Birth Navigator Helps Guide Mothers Through Pregnancy at EAMC

Pregnancy often brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty. For many women, figuring out what to expect, and when, can be overwhelming. At East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC), Wendy Shelton, RN helps expectant mothers navigate the entire pregnancy experience through the hospital’s Birth Navigator program.

“Our goal is to empower women with knowledge, reduce anxiety and foster a sense of confidence as they approach labor and delivery,” said Shelton, who has 31 years of experience at EAMC.  

Launched in 2019, the Birth Navigator program at EAMC was designed to offer more personalized and comprehensive prenatal education than what many families typically receive. The program connects expectant mothers with a dedicated guide who helps them better understand their options and prepare for delivery. Appointments—available online and offered regularly each month—last about 90 minutes and focus on familiarizing mothers with the hospital experience from start to finish.

“Each appointment is tailored to address the individual needs of the mother but generally includes a detailed overview of what to expect when arriving at the hospital, including facility amenities and procedures,” Shelton said. “We discuss what to bring for labor, options for managing labor and delivery, and preparations for a C-section, if necessary.” 

That kind of preparation can offer mothers peace of mind by helping them feel more informed and in control. 

“Seeing the unit firsthand and understanding the resources available helps demystify the experience, making it less intimidating,” Shelton said.

In addition to the Birth Navigator program, East Alabama Health offers additional specialized classes for mothers before birth. Birth navigators can also help mothers decide which classes best meet their needs. 

“The Birth Navigator program seamlessly integrates with our other prenatal services, such as Prepared Childbirth Classes and Breastfeeding Preparation Classes,” she said. “By combining these services, we ensure that families are well-equipped, confident and supported at every stage of their pregnancy and early parenting journey.”

Mothers seeking support can also attend a breastfeeding support group held weekly on Thursdays. The group provides a comfortable place for breastfeeding mothers to share ideas as well as seek emotional support. An infant weight scale is also available at each session for mothers who wish to track their baby’s weight gain.

“These services complement each other by providing a comprehensive educational experience, reinforce key information and skills that mothers will use during labor, delivery and post-partum,” Shelton added. 

EAMC’s focus on patient-centered care has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, Newsweek named the hospital one of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals—a recognition of the hospital’s commitment to quality, safety, and support throughout the childbirth experience.

Shelton, who received a DAISY Award in 2023 for exceptional nursing care, says it’s the experience of helping families prepare that makes the program so meaningful to her.

“What I enjoy most is being part of such a special moment in a family’s life,” Shelton said. “Knowing that my guidance helps mothers feel more secure, informed and empowered as they prepare to welcome their baby is incredibly rewarding.”

Click here to learn more about the Birth Navigator Program or schedule an appointment. 

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About East Alabama Health

East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 314-bed regional referral hospital that is currently under construction to add 30 critical care beds. EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital provides emergency and outpatient services while its campus also features a nursing home and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,800 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University.