Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/676065
2 EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE TO CONTINUALLY IMPROVE THE BIRTHING EXPERIENCE IN THE KISHHEALTH SYSTEM MATERNITY SUITES AT KISHWAUKEE AND VALLEY WEST HOSPITALS, NOW PART OF NORTHWESTERN MEDICINE. Better NEW MILESTONES ARE being reached for implementing best practices. As of November 2015, 62 percent of healthy babies born via cesarean section at Kishwaukee Hospital experienced skin-to-skin contact with mom in the operating room, as did 75 percent after vaginal births. In addition, 81 percent of mothers chose to breastfeed exclusively. "A lot of what we do is focused on making things more mom- and baby-friendly," says Registered Certified Nurse Tami Johnson, obstetrics manager at Kishwaukee Hospital. "We provide both breastfeeding and formula education. Our goal is to educate our moms with evidence- based information, and then support each woman's individual choice." A delayed bathing policy was also implemented— healthy newborns are not bathed until at least 12 hours after birth to allow their body temperatures and blood sugar levels to stabilize naturally. Delayed bathing also helps to initiate feeding and increase infection resistance. GENTLER CSECTION At Valley West Hospital, mothers who undergo cesarean sections are now able to choose to view their child's birth and have immediate skin-to-skin contact with their baby. Birth Experience The "We use a clear drape, which allows us to maintain the sterile environment while giving mom the ability to see her child being born and the cord being clamped," says Registered Certified Nurse Melissa Hilt, MSN, nurse manager at Valley West Hospital. "After the baby is cleaned off, skin-to-skin time with mom starts the bonding process." KishHealth System Maternity Suites staff members are dedicated to helping families get what they want out of their birthing experiences. Schedule a personal tour of our Maternity Suites and learn more about how we can help throughout the birthing experience, from prenatal education to breastfeeding. For information about KishHealth System Maternity Suites Tours, call 815.748.8962 for Kishwaukee Hospital or 815.786.3760 for Valley West Hospital. OUR MISSION WELLNESS CLASSES AND PROGRAMS We are the cornerstone of healthcare for the communities we serve—the first choice for service, comfort, and safety. Look for a list of featured classes and programs in the Wellness Programs section toward the back of this issue. Most are free and require registration. Classes with low enrollment are generally canceled three days prior to the start date. Please register early. Register online at kishprograms.org. CANCER CENTER Our Cancer Center provides patients and families with education, support, and resources to deal with the many challenges presented by cancer. Generous donor support helps underwrite the cost of these programs. If you are interested in making a donation to improve the quality of life for those dealing with cancer, please contact the KishHealth System Foundation at 815.748.9954 or visit kishhealthfoundation.org. THANK YOU TO OUR 2016 FORMAL AFFAIR SPONSORS: Power Construction Co. LLC - Power Wellness, Edward Jones - Matt Myre and Mark Hilde TURN TO THE CALENDAR SECTION FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF CHILDBIRTH AND INFANT CLASSES OR VISIT: KISHPROGRAMS.ORG