Anderson Regional Medical Center has joined over 500 hospitals across the
United States who have achieved the prestigious designation as a Baby
Friendly facility. The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global program
launched in 1991 to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centers
that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding and mother infant
bonding. This project recognizes that one of the best ways a mother can
protect and promote her infant’s health, as well as her own, is
through breastfeeding.
Providing infants with human milk gives them the most complete nutrition
possible because it provides the best mix of nutrients for each baby to
thrive. Scientific studies have shown that breastfed children have far
fewer and less serious illnesses than those who never received breast
milk, including a reduced risk of SIDS, childhood cancers and diabetes.
Our staff is trained to provide exceptional support to our breastfeeding
mothers and their babies. We promote skin-to-skin bonding and "rooming-in"
to accommodate breastfeeding on demand.
Baby Friendly practices are centered around new moms making educated, informed
decisions that work best for her and her baby. Our staff respects those
decisions and provides individualized education based on mom’s preferences.
With hours of training behind each Birth Center nurse, we are prepared
to support each mother and her individual wishes. We look forward to meeting
your new baby!
Research shows that skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth and in
the newborn period is very beneficial for both mom and baby.
Some of these advantages include:
Helps baby learn to regulate temperature
Helps baby stabilize breathing and heart rate
Helps baby control blood sugar
Promotes early breastfeeding and helps with the overall success of breastfeeding
Provides the best transition to life outside of mom
Promotes early bonding between mom and baby
Has a calming effect and decreases crying and fussiness
At birth — if conditions allow — your baby will be placed directly
on your chest immediately after delivery. We will place a blanket and/or
towel over the baby to keep the baby warm as you enjoy your first precious
moments together. Skin-to-skin contact is recommended for at least one
hour after birth.
Depending on the condition of the mother and/or baby at the time of birth,
skin-to skin contact may not be possible. However, skin-to-skin contact
is beneficial at any time during the early newborn period, even after
you leave the hospital.
Click here to learn more about Skin to Skin contact.
Rooming In
New moms are now given the opportunity to keep their babies snuggled close
because we have moved nursing care to the bedside instead of older, standardized
nursing practices that separated mom and baby. Rooming-in will help you
learn to care for your baby while staff is available to help if you need
assistance or rest. This will also help you feel more comfortable taking
care of your baby once you go home.
When you room in:
You can more easily hold, cuddle, look at, learn to respond to and get
to know your baby.
Your baby can get to know you more easily.
Your baby should cry less than babies in the nursery who are away from
their mothers.
Your baby can learn to breastfeed faster and gain weight sooner.
You should feel more able to take care of your baby when you go home.
We want this to be the best possible experience for you. If you have any
questions, please ask your nurse.
Lactation Services
The Lactation Center at Anderson Regional Birth Center provides breastfeeding education and support to a mother before the birth
of her baby and throughout her breastfeeding journey. We are committed
to helping mothers and babies be as healthy as possible… and that
begins with breastfeeding. We provide inpatient and outpatient Lactation
Consultant (IBCLC) services.
The Lactation Center at Anderson Regional Birth Center provides breastfeeding education and support to a mother before the birth
of her baby and throughout her breastfeeding journey. We are committed
to helping mothers and babies be as healthy as possible… and that
begins with breastfeeding. We provide inpatient and outpatient Lactation
Consultant (IBCLC) services.
