PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Charline Ogbeni, Owner of Supporting Our Mothers Initiative
3:08:05
·
126 sec
Charline Ogbeni, representing Supporting Our Mothers Initiative, advocates for the expansion of birth centers in New York City and the establishment of a donor milk bank. She highlights the need for more birth centers due to the high number of low-risk births and potential hospital closings, and proposes changes to the certificate of need requirement for birth centers.
- Mentions several examples of out-of-hospital births in NYC to emphasize the need for more birth options
- Argues that birth centers are safe, comfortable, and cost-effective alternatives to hospital births for low-risk pregnancies
- Proposes the adoption of deemed status for CABC accredited facilities to replace the current licensure process for birth centers
- Advocates for establishing the first bipopular donor milk bank in New York City to support vulnerable populations and reduce future health disparities
Charline Ogbeni
3:08:05
Good afternoon.
3:08:05
My name is Charlene Albini, and thank you for the opportunity to test Fi here today, our represent supporting our Mueller's initiative, a kudos to college company that provides parenting support and resources to families across New York.
3:08:18
We provide full spectrum doula service and lactation services to families.
3:08:23
In 2009, a baby girl was born on the B Sixty One bus.
3:08:27
In 2017, a MTA subway cleaner assisted a baby born on the 4,506 Brooklyn Bridge stop.
3:08:35
In 2023, a baby was born on the Jackie Robinson Parkway.
3:08:39
And just this week, a baby was born on the I nine ninety update in our aggregate city.
3:08:44
The list of out of hospital birth schools on and on, and these stories often capture attention and make news.
3:08:50
But there seldom any news or recognition for births that happen at birth centers.
3:08:54
Currently, there is only one birth center in New York City, despite the fact that over a 100,000 babies are born each year here in the city.
3:09:03
The majority of these births are vaginal and don't require hospital admission, which means many families can benefit from the option of birthing and the birth center.
3:09:10
But the impending potential hospital closings, we want to offer this as a solution to help triage low risk maternity needs as the remaining hospitals have to grapple with the overwhelming need but minimal resources.
3:09:23
One of the barriers holding back the expansion of birth sentence in New York State is the certificate of need requirement.
3:09:30
We are advocating for the adoption of deemed status for CABC accredited facilities replacing the current licensure process.
3:09:38
Birth centers offer a unique and valuable approach to childbirth providing as an environment that is supportive, safe, and comfortable.
3:09:44
It also is cost effective when compared to traditional hospitalization for the same individual.
3:09:51
Additionally, I want to propose the committee support for establishing a 1st bi popular donor milk bank in a in the city, in New York City.
3:09:59
An investment in donor breast milk is an investment in our future citizens and reduces the long term cost of future health disparities experienced by our most vulnerable populations.
3:10:09
Thank you.
