Congratulations on Your Pregnancy!
Your life soon will be filled with excitement and many, many questions. We are here to help - as doctors, as neighbors, and as friends - all along the way.
Family Centered OB Care
These nine months are some of the most special and important of your life. Because so much of what you do affects both you and your baby, it's important to develop a relationship with medical professionals you can trust.
Why choose a family doctor?
Although some women may prefer to see an obstetrician for their prenatal care, there are many reasons why choosing a family doctor may be right for you. Family physicians are specialists who provide medical services for the whole family. Family doctors are trained in internal medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatrics. A family physician is interested in the whole family as well as all the aspects of your health, not just your pregnancy. He or she will view your pregnancy as a natural part of the life cycle, not as an illness. Here at Newberry Family Health Center, we want to do all we can to help you feel comfortable and welcome.
Doctors You Can Trust
All of our physicians are certified by the American Board of Family Practice and have received residency training in obstetrics. Our physicians are certified in Advanced Life Support for Obstetrics (ALSO) and Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS). Drs. Mike Bernardo and Jonathan Dale have received extra training in Cesarean Sections and have privileges at Newberry County Memorial Hospital to perform C-sections in the event that you should need one. We are committed to providing you with the best possible care.
Michael J. Bernardo, M.D.
Mike received his medical degree from Cornell University in 1989 and spent time researching tropical medicine before completing his residency in family medicine at the University of Virginia. He served as Chief Resident there before moving to Newberry County in 1992. He and Darly have four children.
Jonathan Dale, M.D.
Jonathan earned his Doctor of Medicine from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Loma Linda, California. He then completed his fellowship and residency at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, Spartanburg, SC. Most recently, he went on an Ecuador Medical Mission Trip and also worked in a Migrant Public Health Clinic. He and his wife Krista have three children, Zachary, Nathan, and Micah.
On Call for You
We know that babies don't always follow office hours and your care is important to us. We ask that, whenever possible, you recognize our normal office hours of 8:15 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. In return, we are on call for you when you need us. After hours, simply call the hospital at 276-7570 and ask for the Newberry Family Health Center doctor on call. One of us will get back to you promptly.
Questions You May Have
It's normal to wonder about many things now and in the months ahead. We welcome your questions and can help with caring and thorough answers to all of the following and more.
Your Body
Weight Gain
Drugs you can take/those you can't
Dietary changes
Is it normal to...
- be so tired?
- have my feet swell?
- have strange pains?
When should you call the doctor?
What should your activity level be during different phases of pregnancy?
Your Baby
When can you learn the sex of your child?
When can you expect to feel movement?
Developmental milestones.
Your Delivery
How do you know when it's REALLY labor?
When is it time to call the hospital?
What kinds of birth options are there?
How long will you be in the hospital?
What can you expect in the hospital?
Your New Life
How do you decide between breast feeding/bottle feeding?
What is post-partum?
What immunizations will your baby need?
What is the schedule of health care needed for your baby?
Where do you turn for advice on "new parent" concerns?
Every birth is a miraculous event and you and your family are unique in the way you experience it. Take the time to enjoy and to understand the daily mysterious changes. For personal and individual care for you and your baby throughout his or her growing years, please give us a call at 803-405-1900.
