Scotland Women’s Care, a new OB/Gyn practice, is now open. The practice is the latest in Scotland Health Care System’s effort to increase access to medical care to the communities served. Scotland Women’s Care is located at 705-A Lauchwood Drive, Laurinburg.  Dr. Anila Ricks-Cord, a familiar face to many women, provides care at the new practice. Joining her is Dr. Patricia Middleton, an ob/gyn physician who, until recently, provided ob/gyn care in Richmond County.  Together, these two ob/gyn physicians offer a wide array of obstetrical and gynecological care.

Dr. Ricks-Cord settled in Laurinburg just over a year ago.  Upon earning her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, DC, Dr. Ricks-Cord then completed a three-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology and a one-year fellowship in operative obstetrics at York Hospital in York, Pennsylvania.  She specializes in high-risk obstetrics.

“Starting a new women’s practice in Laurinburg is an exciting time,” commented Dr. Ricks-Cord.  I am so pleased Scotland Health Care System provided the opportunity to expand the services offered to the women in our community. Dr. Middleton and I share a very similar patient care philosophy and we work very well together. Our practice is conveniently located in Prestwick Park, where I hope I continue to see many familiar faces.”

With over 26 years of medical experience, Dr. Patricia Middleton is dedicated to providing excellent medical care.  “What’s important to me is caring for my patients,” she commented. “I treat them as if they are part of my family.  In this new Laurinburg practice I plan to provide the excellent care for which Scotland Health Care System is well known.”

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Middleton earned her medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School and completed an Ob/Gyn internship at Franklin Square Hospital in Rosedale, Maryland, before completing her Ob/Gyn residency at the University of Cincinnati.  She has strong ties to this area, having practiced in Rockingham for many years.

The beautiful and impressive new practice was created with the assistance of local businesses.  Ginger Townsend of Bill Evans Company assisted in the selection of office and lobby furniture. Her expertise and commitment to customer service helped to provide quality products and supplies.  Robert McLaurin of Parker Furniture lent his expertise in the design and décor of the practice.  “Robert is a very talented professional decorated and space planner,” commented Katherine Pickett, Director of Materials Management.  “The office is stunning and I know that the women who visit the practice are going to be delighted with this facility, as well as with the expert medical care provided by Doctors Middleton and Ricks-Cord.”

Scotland Women’s Care is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.  Appointments can now be made by calling 910-276-7552.

Expecting mothers now have increased support at The Women’s Center at Scotland Memorial as they consider whether to breastfeed their new babies. Tammy Myatt, International Board Certified and registered lactation consultant has joined The Women’s Center at Scotland Memorial and now provides lactation care to mothers and their support persons five days per week.

Myatt worked for Cape Fear Valley Medical Center for six years, Womack Army Medical Center for seven years, and with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service for nine years.  “I know there is a great need in Scotland County for a lactation consultant and now that my boys are older and in school I wanted to return to fulltime work,” she stated.

Myatt conveys to moms that breastfeeding is the norm and the trend is growing.  “Breastfeeding saves money,” she stated.  “Information is now available on the Internet and moms are more educated than ever about breastfeeding.  Early education helps moms and other family members to make the decision to breastfeed, which leads to healthier babies and healthier moms, as well as less time off from work or school for the mom.  Breastfeeding is not only the best thing but the healthiest thing for the baby.”

Myatt says that though it seems like breastfeeding should be a natural thing for women, most often that’s not the case. “Many times the actual labor and delivery, a birth trauma, or medication can deter women from breastfeeding. Some women need a little handholding and extra instruction to get the process started.  Having a person who specializes in breastfeeding helps each new mother. We want to ensure every mother who wishes to breastfeed to be successful.”

Along with instruction for new mothers, fathers, and other support persons, Myatt facilitates a monthly breastfeeding class on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the Staff Development Center at Scotland Memorial Hospital.  “It’s very important for women to receive information before they even deliver their baby,” added Myatt.

Following the baby’s birth, mothers can attend the Breastfeeding Support Group.  “The support group meets the first Wednesday of each month from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm in the Staff Development Center.  Interested mothers should bring their baby and a bag lunch. Because their support person is an important part of the breastfeeding process, we also invite them to attend the breastfeeding support group meetings.

Michal Glass, Director of the Women’s Center at Scotland Memorial, says her entire staff is delighted with the addition of Mrs. Myatt.  “It’s been a long time since we’ve had a dedicated lactation consultant in the Women’s Center. Tammy’s role is to educate parents and our staff, support breastfeeding, and serve as a support for our patients once they go home.  She brings many years of experience and tremendous knowledge to her role. She is excited about being here and helping the patients in our community. ”

For additional information about the services and care provided at the Women’s Center at Scotland Memorial, please contact Tammy Myatt, IBCLC, RLC, at 910-291-6806.