Adoption and Surrogacy

There are times when our family plans do not go according to plan.  Disappointment, frustration, and anxiety can all be related to this.  However, reproductive medicine has experienced incredible advances in medical knowledge, options, and success.  And we are excited to be part of the team leading the way here in Idaho.  The information shared here is only a brief overview of how the team providing care at St. Luke's have also advanced to enhance the experience and serve those who experience family growth in unique and various ways.

In October 2014 all of our staff at St Luke's attended an educational seminar entitled "Serving the Unique Family".  Dixie Weber, our administrator, arranged for Rebecca Vahle, from Parker Adventist's Family to Family Adoption Support Network, to come and speak with us about her own experience and feelings surrounding infertility.  Her story, enthusiasm, and passion inspired each of us to reflect on the way we view the families we serve.  We are excited to focus on family centered care, with a renewed perspective of the families we serve.

 

Since this time, a group has been formed and the process has been evaluated.  From reproductive assistance through prenatal care & delivery, and beyond to family education and billing practices, a team of our staff have become experts to assist families in this process.

St. Luke’s is proud to announce that our hospital is now an adoption and surrogacy sensitive health system.  Melissa Ward, has accepted the position of Program Manager for Unique Families at St Luke's.  She has worked tirelessly to help streamline the processes we have in place to support our patients who deliver babies as well as the families anxiously awaiting their arrival.

At St. Luke’s all families participating in an adoption or surrogacy arrangement can expect:

• ·         Adoption and Surrogacy trained staff and physicians that embrace the uniqueness of adoption and surrogacy. 
• ·         Respectful, supportive care recognizing that this looks differently for everyone. 
• ·         Specific Birthing Plans for birth mother and the prospective parents
• ·         Specific Birthing plans for surrogates and intended parents
• ·         Rooming in rooms for prospective and intended parents whenever possible
• ·         Individualized hospital tours

St. Luke’s is dedicated to providing a positive birth experience for all families.  We look forward to meeting you!

For more information on the Family to Family Adoption and Surrogacy Support Program at St. Luke’s contact Melissa (208)381-2431, Elaine (208) 381-2662 or email familytofamily@slhs.org