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New Web Feature a Resource for New Parents
Few
of life's events top the joy that accompanies the birth of a
baby. However, with those joys also comes a need for information
and support.
With more than 300 new lives beginning each month at its hospitals, Southcoast has launched a new website feature devoted to information about maternity services, prenatal and post-partum maternal health and infant care and development. There is even an online "Web Nursery."
Southcoast's website (www.southcoast.org/maternity) offers more than just general information about important maternal and child health issues. There are separate pages on an array of topics, including breastfeeding, infant care, car-seat safety and prenatal exercise. Each page includes vital tips from Southcoast's health care providers, as well as recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. There are also links to other sites providing related information.
"We designed this feature with growing families in mind," said Jim Rattray, Director of Public Relations and Marketing. "We asked ourselves, 'When we were new parents, what did we want to know?'"
Sure to be popular is Southcoast's Web Nursery. Portraits of new babies at Charlton, St. Luke's and Tobey hospitals can be posted on the site, enabling relatives - - wherever they live - - to catch a glimpse of their new little family member. Visitors to the site can take virtual tours of the maternity units at all three hospitals. They can view the homey décor in Tobey's labor/delivery/ recovery rooms (LDRs); the family kitchen at St. Luke's where older siblings can eat with mom; and the recently completed renovations at Charlton, including a skylit nursery. There's also information about the Special Care Nurseries at Charlton and St. Luke's - - just two of a handful in the entire state - - where infants with special health problems can receive expert care close to home.
"Ask the Expert" allows consumers to ask general questions about infant care and development and other issues. Questions are answered by Southcoast pediatricians and nurses and posted online. Of course, parents are always advised to call their own pediatricians with concerns specific to their own baby's health.
A monthly column, "Babysense," written by Southcoast pediatricians, family practitioners, obstetricians/gynecologists and certified nurse midwives, provides useful information about pregnancy and baby care.
Consumers can also participate in live, online chats with Southcoast health care providers about a number of different topics - something to do when your newborn keeps you up all night!
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