Baptist Health System Mom and Kids :: Post Partum Massage Blog

News, Classes & Events
- Classes
- Archived Blogs

August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month!

Friday, August 12, 2011

In the NICU, we know that "breastmilk is best"; especially for our premature infants. Here in the NCBH NICU, we are committed to helping Moms and babies to successfully breastfeed (or at least to try to provide breastmilk for feedings). Check out our Lactation Center website or stop-by the Lactation Center if you have questions about breastfeeding, need supplies, or are interested in donating milk through the Texas Milk Bank. Our Lactation Specialists are awesome!

National Breastfeeding Awareness Month is a part of the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services' breastfeeding campaign. According to their website (www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/government-in-action/national-breastfeeding-campaign): "The overall goal of the campaign was to increase the proportion of mothers who breastfeed their babies in the early postpartum period to 75% and those within six months postpartum to 50% by the year 2010 (Healthy People 2010). The campaign aimed to empower women to commit to breastfeeding and to highlight new research that shows that babies who are exclusively breastfed for six months are less likely to develop ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory illnesses, and may be less likely to develop childhood obesity."

Here's to healthy babies!
Julie Hudson, MSN, RN
NCBH NICU

Comments (0) | Permalink

Tags :: NICU; Breast Feeding; Preemie; North Central Baptist Hospital; Neonatal; Lactation; prematurity; Milk Production

The Little Things

Monday, February 07, 2011

“At the turn of the 20th century, there was little that a physician could do for premature infants except keep them warm, feed them breast milk, isolate them from strangers and each other, weigh them daily, and hope for the best”
(Neonatology on the Web, 2009).

Modern medical technology and scientific discovery have taken us a long way from the days when treating infants was unheard of, and yet, many things have remained the same. Just like the quote above, we still rely heavily on the basics of preemie care: warmth, breast milk, isolation, and hope. We still don’t have all the answers (and maybe we never will). We do know; however, that sometimes it is the little things-the most basic of human care- that matter the most. What are some of the “little things” that matter most to you?

Please email me (by clicking on my name below) or click on the comment link and share your ideas with our NICU families.

Hoping for the best,
Julie Hudson, MSN, RN

Neonatology on the Web. (2009, June 28). The sociology and ethics of neonatology. Retrieved from http://neonatology.org/tour/sociology.html

Comments (0) | Permalink

Tags :: NICU; Breast Feeding; Support; hope; Preemie; North Central Baptist Hospital; Neonatal; prematurity

Walk-In Weight Checks

Friday, January 28, 2011

Slow weight gain can be a concern for some nursing couples, especially in the early weeks as milk supply is being established. Frequent and early assessment of milk supply as well as feeding observations can help offset or eliminate issues.

Nursing couples are welcome to free milk transfer evaluations and weight checks. A baby that is breastfeeding well should gain 4 to 7 ounces per week in the first 3 to 4 months. The Mother's Milk First Lactation Center at North Central Baptist Hospital is available for free walk-in weight checks Monday through Friday 9 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 4 pm. Consults for concerns or issues are by appointment only. Let us help your family achieve your breastfeeding goals.

Comments (10) | Permalink

Tags :: Breast Feeding; Support; Lactation; Milk Production

This Weekend - Breastfeeding Challenge!

Friday, October 01, 2010

North Central Baptist Hospital will be hosting the International "Quintessence" Breastfeeding Challenge this year. On October 2nd at 11:00 am CST, we will have a spontaneous breastfeeding latch-on throughout the world. Last year more than 6000 babies were counted in the official world-wide count. There will be snacks, door prizes and educational booths for the entire family. Join us in the Atrium Lobby.

Saturday, October 2nd
9:30 am to 12:00 pm
North Central Baptist Hospital
520 Madison Oak Drive, 78258
Atrium Lobby

Registration - Contact Mary Beth to register at 297-2069 or email mblue5000@yahoo.com. Registration is not required. First 50 to register will receive a free gift and be eligible for door prizes.

Comments (0) | Permalink

Tags :: Breast Feeding; North Central Baptist Hospital; Lactation

Finding the Best Breast Pump

Friday, September 17, 2010

Many new parents have questions about the "best" breast pump. There are many factors that influence choice: frequency of use, needs of mom/baby, exclusive pumping versus occasional use, employment outside of the home, etc. While there are many breast pumps available for purchase, not all are effective in removal of milk or the establishment or maintainenance of a milk supply. For further information on breast pump ratings from 2 non-commercial sites, visit:

www.breastpumpcomparisons.com

www.babyproducts.about.com/od/feedingdrinks/bb/breastpumpbuy.htm

Comments (0) | Permalink