Why St. Louis program for antepartum moms is getting national attention

A long stay in the hospital often means dealing with fear and boredom. But for expectant mothers who find themselves hospitalized for weeks to monitor their pregnancies, they face isolation at a time when they need support the most. In 2024, more than 7,400 babies born in Missouri — or 11% — were preterm, before 37 weeks gestation. In St. Louis, a rare antepartum arts program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital is "meant to bridge the gap between hospital rooms," writes Missouri Independent health reporter Anna Spoerre. Spoerre's Feb. 23 story explored the hospital's 15-year-old antepartum program, which is the only one of its kind in the Midwest. Emily Paino-Brenneman, the program’s coordinator, talks about the program and why it's drawing attention from other states. We also learn about the origins of the program (and how art can be an important part of the healing process) with the program's recently retired founder, Sarah Colby.