Lighting the Way:

Children’s Perinatal Care Navigator Role is a Valuable Resource for Parents of Multiples

The following article is an excerpt from Constellation, Children’s nursing magazine.

Imagine a roller coaster ride inside of a dark cave. The darkness hides any warnings about when the next drop or turn will come and offers no clues about which way to lean.

That was how one father described the two-year experience he and his wife had prior to, during, and after the birth of their triplets. While the “ride” that many parents of multiples experience is still a roller coaster, today Children’s Jean Kummer, RN, CNP, is there to light the way and help parents brace for each twist and turn.

“My role is to be available for families to answer questions, identify resources, prepare them for what they can expect, and also to just be there when the unexpected occurs,” said Kummer, who joined Children’s last June as the new program’s first perinatal care navigator.

An Advocate Throughout the Process

“To our knowledge, the perinatal care navigator position is something that doesn’t exist anywhere else,” said Pam VanHazinga, MBA, RN, director of Children’s critical care division. “Our vision was to provide parents with a consistent resource and advocate who could be with them through delivery and beyond.”

As a first step in determining how to best achieve that vision, Kummer and Pat Schaffner, Children’s “Families as Partners” program coordinator, conducted focus groups with parents who gave birth through Children’s and Abbott’s perinatal and neonatal program prior to the creation of the perinatal care navigator role.

It was during those focus groups that Kummer heard the roller coaster analogy. “There are so many unknowns for parents expecting multiples or a baby with a congenital anomaly,” Kummer said. “They do know they have a high-risk pregnancy and that things like prenatal classes directed at mothers who will give birth to single babies at 40 weeks don’t apply to them. They’re looking for someone who understands their needs.”

Kummer said many of the issues these parents face go beyond the actual birth of their children. Multiple births, for example, oftentimes have ramifications that may require home remodeling, career changes, care for older children, and financial challenges. “They have a lot of anxiety and many questions,” Kummer said. Following the focus groups, Kummer put all of her efforts toward meeting the substantial needs of these parents while reducing their anxiety as much as possible.

Consistency Fosters Confidence

“Until we talked to the parents, I didn’t fully appreciate the complexities they faced when working with two separate institutions in Children’s and Abbott — from working with different doctors and intensive care units to issues regarding insurance and billing,” VanHazinga said.

With Kummer as a point person, however, the distinctions between the two hospitals are made as seamless as possible for parents. Her presence also provides the consistency that helps foster confidence and reduces stress.

“Schedules don’t always allow for parents to meet with the same physician or specialist, but I can serve as one element of consistency throughout the process,” Kummer explained. “I’m also available to stay with them to explain or expand on what those doctors and specialists tell them.”

Anna Andvik, whose twins were born in February, said Kummer was a much-needed constant throughout the process. “After seeing so many different doctors and not always knowing where to go with questions, it was a huge relief to have one person dedicated to us. If she didn’t know an answer, she would find it for us. Shemade it so much easier for us to focus on ourselves and the babies.”

Andrea Daly, who gave birth to twin boys in January, said Kummer’s expertise was a source of comfort. “She put us at ease by taking time to answer all of our questions. No matter how long we needed her, she was there for us. I can’t imagine going through all that without her.”

Beyond the Walls of Children’s

The security and comfort that Kummer provides families often extends beyond the walls of Children’s and Abbott Northwestern. Kummer spends much of her time meeting with families in their homes to answer questions and identify local resources for ongoing needs.

Because the program is in its infancy, Kummer and VanHazinga said they are still trying to determine the parameters for Kummer’s work with parents, including at what point she will stop formally working with families.

“For now, we’re just seeing how the process evolves. Some families want to continue to work with me, either through home visits or phone and e-mail chats, after they’ve been home for a while,” Kummer said. “Others have a comfort level when they return home and that’s great too.”

Nudrat Iqbal, who gave birth to twin girls in January, continues to rely on Kummer as a trusted resource for questions and support. “When we were in the hospital, Jean’s presence created a significant and valuable personal connection. She provided a sense of security so it was only natural that we would continue to rely on her from time to time after we returned home.”

At the Journey’s End

Stories like those from Andvik, Daly, and Iqbal are a welcome confirmation

for Kummer that her role, while still relatively new, has already had a positive impact. “The passion I have for my job comes from helping and caring for families and making a difference in their lives.”

VanHazinga said it is Kummer’s passion that continues to drive the early success of the program. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without Jean. She has shown a lot of fortitude and a real commitment to families.”

Kummer’s commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed by those families with whom she works. She said she has received many thank-you notes and phone calls. Perhaps her favorite recognition comes in the form of e-mails or letters with photos from proud and grateful parents.

“They say things like, ‘Our baby is now 13 pounds,’ or ‘He’s now off the ventilator,’” Kummer said. “They are so appreciative and it’s so rewarding to see them knowing that I was a part of that journey.”

For a printed copy of Constellation, send an e-mail request to childrens.education@childrensmn.org.