If you are pregnant and searching for the right place to deliver your newborn in the Dayton area, consider Southview Medical Center – the only Baby-Friendly USA hospital in the area.
Baby-Friendly USA is a certification that recognizes hospitals that provide direction and resources to moms who choose to breastfeed their babies.
The staff at Southview also supports new mothers during their pregnancy and after delivery, through the First Steps program.
"First Steps is an outpatient breastfeeding support center. We are available to help mothers and babies after their hospital stay with any breastfeeding issues they encounter - from newborn to weaning," said Katy Boyd RN, IBCLC, Southview Medical Center.
Boyd was thankful for the services offered through First Steps, being a mother who struggled with breastfeeding her own babies.
"I know how physically and emotionally demanding breastfeeding is and I am passionate about providing breastfeeding education and support to families," she said. "Education, support, listening, assistance, kindness, compassion, and understanding are essential during the breastfeeding journey."
Lindsay Forrest delivered her son Logan at Southview Medical Center last September. "My experience there was fantastic. I honestly would not have went anywhere else to deliver," said Forrest. "After I delivered, I took advantage of using the First Steps Program and I was very impressed. I felt so relaxed - it was almost like being at home, but with my own personal lactation consultant who could answer all my questions and put my mind at ease. The staff is genuinely caring and very patient. They are truly some of the nicest people I have ever met. After using them I now recommend them to all of my friends who are delivering or breastfeeding."
Boyd said that the International Board Certified Lactation consultants at Southview Medical Center work as a team to provide education and support to women during pregnancy, the postpartum period, and after discharge from the hospital. They also offer breastfeeding classes, assistance with breastfeeding at the bedside, private consultations with a RN, IBCLC, and a free breastfeeding "Konnect" support group twice weekly - one in the morning and one offered in the evening. The "Konnect" support group meets at the Southview Medical Arts Center and it is led by a RN, IBCLC.
"Our goal is to help moms feel confident with their choice to breastfeed their baby. We have a boutique with specialty mom and baby items and we are available to support all new parents and their feeding preference. Everyone is welcome at First Steps (it does not matter where they delivered). We also have scales available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. so parents can drop in and weigh their baby," said Boyd.
Want more information?
Southview will host a free Baby Fair on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 2-4 p.m.
"The goal of the Baby Fair is to allow families to see all that Southview Medical Center has to offer families," Boyd said. "They can tour the maternity unit and First Steps Breastfeeding Support Center. The Baby Fair will bring multiple businesses/organizations to one place for expectant parents to ask questions, review, and plan for their growing family. It is fun day that includes games, food, and prizes, along with valuable information. Families will have the opportunity to meet the Southview staff, obstetricians, and pediatricians. Car Seat Safety checks will also be offered on-site if parents want to bring their vehicles with car seats installed to make sure everything is in place and safe."
To tour Southview Medical Center's Maternity Suites and the First Steps Center attend the upcoming Baby Fair on Sunday, September 27 from 2-4 p.m. or visit online for more tour dates.