A new partnership with the Douglas County Health Department aims to prevent newborn deaths and provide education to parents at AdventHealth Parker. As part of the Healthy Families Partnership, everyone who delivers at the BirthPlace at AdventHealth Parker will get a new backpack full of gifts and educational materials aimed at promoting safe sleep.
On Wednesday, September 18, Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon, along with representatives from the health department, delivered the backpacks to AdventHealth Parker.
The backpacks include an infant sleep sack, activities for parents to do with their newborns, as well as a handout that includes phone numbers to places like poison control, and suicide and crisis hotlines.
“We know many infant deaths can be preventable with some education and information. That’s why we came up with the idea of distributing sleep sacks with some instructions, just to help provide parents with much-needed social and emotional support,” said Commissioner Laydon.
Having loose bedding in a crib puts newborns at risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is why having a sleep sack is so critical for parents. It allows babies to stay warm without having any loose material around them.
These backpacks are one of many resources offered to parents at AdventHealth Parker. The hospital is proud to also have a partnership with You Are Not Alone (YANA). The local nonprofit offers the Strong Mamas, Thriving Babies program to all moms at AdventHealth Parker. Mothers who opt in to the support group are invited to in-person gatherings, receive quarterly check-in phone calls from YANA, and can download an app that allows them to connect to other moms in the program.
“I am thrilled to partner with our community to offer support for our patients that extends beyond their hospital stay,” said Miranda Schick, Director of Women’s Services at AdventHealth Parker. “The Douglas County Health Department is investing in the well-being of the next generation by providing sleep sacks for all the babies born at AdventHealth Parker. This gift is combined with education about safe sleep practices which will help protect the newborn’s health. Additionally, the emotional support extended by YANA will envelop new mothers with compassionate support. I am so grateful for the investment in our community!”
At the BirthPlace at AdventHealth Parker, we provide a personal and compassionate experience centered on you and your baby. You can learn more about our mother and baby care here.
