What to Expect at a Baby Friendly Hospital
What to Expect at a Baby Friendly HospitalPg 1TranscriptHospitals and birthing centers designated ‘baby friendly’ follow a list of guidelines based on up todate medical research designed to support you as you give your baby the best start in life possible.From the moment right after birth when skin to skin contact is so important in establishing a strongbond, until the moments you leave the hospital to begin a life together, baby friendly hospitals andbirthing centers make sure you have everything you need to be a successful, confident parent.Because breastmilk is the most nutritious food for newborns, baby friendly hospital staff help momand baby begin breastfeeding as soon after birth as possible; usually within the first hour.Breastfeeding is natural, but it is a learning process for both mom and baby. Baby friendly hospitalstaff will help new moms recognize their babies’ feeding cues and help them to feed on demand.“Well, actually Dexter is going to decide how long he wants to nurse on that first side. Sothere really isn’t any set time as to how many minutes he should have on each side, he’lldetermine.”Lactation consultants and hospital staff will help make sure both baby and mom establish a goodbreastfeeding routine while in the hospital so moms feel confident they are providing all thenutrition their baby needs and can maintain that routine when they get home.If you have any breastfeeding problems or challenges, staff can help you find solutions quickly,making your first few days as a breastfeeding mom less stressful. And they are there to answerany questions you may have about what to expect when breastfeeding.“He’s going to suck, suck, suck, swallow, breathe and then maybe forget for a minute whathe was doing, then wake back up and nurse again. That’s normal and expected for verynew babies.”In a baby friendly hospital or birthing center you and your baby will ‘room in’. This means yourbaby will be in your room night and day during your stay. This way you can get to know your babybefore you go home from the hospital. You will know what to expect as he breathes, feeds andsleeps. And if you have any questions about your baby’s behavior, staff members are there tohelp.To further support moms, after you leave the hospital, baby friendly centers can give you access tobreastfeeding and newborn support groups in your area, giving you a never-ending circle ofknowledge, advice and support.To find a baby friendly hospital or birthing center in your area go to: www.babyfriendlyusa.org/findfacilities.This program is for informational purposes only; for all health related issues please contact your healthcareprovider. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this videofor medical decision making. ob_10032_98 ©Milner-Fenwick, Inc.
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