Tuesday, August 14, 2018
SJRMC Pursuing Baby-Friendly Designation
San Juan Regional Medical Center is on a journey to becoming a Baby-Friendly facility, joining nine New Mexico hospitals with the designation. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is an evidence based program accredited by Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. It is designed to support mother/baby bonding and optimal infant feeding practices by following the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding which includes skin to skin contact and rooming in.
San Juan Regional Medical Center has completed three of the four phases required and is currently working on the final phase: Designation. As part of this phase, we are implementing quality improvement plans to ensure that mothers and babies get skin to skin time immediately after delivery and practicing rooming-in. Rooming-in involves keeping mothers and babies together throughout the hospital stay. It has many benefits for both mother and baby:
• Better Quality Sleep
Mothers and babies sleep better when rooming-in.
• Less Crying and Distress
Being with their mother is “home” for newborns so they are less upset and cry less.
• Improved Breastfeeding Experience
A new mother’s milk comes in sooner when their baby is near. Mothers who room-in tend to nurse their babies longer. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended during the first six months by the American Academy of Pediatricians.
• More Frequent Feedings
Parents learn to recognize feeding cues when their babies stay in the same room. This doesn’t happen when you are separated. More frequent feedings also leads to better weight gain.
• Less Jaundice
• Better Opportunity to Get to Know One Another
Parents have more frequent interactions with their baby while rooming-in with more opportunities to touch, look at, and get to know one another better. This helps develop a better bond with your baby.
At San Juan Regional Medical Center, we do everything we can to give all mothers the information, confidence, and skills they need to successfully initiate optimal feeding practices and bond with their babies. Our breastfeeding support team includes Board Certified and Advanced Lactation Consultants who are available six days a week for consultations throughout pregnancy, during a hospital stay, or after you are home with your new baby. Call 505.609.6484 to schedule an appointment. We also offer breastfeeding and baby care classes as a community benefit. Visit our website for a schedule of classes: https://www.sanjuanregional.com/classes-community