Preparing for Your New Bundle of Joy

If you’re expecting a new little one on the way, chances are you have a lot on your mind and may have many questions or concerns about the upcoming months.  Valley Baptist Health System wants to make sure our new parents-to-be have all their questions answered and know they are in the best hands for both mom and baby.

Whether you’re a new mom-to-be or a veteran mom, it’s important to have the latest information on having a healthy and safe delivery.

At Valley Baptist, our dedicated and highly trained team is ready to take care of mom and baby every step of the way.  Our hospital is proud to offer free breastfeeding, Lamaze and childbirth classes to help parents prepare for the exciting time of parenthood.

“It’s really important that our new parents feel well-informed in order to take away some of the anxiety of childbirth and allow them to enjoy the special time of their new baby,” said Isaura Figueroa, Director of Labor and Delivery Services for Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen.  “Having the ability to ask specialists questions and receive up-to-date information helps to improve the childbirth experience.”

The 14-bed delivery unit is equipped with private rooms to offer families a more comfortable and private setting.  All rooms are designed for rooming-in so baby’s crib can be kept close to mom’s side allowing parents to begin knowing their baby and to help establish the bond between the parent and child.  Lactation consultants are available to encourage and assist in the breastfeeding process. 

“Our highly trained staff is available to help parents as they welcome their new baby into the world,” said Figueroa.  “Breastfeeding is an important part of supporting our new moms and our lactation specialist is here to be a resource and provide the encouragement that our moms need,” said Figueroa.

 Although no parent wants to have to plan for an emergency during their pregnancy, Valley Baptist offers an Obstetric Emergency Department with staff that is certified and trained for maternal triage, to care and treat expectant moms and babies as early as 20 weeks.  In addition, the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) offers a clinical team specially trained to care for babies as premature as 24 weeks, babies born with a critical illness, or babies in need of breathing equipment to help them stay alive.

As noted by March of Dimes, it’s important for moms who may have had complications during pregnancy, or a baby that has a condition and needs specialized medical care at birth to have a higher level of care available to mom and baby at delivery.

“Our goal is to ensure we bring happy healthy babies into this world and that our moms are healthy to take care of their newest bundle of joy,” said Figueroa.  “Our team is here to make this an easy transition and answer all the questions our parents may have.”