Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/545384
In February, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – New Braunfels became the first facility in the area to offer three-dimensional (3-D) mammography. The difference between conventional digital mammography and 3-D mammography, or tomosynthesis, is similar to that between an X-ray and a computed tomography (CT) scan. Film or digital mammograms capture flat, two-dimensional images, while 3-D scanning captures pictures of each layer of breast tissue, allowing special software to create a rendering of the breast. A CLEAR DIFFERENCE With a digital 3-D mammogram, the length of the exam and compression time are similar to those of a traditional, flat mammogram, but the images captured by this test are significantly more detailed. Radiologists can focus more closely on portions of the breast that might contain cancer, identifying cases that need further testing and ruling out cancer in others. For cases that require additional testing, the same precision imaging tool is used to guide doctors in a process known as stereotactic biopsy. "Breast imaging specialists can identify cancer more clearly and, in some cases, earlier using 3-D mammography," says Ree Habeeb, director of radiology at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – New Braunfels. "Early intervention has the potential to save lives, and that's something we are proud to offer to the women of South-Central Texas." To schedule a mammogram call 1-(877) 250-DOCS. Better for Baby Breastfeeding education and support help new mothers provide optimal nutrition for their infants from day one. CHRISTUS Santa Rosa is excited to offer a community resource for breastfeeding families. "Research shows that breastfeeding is extremely beneficial for mothers and babies," says Kathy Parkes, MSN-Ed, BSPsy, RN, IBCLC, RLC, FILCA, inpatient lactation consultant at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – New Braunfels. "Breastfeeding can be a challenge even for experienced moms, but it creates a deep bond, helps prevent obesity and boosts new babies' immune systems. "At the birthing center, every team member is thoroughly educated about how to encourage breastfeeding as the best choice for families. It's part of our culture of care." BECOMING BABY-FRIENDLY CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – New Braunfels is on the path to becoming the first Hospital in the area recognized by the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, a global program that awards locations for providing an optimal environment for breastfeeding through education, breastfeeding-friendly policies and after-stay support. "The birthing center has been a Texas Ten Step (TTS) designated facility for the past nine years, as well as a recipient of the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners and International Lactation Consultant Association Care awards for the past four," Kathy says. "Becoming a designated Baby-Friendly Hospital is the next logical step in our mission to support mothers and babies." In addition to CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – New Braunfels, which has been continuously designated since the inception of the TTS program, the Children's Hospital of San Antonio and CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – Westover Hills are TTS designated. CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – New Braunfels has also received the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners Care Award and is in the final Designation Phase of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, hoping to be officially designated by September. CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – New Braunfels has the only International Board Certified Lactation Consultant who is a Fellow of the International Lactation Consultant Association. For more information about breastfeeding visit christussantarosa.org/birthingservices. The Next Level ofBreast Care 9 LiveWell | Summer 2015