreterm birth and 16% lesslikely to lose their baby duringpregnancy as well as reflectingthe original findings fordecreased risk of interventionin labor and increasedlikelihood of having a vaginalbirth. In addition to thedecreased risk of interventionand complications, we are alsocommitted to reducingpregnancy care costs. Througheducation and support, familiescan make healthier lifestylechoices and reduce their needfor hospitalization andexpensive medical treatments.
OUR TEAMOUR TEAMLeft to RightMADI, JOELLE, ASHLEIGH, BETHDirector & MidwifeMidwife MidwifeOffice Administrator2024
Transitions in the workplace can be both excitingand bittersweet. In 2022, our team said goodbyeto our wonderful office administrator Shandra,who has been an integral part of our team formany years. While we will miss her expertise anddedication, we are excited to welcome Ashleighto our team as the new office administrator. Withher experience and enthusiasm, we are confidentthat she will help us continue to thrive andsucceed in all of our endeavors.Shandra's contributions to our team cannot beoverstated. Her attention to detail, organizationalskills, and positive attitude have been invaluablein keeping our office running smoothly. We aregrateful for all of her hard work and wish her allthe best in her future endeavors. As we begin thisnew chapter with Ashleigh, we are excited to seehow she will build upon the foundation thatShandra has laid. We have no doubt that she willbring her own unique talents and skills to therole, and we look forward to working with her toachieve our goals and create a positive workenvironment for everyone.Congratulations to Joelle on receiving hermidwifery license in March of 2022! Becoming alicensed midwife is a significant achievementthat requires years of hard work and dedication.As a student midwife, Joelle likely spentcountless hours studying and gaining practicalexperience in the field. This included learningabout the various stages of pregnancy andchildbirth and the importance of maternal andfetal health. By obtaining her license, Joelle hasdemonstrated her knowledge and expertise inthese areas and is now poised to providecompassionate and skilled care to her clients.Midwifery is a vital profession that plays anessential role in ensuring safe and positivechildbirth experiences for women. By choosingthis career path, Joelle has shown a commitmentto helping others and positively impacting theworld. We wish her all the best as she embarkson this exciting new chapter in her life!Team Transitions
JFBC welcomed a new midwife named Beth inMarch of 2024. Beth is a mother of 3 (plus onefur baby) who moved from Oregon to Juneau topractice at our facility. Beth’s areas of interestinclude relational wellness and mental health,sex and sexual well-being, and lactation. From Beth.“I have always been drawn to birth, even from 9years old when I witnessed my best friend’shorse give birth. I remember thinking, “That wasso cool… and so gross!” I didn’t realize until manyyears later that the sense of awe and wonder Ihad experienced was the first time I felt called tomidwifery. Now, I think of myself as a steward atthe gate of life, there to support, gently guidethe earthside, and help should the need arise. Ihave three young sons who are my greatest joysin life (along with my wonderful husband) and acattle-dog mutt who is way too sassysometimes. I enjoy spending time with them allin my free time, writing/recording music, playingguitar, and spending time in the woods alone orwith my fellows. Building relationships is myfavorite part of midwifery care… It’s soul-filling,good stuff, and I’m so excited to join JFBC onthis new adventure!”Team TransitionsAli embarked on a new chapter in her motherhoodadventure, transitioning from midwife to a stay-at-home mom. She now revels in life's simplepleasures, such as beach walks and cherishingmoments with her little one. While her wisdom andkindness are dearly missed at JFBC, she continuesto oversee tenant relations, contracts, repairs,maintenance, and supplies as the Building Manager.Despite her busy schedule, Ali seamlessly combinesher professional responsibilities with her personallife. Her days are a delicate dance of balancingspreadsheets while building sandcastles,negotiating contracts while nurturing her child'scuriosity, and managing maintenance scheduleswhile enjoying family picnics.Her journey is a testament to the incrediblecapacity of parents to juggle multiple roles withgrace and love. It proves that every challenge canbe turned into an opportunity for growth andhappiness with the right mindset.
15%were at homeO U T C O M E SBIRTH7470%Tot a l Com m u nity B irths25%were water bi r t h s5%Ces a rean B i rthsadm itt ed in lab orris ked ou t pre nat all yhad th eir ba by atthe Bi rth Ce nte ror at hom erec eiv ed pre nat al& p ost par tumcar e o nlymov ed or cha nge dpro vid ers2823774012wer e r efe rre d t othe ho spi tal af terlab or beg anenrolled in careJ U L Y 2 0 2 2 - J U N E 2 0 2 355%of the commun i t y b i rths...were at thebirth center
O U T C O M E SBIRTH92adm itt ed in lab orris ked ou t pre nat all yhad th eir ba by atthe Bi rth Ce nte ror at hom erec eiv ed pre nat al& p ost par tumcar e o nlymov ed or cha nge dpro vid ers3722665312wer e r efe rre d t othe ho spi tal af terlab or beg anenrolled in careJ U L Y 2 0 2 3 - J U N E 2 0 2 470%Tot a l Com m u nity B irths10%were at home30%were water bi r t h s2%Ces a rean B i rths60%were at thebirth centerof the commun i t y b i rths...
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The Juneau Family Birth Center firmly believes that everyone should haveaccess to quality healthcare, regardless of their financial status. JFBC hasa donated care program available to all clients who qualify. This programis available on a sliding fee scale for people with incomes up to 200% ofthe National Poverty Guidelines, adjusted for Alaska. Discounts rangefrom 10% to 100%. All new clients of the Birth Center are informed of thedonated care program and any wish to participate are given anapplication to determine eligibility. Benefits provided through theprogram include coverage for prenatal, birth, and postpartum home andoffice visits, lab work, nursing supplies, and supplements. It's worthnoting that JFBC is the only practice in Juneau that offers discounted anddonated healthcare to uninsured pregnant women. In addition to the donated care program, JFBC offers financial counselingand payment plans. The staff members are well-versed in applying forDenali Care where appropriate and work tirelessly to guide clientstoward community and insurance resources. From July 2022 to June 2024, $71,453.75 worth of care was donated to families in need.percent of families seen receiveddiscounted or donated health care4 44 4D O N A T E D H E A L T H C A R ED O N A T E D H E A L T H C A R EJune 2022-July 2024
donateHOW TOWe are a 501(c)(3) non-profit that relies on the generous contributions of ourcommunity. Our Donated Health Care Program sponsors a family’s maternitycare with our midwives, regardless of their ability to pay.All donations help to increase AND improve our community’s access to qualityhealthcare services one family at a time.One time or monthly donations can be made through SquareWhen you register to donate with your Shoppers Card at Fred Meyers,they donate a portion of proceeds from your purchases to us.All profits from our Merch at Bonfire and in-office go toward our DonatedHealthcare Program.
341merchOur merchandise line was launched in2023! Featured items include sweatshirts,hoodies, t-shirts, tote bags, coffee mugs,bumper stickers, and more!2eventsIn 2023, delightful inaugural events like Tea inthe Park and an Open House becamecommunity favorites. These events fosteredcommunity bonds and left attendees with asense of togetherness and joy. Future plansinclude continuing these traditions and creatingmore opportunities for connection.insurance snapshotOne of our main priorities is providingtransparent and well-informed care. Toenhance this commitment, we launchedInsurance Snapshots in 2023. This toolprovides a detailed overview of individualinsurance plans, enabling us to give familiesan estimate of out-of-pocket costs andbetter prepare them for the financialaspects of childbirth.Year in ReviewYear in Reviewsite visit by CABCSimply put, accreditation opens doors toensuring leading maternity care practicesand facilities, guarantees our midwiveshave the necessary training and resources,and promotes a shared decision-makingprocess. The Juneau Family Birth Center isthe sole accredited facility in southeastAlaska, a status we have maintained since2006.stay tuned!stay tuned!In late 2024 ultrasound services will return to JFBC...
H a r m o n y A r m s t r on gB o b B a r t h o l o m e wJ e s s i c a D r a t h m an M cG u a nO t t i l i e a n d M a di G ri m e sP e t e r M a c d o u g a llG e o r g e M c G u a nO r i o n M c G u a nT h o m a s M c G u a nK o u r t n e y M e l t o nJ e n n i f e r M i l l e rW i l l i a m P a h lD i a n e R o s s m i l l erG r e g W h i t eA m b e r l y M i e l k eU l i a n a B i s c h o f fJ a m e s & M a r y W hi teT a y l e r B a r eK r i s z t i n a B u r yJ a m e s M c M a h o n II IJ e t t a W h i t a k e rS a r a E a r l yJ a y & W e n d o l y n M en zeH a n n a h C o o kS t a r k F a m i l yG i l b e r t F a m i l yJ o e l l e & K a r s u n Ne wp o r tA m a n d a M o s h e r Sc hm it zB r i t n e y R i t t e rA m a z o n S m i l e sK r o g e rN e t w o r k f o r G o odU n i t e d W a y o f SE A la s k aA n d a h a n d f u l of a no n y m o u sc o m m u n i t y m e m b er s!We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those whosupported JFBC throughout the last two years. Your contributionshave had an incredibly positive impact on countless lives, and weare immensely grateful for your continued support. Thank you!Thank you!
ALPINEACCUPUNCTUREAMELIAHANRAHANCOUNSELINGJAMESMCMAHONPROGRESSIONSPHYISCALTHERAPYWELL ALASKAPHYSICALTHERAPYJUNEAUWOMEN’SHEALTHINNERMOUNTAINWELLNESSSARAH SHADY-FARNSWORTHELLENANDREWSCOUNSELINGPsychotherapy(907) 419-4210Jenna O'Fontanella(907) 209-9904Stephanie Yates(907) 209-6157Laura Baker(907) 500-2599Jill Still(907) 796-9984Attorney & Law(907) 209-7646Psychotherapy(907) 796-9396Psychotherapy (907) 942-3615Alix Curtain(907) 723-8222Salmon Creek Health Center - Thriving & DiverseRecognizing all of our tenants as independent businesses, our intention isto host a neutral space where a vibrant collective of private practices canserve our community. www.salmoncreekhealth.com
1601 Salmon Creek LaneJuneau, AK 99801P: (907) 586-1203F: (907) 313-1403Scan to visit our website.