FORT KENT — The Northern Maine Medical Centerhas implemented a prenatal and postnatal program for women who have babies at the hospital.

Linda Morin, head nurse in the Obstetric Unit at the hospital, said, “The trend toward shorter length of stays for women delivering their babies at the hospital has made it difficult for us to do the necessary instruction while the mother and the baby are in the facility.”

Developed over a period of six months, Morin said, “The program will kick in even before a mom is ready to deliver.” An obstetrics nurse will provide training sessions for expectant mothers several weeks before due dates for birthing.

The sessions, scheduled to accommodate the mother, will be coordinated with the mother-to-be’s physician.

Drs. George Conover and Paul Pelletier, who have delivered more than 100 babies at the NMMC in the last year, have been involved in the development of the program. Conover said he is enthusiastic about the program and look forward to working closely with nurses providing the service.