East Jefferson General Hospital is nationally recognized by Baby Friendly
USA for promoting evidence-based maternity care practices facilitating
maternal-infant bonding and breastfeeding. East Jefferson General Hospital
provides mothers and their babies with support by skilled nurses for practices
such as early skin to skin contact, rooming-in, cue-based feedings, breastfeeding,
Safe Sleep principles and more. For more on Safe Sleep, please see the
Resources link on the left-side menu or by clicking
here.
Skin-to-skin contact promotes maternal-infant bonding, an important foundation
for future relationships. At East Jefferson General Hospital, skin-to-skin
contact and care begins immediately after birth or as early as mother
and baby are ready. It lasts for the first hour (or longer), including
the first breastfeeding. This contact allows mother and baby to share
touch, hearing, smell, taste, and warmth. Skin-to skin contact calms an
infant, for increased feelings of safety and lowered stress hormones.
Benefits of skin-to-skin care continue beyond the first day, throughout
the early weeks.
Practicing skin-to-skin may also help your baby:
Remain calm and cry less.
Regulate body temperature more easily.
Maintain normal heart rates, respiratory rates, blood pressures and blood
sugar levels.
Achieve a better, more effective latch.
Breastfeed exclusively and breastfeed longer.
Indicate when he is ready to feed.
Dads can also provide benefits to baby through skin-to-skin contact. Babies
know the sound of his voice which will help him to feel calm, safe and loved.
Rooming-in on a 24-hour basis
Rooming-in allows mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day
– a practice known to provide physical and psychological benefits
for mother and child. Skilled nursing staff is available to support mothers
and babies during rooming-in.
Benefits for mothers:
Easier breastfeeding, as mothers make and provide more milk.
More likely to breastfeed exclusively and for longer durations.
Same quality of sleep as mothers whose babies sleep in a hospital nursery.
Benefits for babies:
Cry less than babies kept in the nursery.
More likely to gain weight faster.
Sleep quietly between feedings and are soothed more easily.
Mothers are encouraged to enjoy time rooming-in, as mothers and their babies
develop their new relationship.
Uninterrupted cuddle time
“Cuddle Time” at East Jefferson General Hospital recognizes
needs and requests of new mothers and their babies by providing uninterrupted
time each day from 2-4 pm to promote bonding, breastfeeding, rest, and
healing. Interruptions are limited to those requested by the patient or
medically necessary. Research confirms that daily rest time for new families
promotes healing, maternal-infant bonding, improved breastfeeding, and
improved infant growth and development.
Extraordinary neonatal care
East Jefferson General Hospital is committed to providing our smallest
and most vulnerable patients with the best care.
