In the News

Valley Baptist-Brownsville Encourages Reading at an
Early Age

Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville has started a new program which helps new mothers to begin reading to their babies from the day they go home from the hospital.

Each new mother is given a copy of the beginning children’s book “Read to Your Bunny” in English or Spanish. The book, by Rosemary Wells, states that “reading together 20 minutes a day is the most important gift you can give your child.”

“The idea is to encourage reading at an early age,” said Sylvia Garcia, RN, Director of Children’s Services at VBMC-Brownsville.

Sylvia explained that many of the parents have financial difficulties, and purchasing books for their baby may not be their highest priority. But by providing a first book for baby that emphasizes the importance of reading, VBMC-Brownsville’s nurses hope reading will become an essential part of their daily life.

“We tell the new mothers that older children and daddy can also read to the baby. We want to involve the whole family.” Ms. Garcia added.

The books, which are given as a gift from VBMC-Brownsville to the new mothers and babies, also come with a “Read to Me” book marker that gives parents hints on reading to young children. The hints about reading to your toddler at bedtime include “toddlers like to read the same book over and over,” “toddlers like to choose and hold the book,” and “toddlers like books about food, trucks, animals and children.”

“We encourage mom to take this book marker to the pediatrician during the office visits, so the physician may also provide the baby with books,” Sylvia added. “Our goal is that by the time the baby is one year old they will have 10 books at home.” For more information on the reading program, please visit the following website: www.successby6Brownsville.org.

Thanks to our nurses at VBMC-Brownsville, a new generation of readers is getting a head start … and this will help ensure a brighter future for our community!