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As Arkansas continues to rank first in the nation for postpartum mortality and morbidity, the Labor and Delivery team at Baptist Health Medical Center–Drew County is working with purpose and precision to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns.
While the entire department is made up of dedicated healthcare heroes, several team members recently shared insight into the work being done behind the scenes to provide safe, compassionate care.
The department has earned Platinum Status for Safe Reduction of Primary Cesarean Sections from the Perinatal Quality Collaborative for two consecutive quarters, reflecting its commitment to evidence-based
practices and patient-centered care.
Nurse Manager Kristen Smith, along with Leigh Bayird, Sonja Snow, Lisa Swain and Audrey Jacobs, described a department where no two days are alike.
“We may have scheduled inductions or planned discharges, but most of the time, we don’t know what the day will bring,” Smith said.
Patients may arrive through the emergency room in active labor or for unrelated medical concerns. Expectant mothers beyond 20 weeks gestation are routinely monitored in the Labor and Delivery unit, and in trauma situations, the team can monitor a baby even while the mother remains in the emergency department.
The unit prioritizes practices that support both safety and bonding, including immediate skin-to-skin contact, delayed cord clamping and the “golden hour,” which allows families uninterrupted time together while helping regulate a newborn’s vital signs.
Each patient is cared for by the same nurse throughout their stay, fostering continuity and trust. The hospital also offers access to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, who provides support both during hospitalization and after discharge. Most mothers return home within 24 hours of delivery.
Though their paths into healthcare differ, each team member shares a deep commitment to their work.
Bayird said she was drawn to nursing to care for her mother during an illness. Jacobs, now an OB technician and nursing student, found her calling after witnessing her sibling’s birth at the hospital. Snow said her love of caring for children led her to the profession, while Smith initially pursued pre-med before discovering nursing offered more meaningful patient interaction. Swain, who has spent 36 years at Baptist Health–Drew County, said she always knew she wanted to be a nurse.
Despite the challenges, the emotional impact of their work never fades.
“It never gets old,” Smith said. “I still tear up during deliveries at times.”
For Bayird, the relationships built with patients are especially meaningful.
“You get close to your patients,” she said. “We’ll switch schedules to be there for them and sometimes even stay after we clock out.”
The team said witnessing the miracle of childbirth and helping new parents gain confidence is among the most rewarding aspects of their work.
On the most difficult days, they lean on one another.
“It’s our team that keeps us going,” they said. “We do it for each other, for our patients and for our community.”
Those connections often extend far beyond the hospital walls. Snow recalled a premature birth that led to a lasting friendship with a patient, while Bayird shared that one mother honored her by giving her baby Bayird’s name as a middle name.
The team acknowledges ongoing challenges, including staffing during high patient volumes, but said strong support systems help them maintain quality care. As part of the Baptist Health system, they have access to resources such as the OB Hub in Little Rock, where additional nurses assist in monitoring laboring mothers across the network.
In high-pressure situations, teamwork is critical.
“That’s what we’re best at,” Smith said. “We have experienced nurses and strong support staff . We never handle a delivery alone.”
For those considering a career in labor and delivery, the team emphasized the importance of passion and preparation.
“You have to truly care about what you’re doing,” they said. “Spend time shadowing and make sure it’s the right fit. It can go from calm to critical in a matter of moments.”
Above all, the staff said their work is rooted in the community they serve.
“Drew County is a place where people genuinely care about one another,” they said. “That’s what makes what we do so meaningful.”
In a field where moments of joy and uncertainty often exist side by side, healthcare heroes like the labor and delivery team at Baptist Health–Drew County continue to show up with compassion, strength and unwavering dedication. They are there for families at some of life’s most important moments—offering comfort, guidance and expert care. Long after patients leave the hospital, the impact of their kindness and commitment remains, a lasting reminder of the vital role they play in the health and heart of their community.
