USA Health Opens New Mother/Baby Unit

USA Health has unveiled a new Mother/Baby Unit. The 20-suite postpartum unit is located on the fifth floor of the women’s tower at Children’s & Women’s Hospital. The new unit is designed to facilitate couplet care, a family-centered approach in which mother and baby are cared for in the same room by the same nurse from the time a baby is born until both are ready to go home. Research has shown that couplet care creates a stronger bond between parents and newborns, builds a baby’s immunity and increases success rates for breastfeeding. Each of the 20 suites includes a spacious bedroom, recliner, couch and private bathroom. Each suite also incorporates a baby bath and scale and a height-adjustable bassinet for the newborn so assessments and other procedures can be completed at the bedside. In addition, a new lactation space staffed by an expanded team of lactation consultants will be located within the unit. Two private rooms for breast pumping will be available for patients, visitors and staff to use. The unit is expected to begin accepting patients in March.