Maternity and Childbirth Resources

At Baptist, we want to help you and your baby get off to the right start. Beautiful Bundles offers a supportive atmosphere for new Moms and socialization for Mom and baby.

First Hour

The first hour of a child’s life is critical to breastfeeding success. That’s why we developed First Hour, a wonderful opportunity for you and your newborn to spend some quality time, skin-to-skin. After delivery, your infant will be gently dried and then placed on your chest under your gown, wearing nothing but a hat and diaper. Our specially trained nurses will help you position yourself and your baby for comfort and ease of breastfeeding. We will delay any medical tasks until you have had a chance to get to know your new baby. Even if your plan is to feed your baby formula, skin-to-skin care has many other benefits. Even dad can participate in skin-to-skin care if mom doesn't feel up to it or if she is in surgery.

Benefits of First Hour

Breastfeeding: Studies have shown that mothers who participate in skin-to-skin care during the first hour of life have increased milk production and longer duration of breastfeeding. Mothers are more confident in their ability to successfully breastfeed, as well.

Promotion of bonding: When mothers and babies engage during First Hour, it promotes verbal and affectionate interaction. This contact lays the foundation for the mother/baby bond.

Pain relief: Studies have shown that painful procedures are less painful if done while baby is being held skin-to-skin. In fact, babies that have had the opportunity to participate in skin-to-skin care cry less in general — even after they are discharged from the hospital.

Epidurals: The Safe, Effective Option for a Pain-free Delivery

Managing the pain of labor and delivery is important to every woman’s birthing experience. That’s why using an epidural is the most commonly used pain management approach. Epidurals are very effective and extremely safe with minimal risk of infection or adverse reactions, as Baptist anesthesiologist Dr. Frederick Jones explains.

 

What No One Told You About Having a Baby

This maternity series will share information you may not find anywhere else. The articles focus on every phase of the pregnancy journey from preconception to recovery, with insider tips from OB-GYNs.

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Ready, Set, Baby

“Ready, Set, Baby” is a wonderful, 24-page downloadable booklet for expectant and new mothers. It’s chock-full of useful information on what you can expect during your stay in the hospital for labor and delivery, effective breastfeeding tips and techniques, and how to make going home with your new bundle of joy a smooth transition for you, your baby and your family. It also has information on how to access available resources for support for expectant and new mothers.

Download the “Ready, Set, Baby” booklet