Baby ready

Proof that you learn something new everyday. I'd never really given it much thought but I figured there wasn't any difference in the way most hospitals deal with childbirth. I mean really, mom gives birth, family is healthy and goes home in a day or two. Done. Boy, or in this case, girl was I wrong. There are actually hospitals designated Baby-Friendly. There are only five in Texas and they all belong to the Texas Health Resources hospital chain. The designation is given by the World Health Organization and in order to get that tag the hospital has to implement a ten step program. I'll tell you about three of them and their impact.

Skin to skin. When the baby is born the baby is immediately handed over to mom. Experts say that skin to skin contact. Experts say that alone regulates the babies heartbeat and creates an instant bond between mom and baby.

Breastfeeding: It starts about an hour after birth and at Texas Health HEB it's credited as lowering the rate of jaundice by 60%.

Nap time: From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. the lights go out in the hallway and everyone tries to keep it down. Why? Mom is getting some sleep.

Are most babies born the same way? Maybe so, but it's what happens in the 48 hours after that can make a hospital baby-friendly.