Maternity Services: Baptist North Mississippi
Beautiful Beginnings at Baptist
At Baptist North Mississippi, we believe every birth is a beautiful beginning, and we are here to assist you and your family in the transition to parenthood. We encourage you to learn as much as possible about your baby’s needs with our staff’s support. Our family-focused approach enables us to personalize care for each new family based on your values and beliefs.
Free Prepared Childbirth Classes
Baptist North Mississippi wants to help our expecting mothers be prepared for all the aspects and excitement of childbirth. Our free Prepared Childbirth Classes are designed to educate moms- and dads-to-be on what to expect during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and caring for your newborn. Classes are offered in a three-part series over a series of weeks or a one-time, standalone class on a Saturday. Topics covered in the classes include:
- Labor and Delivery
- Post-partum and newborn care
- Epidural overview (if available: Anesthesia provider speaker)
- Women’s & Children’s Services unit tour
- Visit with Pediatric Hospitalist (if available)
- Breastfeeding support (pre- and post-delivery)
For a complete schedule of the classes, and to learn more about and register for them, please click here.
Labor & Delivery, Post-Partum and Newborn Care
We recommend that you discuss your plans for the birth of your baby in advance with your obstetrician, pediatrician and family members. You will want the support of all these people when it comes to having the positive birth experience you desire. Upon arrival at the hospital, please make sure your nurse is made aware of your desires, as well. While you cannot prepare for every possibility, having a birth plan will ensure your preferences are known and we will make every effort to accommodate your wishes.
First Hour
First Hour is a wonderful opportunity for you and your newborn to spend some quality time, skin-to-skin. After delivery, your infant will be gently dried and then placed on your chest under your gown, wearing nothing but a hat and diaper. Our specially trained nurses will help you position yourself and your baby for comfort and ease of breastfeeding. We will delay any medical tasks until you have had a chance to get to know your new baby. Even if your plan is to feed your baby formula, skin-to-skin care has many other benefits. Even dad can participate in skin-to-skin care if mom doesn't feel up to it or if she is in surgery.
Benefits
- Breastfeeding: Studies have shown that mothers who participate in skin-to-skin care during the first hour of life have increased milk production and longer duration of breastfeeding. Mothers are more confident in their ability to successfully breastfeed, as well.
- Promotion of bonding: When mothers and babies engage during First Hour, it promotes verbal and affectionate interaction. This contact lays the foundation for the mother/baby bond over the years to come.
- Pain relief: Studies have shown that painful procedures are less painful if done while baby is being held skin-to-skin. In fact, babies that have had the opportunity to participate in skin-to-skin care cry less in general – even after discharge from the hospital. (Please note that not all procedures may be able to be done during skin-to-skin.)
Family Quiet Time
Following birth, we encourage our new moms and dads to take the time to rest and bond with their newborns during Family Quiet Time. From 1:00-3:00 P.M. every day, our postpartum unit dims the lights and slows the pace to give our new parent(s) a chance for some uninterrupted time with their newborn, or to get some well-deserved rest. This is a great opportunity to take a nap, breastfeed in peace, or just spend some time bonding skin-to-skin with your baby. Staff will remain available continuously at the touch of a call button, and visitors are encouraged to observe this period of rest and schedule their visit before or after.
Lactation Services
Breastfeeding Support Group
Our Breastfeeding Support Group meets every Friday (excluding holidays; based on participation) from 10:30 A.M. to Noon on the Women’s floor of the hospital. It is a great opportunity to meet and talk with other moms, check your baby’s weight, and meet with our nurses and lactation consultant. This support group is open to any nursing mother. Call the Lactation Consultant at 662-636-3011 to confirm your interest in attending a session.
Breastfeeding Resource Center
As a service to our new breastfeeding moms, we offer follow-up breastfeeding assessments by appointment. During this private appointment, the Lactation Consultant will assess your newborn’s latch during feeding, check your newborn’s weight, and answer any questions you may have about breastfeeding. This is a free service.
Breastfeeding Classes
The prepared Childbirth Classes offered by Baptist North Mississippi include a comprehensive section dedicated to the basics of breastfeeding, including breastfeeding advantages, starting off strong with breastfeeding, troubleshooting issues, pump use, and available resources if additional help is needed.
We encourage patients to bring anyone who would be a support person for them during breastfeeding to class with them to share in the knowledge. For information on attending only this portion of the Childbirth Class, contact the Lactation Consultant at 662-636-3011.
*All of our classes are FREE for patients who will deliver at Baptist North Mississippi. Patients not delivering at Baptist North Mississippi are also welcome. Please call for more information and cost. Reservations are preferred. Call 662-636-3011.
Notice about Pacifiers and Formula Use at Baptist North Mississippi
If you are breastfeeding, your newborn will not be given a pacifier or formula until both parents have discussed it with their health care provider. Also, if your child is to be given formula whether for medical necessity or by parental request, both parents must discuss this decision with a health care provider who will provide educational materials that the parents must read. Your feeding choice is respected by hospital staff and we encourage you to research how to best provide nutrition to your newborn.