Delivering Healthier Babies
We Make Healthy Babies Our Top Priority
A healthy baby is all any expectant mother wants, which is why MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital’s Women’s Health & Family Birthing Center strives to make every mother’s birthing experience at our hospital the healthiest possible.
Reducing Early Deliveries
We are proud to partner with the March of Dimes to ensure the health and safety of babies born at our hospital. Because prematurity continues to be the No. 1 killer of babies in the United States, the March of Dimes works to educate mothers about the importance of waiting until 39 weeks, if possible, to deliver their babies.
Premature births:
• Affects more than 450,000 babies each year in the United States
• Is the leading cause of death for children younger than 5
• Can cause lifelong health challenges
Last fall, our hospital was recognized by the March of Dimes Maryland-National Capital Area Chapter for reducing births before 39 weeks. MedStar St. Mary’s has specific policies and procedures in place to prevent scheduling deliveries before 39 weeks, except when medically necessary.
Baby Friendly Hospital
Breastfeeding continues to be recognized by the World Health Organization as the best choice for newborns. We are striving to become a Baby Friendly Hospital with the goal of promoting optimal newborn health by developing knowledge and confidence for new mothers who plan to breastfeed.
Hospitals who are Baby Friendly promote successful breastfeeding by:
• Helping mothers begin breastfeeding within one hour of birth
• Rooming in – Allows mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day
• Encourage breastfeeding on demand
• Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and encourage mothers to attend them
The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global effort by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund.
Our Birthing Center Offers the Comfort of Home
Women’s Health & Family Birthing Center features five birthing rooms designed with the mother-to-be’s comfort in mind. The center’s 12 private postpartum suites were specifically created to accommodate families during this special time. Tours are available the second and fourth Sundays of each month. Participants must register by calling 301-475-6019.
Baby on the Way? We Can Help!
Health Connections, the hospital’s community outreach program, offers a variety of educational opportunities for expectant parents including classes on breastfeeding, childbirth, baby care, and infant CPR. Visit MedStarStMarys.org/Calendar for class information or call 301-475-6019.