Mother and Baby Care News and Events - Baptist Health System

Accreditation for Breastfeeding Program Earned by Baptist Health System

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Accreditation for Breastfeeding Program Earned by Baptist Health System
Hospitals Celebrate During World Breastfeeding Week

San Antonio, Texas - Baptist Health System has taken a giant step towards improving the health of newborns and infants by earning the Texas Ten Step designation from the Department of State Health Services and the Texas Hospital Association.

The Texas Ten Step Program encourages breastfeeding�as the preferred method of feeding newborns and infants. North Central Baptist Hospital joins a growing number of Texas hospitals and birthing centers now teaching new mothers that breastfeeding is the best nutritional choice to improve their baby's health.

Through the use of 10 goals or "steps," the program aims to help facilities support�breastfeeding mothers before, during, and after delivery; encourage facilities to identify breastfeeding resources for the mother after she is discharged; and encourage hospitals and birth centers to reach the Texas Breastfeeding Initiative's goal of having 75 percent of their mothers breastfeeding before they go home from the hospital with their newborn.

Texas Ten Step maternity staffs receive breastfeeding training within the first six months of employment and receive annual updates. This training includes the advantages of breastfeeding, anatomy and physiology of breastfeeding, how to solve common breastfeeding problems, and the impact of introducing formula and pacifiers before breastfeeding is established. Training also includes supervised clinical experience, a system of referral to breastfeeding specialists after discharge, and a list of community resources.

"We have worked very hard to earn the Texas Ten Step designation," said Jack Cleary, President, North Central Baptist Hospital. "And we are proud to join the other select Texas facilities in promoting breastfeeding to our new mothers."

For more information on the Texas Ten Step Program, call Kristina Arrieta at (512) 341-4400, ext. 2281 or visit the web site at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wichd/lactate/TXfact.shtm

Free Pregnancy Testing Centers

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Wondering if you are pregnant? Baptist Health System offers five free pregnancy testing centers..

Early medical care during pregnancy leads to healthier babies. At any location, you can find out if you're expecting a baby and get the services you need to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Free and confidential pregnancy testing with no appointment necessary. Find out your results in minutes.
Free physician referral service. You can select a private physician from our list of highly trained obstetricians and gynecologists, and our staff will schedule your first appointment.
Free help to determine if you qualify for Medicaid or other financial assistance. Get help with application paperwork from our bilingual staff.
Free prenatal education classes. Take Early Pregnancy, Lamaze, Parenting and Breast Feeding classes.

Our knowledgeable and experienced staff will help you locate assistance for all of your needs through social service programs such as WIC (Women, Infants and Children Program), Headstart and literacy programs.

WIC is a nutrition program that helps pregnant women, new mothers, and young children eat well, learn about nutrition, and stay healthy. Nutrition education and counseling, nutritious foods, and help accessing health care are provided to low-income women, infants, and children through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program, popularly known as WIC.

Prenatal care is especially important in the first weeks of pregnancy and can help ensure your baby is born healthy. That is why it is so important to get tested early and if you are pregnant, to see a doctor as soon as possible to learn how to eat right and avoid things that might be harmful to your baby.

We're here to help you every step of the way, from free testing to finding a doctor and applying for Medicaid. We want to help ensure the good health of pregnant women and their babies from all San Antonio neighborhoods.

For more information, contact one of the locations below.

Free Pregnancy Testing & Healthy Women's Center
2614 West Commerce
San Antonio, TX 78207
(210) 227-BEBE (2323)

Free Pregnancy Testing & Healthy Women's Center
2000 SE Loop 410, Suite 128, at Rigsby
San Antonio, TX 78222
(210) 648-3366

Free Pregnancy Testing & Healthy Women's Center
1213 SW Military, Suite 1233,
San Antonio, Texas 78221
(210) 932-4122

Free Pregnancy Testing & Healthy Women's Center
5253 Walzem Road,
Suite 2,
San Antonio, TX 78218
(210) 599-0456

Free Pregnancy Testing & Healthy Women's Center
2828 Goliad Road,
Suite 125 (in Mission Crossing Center,
San Antonio, TX 78223
(210) 337-4233
Fax: (210) 337-4210

Free Pregnancy Testing & Healthy Women's Center
3703 Fredericksburg
San Antonio, TX 78201-3216
210-785-4924

Free Pregnancy Testing & Healthy Women's Center
14100 Nacogdoches Rd. Ste 136
San Antonio, Tx 78247
Main Number 210-637-6288
Fax 210-637-5950

Your Child and Child Life at North Central Baptist Hospital

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Child Life Department at North Central Baptist Hospital is a fundamental part of your child's healthcare team.

�Child Life's goals are to:

·�� Promote normal growth and development

·�� Reduce the stress of hospitalization

·�� Provide support to patients and their families

These goals are accomplished�by providing developmentally appropriate activities for patients, educating and preparing children for medical procedures and treatments and serving as a resource for parents regarding child development and hospitalization issues.�

Child Life at North Central Baptist Hospital advocates for the patients' and families' needs and promotes their involvement during hospitalization.

The specialists function as vital members of the North Central Baptist Hospital healthcare team. Learn about some of the Child Life related services, below.

Pet-Assisted Therapy Program
Anyone who owns a dog knows that they are loyal and comforting friends. For a child dealing with illness or injury, a therapy dog can provide endless comfort and unconditional love. The specially trained and certified dogs that visit North Central Baptist hospital provide a non-threatening experience for the children. The Pet-Assisted Therapy dogs come to the hospital on most Fridays to visit our patients. These dog our certified and screened in order to become a therapy dog by Paws for Service and Delta Society.

Pre-Op Tour Program
This program allows families to go on a fun, educational and age-appropriate tour of the surgical areas. This tour is conducted by the Child Life Specialist in a non-threatening environment and will provide you child with a sense of familiarity with the equipment, environment and personnel.

This program includes:

Explanation of the procedure in an age-appropriate manner.

Viewing a picture book of the surgical area introducing the children to the actual sites they will see.

Explaining and experimenting with the�anesthesia breathing mask and recovery equipment

Touring key areas of the hospital including the waiting room, holding area, procedure room and recovery area

Explaining the importance of NPO, Nothing Per Oral (nothing by mouth), which includes, but is�not limited to no food, no water, no gum or candy.

We want you to know what to expect and how you will be served, so please plan on attending our Baptist Pre-Op Tour Program.� Call (210)�297-4083 to register.

Pre-Admission Tips For Parents:

1. Prepare yourself for your child*s admission. If you are at ease, your child will be able to sense it.

2. Be honest. Use simple language in you explanations.

3. Allow your child to express his feelings and/or fears Take a familiar toy, teddy, blanket, etc. It may help comfort your child.

4. Help your child select, rehearse, and effectively implement behaviors designed to reduce stress and increase coping.

5. Include brothers and sisters in the preparation. Encourage their participation.

6. Remind your child that they will be coming home.

7. Parents should consider themselves a part of the team.

North Central Baptist Hospital
520 Madison Oak Drive
San Antonio, Texas
78258-3912
Map & Directions

Expecting a Baby and Need Health Information?

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As an expectant parent, you're faced with a bewildering array of pregnancy and parenting information - books, magazines, television, and the well-meaning advice of friends and family.

It is difficult to know how to sort it all out. Now,�maternity patients at North Central Baptist Hospital have a trusted resource to guide them through pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the first year of their baby's life: North Central Baptist Hospital's weekly parenting e-mail.

This free weekly service for expectant parents and new parents includes customized information, news and resources - as well as announcements from our parent education staff, access to hospital classes, and tour information - all delivered to your in-box. Most importantly, our weekly parenting e-mail allows the hospital team to develop a richer, more supportive relationship with our parents - you.

When you register for the North Central Baptist Hospital weekly parenting e-mail, you'll receive information that's tailored to your personal week of pregnancy and then the age of your newborn. Plus, it's all free.

Bill the Blogger: Posts on Dads and Newborns

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Just in time for Father's Day, Baptist Health System has launched a first of its kind on the Baptist website Blog aimed at reaching new dads with information on how to bond with their newborn babies. The Blog is written by "SONS to DADS" program creator, nurse Bill Williams, R.N.

In his first Blog Williams talks about why he started Sons to Dads at Baptist. "I developed the course for expecting fathers to help them be better prepared for their new and wonderful role of a caregiver, not only to the newborn, but to the new mom as well," said Williams. "You can't imagine until you see it for yourself, how these dads are impacted by becoming intimately involved in their newborn baby's life from the moment they are born. The babies respond immediately to dad's touch and care, and moms love the involvement and support they see from their husbands."

Bill's program teaches dads how to bond with their new babies through skin to skin "Kangaroo Care" techniques and helps dads learn how to be more involved in their child's care. Dads who take Bill's course learn all the baby basics they need to care for their son or daughter, from burping to bathing and more. Bill's mission is to show dads the joy they can discover by bonding with their newborn from the moment of birth. Dads who take Bill's course are forever impacted by what they learn.but more importantly.so are their children.

Bill's SONS to DADS course is available to all dads whose babies will be born at Baptist Health System hospitals. Bill decided to create the Blog as a way to reach dads who are more likely to get their information online these days.

Check out Bill's Blog.

Baptist Launches One-Call Solution for New Moms in Need of Specialized Care in Rural Areas

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Baptist Health System has launched two new programs that will help rural hospitals and physicians in South Texas transfer moms and babies who are in need of specialized care. In the past the process has been cumbersome, but the PediCom and Maternal Transport programs offered by Baptist Health System provide a one-call solution for physicians and hospitals wanting to transfer patients.

About PediCom

About Maternal Transport

Pedi-Q Testing & Treatment Services at North Central Baptist Hospital

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Pedi-Q at North Central Baptist Hospital provides pediatric outpatient testing & treatment for children who have been seen by a physician and need further care.

"Kid friendly" specialists are on hand to perform your child's tests and treatments. They include skilled pediatric nurses, pediatric technicians, aides and phlebotomists. Upon arriving at Pedi-Q your child will be registered promptly. Your physician may opt to have you wait until the test results are ready.

For more information call (210) 297-4615.�

Regular Hours

Monday - Friday
9.00 a.m. - 7.00 p.m.

Saturday
8:00 a.m. - noon

Expanded Winter Hours
(late November to May)

Monday - Friday
9.00 a.m. - 9.00 p.m.

Saturday - Sunday
9.00 a.m - 5.00 p.m.

To contact Pedi-Q call: (210) 297-4615 or fax (210) 297-0473

Testing and Treatments include, but are not limited to:

Rapid Strep Testing
Influenza Testing
RSV Testing
Oxygen Saturation
Rotavirus Testing
Monospots
Catheterizes Specimens
Wound Cultures
Antibiotic Administration
Simple IV Hydration
Laboratory Tests
EKG
Respiratory Therapy
Weight Checks
Non-Sedated Radiology

Mother's Milk First Lactation Center

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As experts have voiced and research has proven, mother's milk is a baby's best source of nutrition.�

We support your choice to provide the best for your baby. Mother's Milk First Lactation Center offers a warm, comfortable and supportive environment where breastfeeding families can discuss their goals and concerns and their baby's needs with trained lactation consultants.

Our consultants, who are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, work as members of the health care team and support breastfeeding families through education and professional advice. These experts offer the following valuable services:

Inpatient and outpatient consultations such as;

Physical assessment of mom and baby
Implementation of a plan to resolve breastfeeding issues
Special attention for Special Care babies and their families
Consultations with mothers returning to work
Assistance with feeding multiples or other special-needs situations
Weaning assistance
Educational materials
Telephone consultations

The lactation center offers breastfeeding support and baby care products for purchase. Other breastfeeding items are also available for sale and rent, including Medela ® breast pumps.

Fees for consultations, rental and support products maybe covered by some insurance carriers but are ultimately the responsibility of the client. Consultations are by
appointment only.

We Collect Mother's Milk
In partnership with the Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin (MMBA), North Central Baptist Hospital (NCBH) has arranged to act as a mother's milk collection site for San Antonio. As a collection site, NCBH will provide sterile containers for donor mothers, distribute literature about the MMBA, accept and log donated mother's milk, and maintain the freezing receptacle dedicated to storing donations until it can be collected by the MMBA.

Officially opened in 1999, the Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin is a non-profit organization whose mission is to accept, pasteurize and dispense donor human milk by physician prescription primarily to premature and ill infants. Through the collective efforts of volunteers, donors, supporters and hospital site collecting, the MMBA is able to provide much needed milk to babies in neonatal intensive care units and several special care nurseries throughout Texas and beyond.

For more information about Mother's Milk First Lactation Center or the MMBA, please call (210)297-4086.

Lactation Center Locations:

North Central Baptist Hospital
520 Madison Oak Drive
San Antonio, Texas
78258-3912

Map & Directions

�

St. Luke's Baptist Hospital
7930 Floyd Curl Drive
San Antonio, Texas
78229-3950

Map & Directions

Women's Services Tour at North Central Baptist Hospital

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Expectant mothers and their families are invited to attend a tour of North Central Baptist Hospital's Women's Services area.� Tours are offered on the first Monday of every month at 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm.�

The tour includes orientation to the Atrium Lobby, hospital parking and entrances, the Mother's Milk First Lactation Center, the Labor and Delivery Unit, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Newborn Nursery, Post Partum, family waiting areas and amenities available to mom after delivery including a free portrait session for baby and post partum massage.� Throughout the evening food is available, vendors showcase products aimed at new and expectant mothers and a pediatrician is on-site to answer questions.� This is a great opportunity to pre-register for delivery and become acquainted with North Central.�

One-hour tours of North Central Baptist Hospital will familiarize expectant families with the following areas:�

-�� Atrium

-�� Lactation Center

-�� Main Entrance Parking

-�� Main Admissions

-�� Emergency Department Entrances

-�� Labor and Delivery

-�� Newborn Nursery

-�� Post Partum

-�� Family Waiting Areas

Advance registration for the Maternal - Child Tours is not required.

Fertility Experts Help Couples Realize Their Dreams

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Finding out that you're going to become a parent for the first time can be a joyous occasion. For couples who have struggled, sometimes for years to become pregnant, the news is exhilarating. Twelve percent, or 7.3 million women in the United States ages 15 to 44, have difficulty getting pregnant. In a third of these cases, infertility is an issue involving the woman, another third of the cases can be traced to an issue with the male, and in the remaining third, the cause is unknown or a mixture of problems. About two-thirds of the couples who are treated for infertility are able to conceive and have a baby.

Couples who are having trouble conceiving count on the help of in vitro fertilization (IVF) experts for assistance in getting pregnant. Success is dependent on many factors, not the least of which is the experience and expertise of the physicians and laboratory technicians at the facility the couple goes to for help.

Since opening a year ago, the North Central Fertility Center has helped dozens of couples overcome obstacles to conception. The Center has already established a consistent fertilization rate of more than 50 percent in embryo transfers in women under 35 years of age.

"The North Central Fertility Center is having great success helping couples realize their dreams of becoming parents," said Joseph Garza, M.D., an OBGyn specializing in infertility with the Advanced Fertility Center. "Unlike many other in vitro fertilization labs, the Center uses a number of processes for couples, which can increase the chances for fertilization. We believe in working with several different media and IVF techniques and treating each couple according to their own special needs."

The success stories are many, but in one particularly special case, thanks to the efforts of Dr. Garza, twins were born to a couple who were not able to conceive a baby after 9 years of trying. The woman's sister carried and delivered the healthy twins.

Dr. Gerard Honore, M.D. with Perinatal Fertility Specialists of San Antonio is another physician with a host of success stories at the North Central Fertility Center. "One of my most rewarding cases involved a woman who could not conceive because of cancer," said Honore. "We were able to harvest her eggs and through IVF efforts today she and her husband are the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl."
�
Among the techniques employed to help couples conceive are: In Vitro Fertilization; Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection; Assisted Hatching of Embryos; Cryopreservation of Embryos; Semen Analysis; Semen Cryopreservation; Semen for Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay; and Assistance in Surgical Sperm Retrieval. Success variables include; the age of the partners, reason for infertility, the clinic, type of assisted reproductive therapy, if the egg is fresh or frozen and others.
�
The world of reproductive therapy can be confusing to couples looking for help in having a baby. GIFT, ZIFT and ICSI are just a few of the acronyms used in IVF. If you or someone you know is having trouble conceiving, the specialists at the North Central Fertility Center can help.

For more information please call 297-1024

These physicians are members of the medical staff at one or more of Baptist Health System's affiliated hospitals. However, these physicians are independent contractors who are neither employees nor agents of those hospitals or of Baptist Health System and, as a result, none of these hospitals nor Baptist Health System is responsible for the acts of these physicians in their medical practices.�