When you’re expecting a baby, you likely have many things to consider, including where to give birth. If you want a facility that will support you and your baby before and after birth, you may want to look for a Baby-Friendly Hospital, like Temple Women & Families Hospital. Here’s why.
Baby-Friendly Hospitals provide top-quality care rooted in internationally recognized best practices. These facilities focus on providing education and support to help new families get off to the best start. Temple Women & Families Hospital is proud to be among the estimated 600 hospitals in the U.S. to earn this important designation.
But what does choosing a Baby-Friendly Hospital mean for you? Here’s a look at five big benefits and why they matter.
1. Breastfeeding education
At a Baby-Friendly Hospital, you’ll be given evidence-based information about the benefits of breastfeeding.
Baby-Friendly Hospitals emphasize the many benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby. I remind expecting parents that the best feeding decision is ultimately the one that works for your family.
If you choose not to breastfeed — for whatever reason — that’s also OK. Your care team will teach you how to safely prepare formula and feed it to your baby.
2. Skin-to-skin time
Baby-Friendly Hospitals encourage the expert-recommended practice of skin-to-skin contact. This is when your newborn is placed on you or another caregiver immediately after birth. Skin-to-skin contact can:
- Help initiate breastfeeding
- Promote bonding
- Help babies regulate their body temperature and blood sugar levels
3. Rooming-in with baby
Room-sharing, or rooming-in, means that you and your baby stay together in the same room as much as possible during your hospital stay. Rooming-in can make breastfeeding much easier, since your baby is always close by.
Whether in the hospital or at home, it’s important to follow safe infant sleep recommendations:
- Have your baby sleep on their own separate, flat sleep surface (like a bassinet next to your bed) instead of in bed with you. “Room-sharing, not bed-sharing” is the mantra I share with expecting parents.
- Put your baby on their back to sleep.
- Keep blankets, pillows, and other objects out of the bassinet or crib.
4. In-hospital breastfeeding help
Your care team will also make sure you have the opportunity to begin breastfeeding (or chestfeeding) your baby within an hour of giving birth.
You won’t have to do it on your own. It’s completely normal to need some support while you’re getting the hang of breastfeeding. At a Baby-Friendly Hospital, your care team is there to help set you up for success. They’ll show you good breastfeeding habits. They can also help you troubleshoot common problems, like:
- Pain or discomfort
- Milk supply issues
- Poor latching
5. Support after you and your baby go home
Breastfeeding support shouldn’t stop when you leave the hospital. That’s why Baby-Friendly Hospitals have care teams on standby. Your Temple team is here to help. They can offer evidence-based advice. And they can help address any problems that come up.
Find out more
Temple’s Maternity Care program and breastfeeding support services can help you have a positive birthing and feeding experience. To learn more, schedule an appointment online or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536).
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