Bartlett Regional | HouseCalls | Spring 2016

www.bartletthospital.org 7 Expecting?—Our childbirth classes can help you prepare for the big day Obstetricians and nurses often spend years learning about childbirth. But parents-to-be usually only have a few months to prepare for their baby’s arrival. You may be worried about the prospect of labor and delivery—not to mention parenthood. But our childbirth classes can help ease your concerns. Knowledge you can use At Bartlett Beginnings, our classes can help expectant moms build confidence in their ability to give birth and can help birth partners learn how to be active members of the birthing team during labor and delivery. You and your partner can learn what to expect during labor, which may help reduce anxiety about childbirth. You’ll also have the chance to ask the instructor questions and talk about any concerns you have, and you’ll meet other expectant parents. Commonly covered topics in our classes include: w w Pain relief options, including massage, relaxation, breathing and medications. w w Labor and birthing positions. w w Common medical procedures used during labor and delivery. w w How to care for your newborn baby. w w Breast- and bottle-feeding tips and advice. Find out more If you’re interested in learning more about our childbirth classes, call 907-796-8975 or visit our website at www.bartletthospital.org . We can help you find out: w w Which of our classes is right for you. w w When and where classes take place. w w How many people are likely to be in the class. w w Whether any other classes may be useful to you. Something for everyone First-time parents aren’t the only ones who should consider childbirth classes. We offer refresher classes to help experienced parents brush up on childbirth information and methods. CHECK OUT OUR CENTER For more information about Bartlett Beginnings, our birthing center, go to www.bartletthospital.org . By Karen White, RN Bartlett Beginnings is excited to announce that we are now able to offer pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) instead of formula to breastfed infants who may need nutritional supplementation for medical reasons. Some of the medical indications for use of this product include hypoglycemia, excessive weight loss or supply issues. PDHM is donated to a designated milk-banking center, pasteurized, tested, and then frozen for shipment to its intended recipient. Donors go through a rigorous screening process including blood work to test for diseases such as HIV. The center Bartlett uses is in Portland, Oregon. This is a great benefit to breastfed babies. Some risks of introducing even one formula feed include compromising infant immunity to disease, increased risks of food allergies and shorter duration of breastfeeding. Bartlett Beginnings current breastfeeding initiation rate is 98 percent. We are extremely proud to be designated a Baby-Friendly facility and to fully support breastfeeding. Bartlett Beginnings OB nurses Joan Harvey, Kasia Spengler, Director Karen White and Charlotte Bennett show the first shipment of pasteurized human donor milk to arrive at Bartlett Regional Hospital. PDHM now available in Bartlett Beginnings If possible, you’ll spend your baby’s first hour after birth cuddled up together skin to skin. This helps regulate baby's heart rate, body temperature and breathing. Your baby stays in your room day and night, as long as you’re both healthy. That’s the best way to bond from the start. Since your baby will be close, you’ll be able to breastfeed as soon as you’re ready. And our trained staff will be there to help if you need it. Breastfeeding support Skin-to-skin time Home sweet home. If feeding problems come up after you go home, our staff can help then too. Rooming in The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global program launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).