Perinatal Navigator

At Daviess Community Hospital, we offer programs to combat high infant mortality rates. We provide confidential screening, support, referrals, treatment and education for expectant mothers, infants and families. Our team includes Perinatal Navigator Desireé Lewis, BSN, RN, CHC, and Joan Cox, Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW), CHC.

Desireé is a nurse with more than 15 years of maternal health experience serving as our Perinatal Navigator with a particular specialty in offering services to women with medical conditions during pregnancy and the postpartum period. She currently sees patients who do not qualify for health insurance and have barriers to receive prenatal care or child well visits. To see if you qualify for an appointment, please call (812) 698-6042.

Joan is a Community Health Worker with many years of extensive knowledge assisting patients to community resources. She also has a background in childhood development that has extended her knowledge working with our youngest of patients.

Our Perinatal Navigators and support staff will connect families with the healthcare resources they need to improve birth outcomes.

Our goals are to:

Reduce infant mortality
Break through barriers
Improve access to quality healthcare
Guide families to improved social and financial support
Educate and support women, their partners, and families

High-risk Pregnancy Care - Perinatal care starts when your OB-GYN identifies a health concern with mother or baby during the pregnancy. If your pregnancy is considered high-risk, we offer a Perinatal Navigator, Desiree’ Lewis, RN, BSN, to educate and guide you throughout your pregnancy. She is available to help ensure that your pregnancy and birth experience are everything you hoped. Click HERE for a referral form.

Desireé Lewis, RN, BSN, DCH Perinatal Navigator
(812) 254-2760 Ext. 1333 or (812) 698-6042 (texting welcome).

What You Can Do During Pregnancy:

Schedule Regular Checkups with your OB Provider
Find/Receive Available Resources and Support
Sign up for Prenatal Classes
Take a Guided Tour of the OB Unit (Coming Soon)
Choose a Pediatric Provider
Arrange a Car Seat Check

How We can Help after Delivery:

Connect with community resources and support
Learn about managing postpartum depression
- Postpartum Resources:
Get breastfeeding support, including one-on-one education with a lactation consultant
Keep up with well child appointments

Baby’s First Year

Feeling anxious during this time is completely normal for parents. We will be here as a support after you bring your little one home. You’re not alone, let us help you navigate what comes next.

Your Baby’s Health

Regular medical check-ups will give your baby a healthy start to life. Your baby’s provider will:

Make sure they’re meeting developmental milestones
Chart their growth
Provide vaccinations to make your child immune to certain diseases
*based on insurance and provider some parents may need to go to the local Health Department for their baby’s vaccinations
Answer any questions

Find A Pediatric Provider For Your Baby

Your Health

This transitional period can be full of stress and anxiety. Your health can’t take a back seat during this time. Babies need happy and healthy moms. Your provider will see you for a postpartum check-up. Be sure to attend this appointment as you will be screened for postpartum depression and discuss family planning.

Postpartum Depression

Excitement, joy and fear can all describe the frenzy of emotions having a baby can bring. During this time, some mothers experience what they may not have expected: postpartum depression.

During the postpartum period, many mothers experience mood disturbances, commonly referred to as baby blues, including feelings of worry, unhappiness, and fatigue. Baby blues are generally mild, lasting a week or two.

However, if you just can't shake those feelings and experience more severe sadness and anxiety, you might be experiencing postpartum depression. Please reach out to our staff if you are experiencing these or other symptoms.

If you have feelings of harming yourself or baby call 911 or go to your closest Emergency Department. Postpartum Depression is real and we want to be here for you.

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