The teams of the maternity and pediatrics department of the Lozère hospital. Midi Libre – Manon Baffie
The maternity ward of the Lozère hospital takes stock of the past year and discusses its plans for 2025.
In 2024, 332 children were born in the maternity ward of the Lozère hospital. A figure that is falling, as in the rest of France. “We have noticed that there are more transfers to university hospitals“, notes Gretel Grimal, maternity manager. These may be very premature babies or children suffering from pathologies that require more complex care. We have also observed an increase in home births, whether unexpected or chosen. Despite a decrease in the number of births, the maternity unit has nevertheless recorded an increase in general activity. “There have been more day hospitalizations in obstetrics and gynecology for monitoring diabetes or other pregnancy pathologies“, explains Gretel Grimal. The causes are multiple: more pathologies, more obesity, later pregnancies. “But it is not more marked here than elsewhere in France.”
Not a single day of closure last year
Above all, the maternity ward can boast of not having closed a single day in 2024. A rare case in the Occitanie region (excluding CHU). “It is largely thanks to Dr. Prevost-Ferey, the head of department, who held on sometimes at the risk of her vacations and kept the maternity ward running no matter what. She got involved in finding replacements and bringing in doctors from Montpellier.” Last year, the department welcomed two doctors who graduated abroad. On the pediatric side, the services are also evolving, with the creation of a women-child center under the direction of Dr. Douksi and the arrival of a new pediatrician.
Little Thalia and her mother. DR – Lozère Hospital
Thalia, last baby of 2024
Thalia Idmont let out her very first cry on Monday, December 30, at the maternity ward Lozère hospital. This is the second child of Olga Goncalvez and Damien Idmont. The last baby of 2024 is therefore a little Floracoise!
New features in 2025
Since the beginning of the year, the maternity ward has been offering new services. It now offers lactation consultations with a pediatric nurse as well as perineal rehabilitation sessions using eutony. A non-invasive method based on relaxation and muscle strengthening. “It's similar to a kind of yoga or gymnastics. There's no need to undress, which can be good for some patients“, explains the maternity manager.
2025 also marks the resumption of childbirth preparation classes in the pool accompanied by a midwife. They take place every Friday at 11 a.m., at the Marceau-Crespin swimming pool. At the same time, all maternity staff continue to receive training in order to move “towards more natural care“, with sessions on physiological childbirth in particular.
Little Olivia and her parents. Midi Libre – Manon Baffie
Olivia, first baby of 2025
Olivia Lombard was born on Thursday, January 2. She is the first child of Anouchka Gachet and Adrien Lombard, residents of Cultures. In addition to being the first baby of the year, Olivia is also the biggest baby of the week at 3.65 kg.
Towards eco-maternity labeling
But the big project of the year will undoubtedly be eco-maternity labeling. Several actions have already been implemented. The milk is now organic and the diapers, produced in France, do not contain chlorine or endocrine disruptors. The maternity ward now wants to introduce washing the floors with water, without chemicals, in order to make the baby's environment safer. “We know that this is a vulnerable time. They are particularly sensitive to endocrine disruptors.”