State Mandated Infant Screenings and tests – all ARH delivering hospitals do the following mandated screenings:

• Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) Screening
• Hearing Screening
• Metabolic and Genetic Disorders
• The Infant Car Seat Challenge is for infants
• Bilirubin Levels

Kangaroo care is encouraged for all stable infants and mothers. Kangaroo care has been proven to stabilize the infant’s heart rate, improve breathing patterns, improve oxygen saturations, increase infant’s weight gain, and increase success in breastfeeding and bonding with the infant. Kangaroo care means the infant will be placed on the mother’s bare chest. Mother and baby are skin to skin for at least 1 hour post-delivery. Kangaroo care can be continued on the mother’s baby unit at any time. Father or support persons are encouraged to do kangaroo care as well.

At ARH, rooming-in is encouraged when available for all stable mothers and infants. Rooming-in means the infant gets to stay in the room with the mother and support persons as much as desired. This makes kangaroo care easier and increases the amount of time it can be done.

Breastfeeding is encouraged for all mothers that want to breastfeed. Nurses are on hand to assist with education and breastfeeding at all times. Breast pumps are available for any breastfeeding mother that desires one or an infant that is unable to nurse at the breast. Breastmilk benefits include ease of digestion, fewer bouts of diarrhea or constipation and also contains many vitamins and minerals that a newborn requires. However, when a mother chooses not to breastfeed, that is supported as well. A fed baby is best. At many ARH facilities, we have one-on-one lactation consulting services.

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At participating ARH delivering hospitals, a Stork Dinner is provided after deliver for the mother and a significant other. The dinner can be steak or special requests are honored if available.

Parents are encouraged to dress their infant up in their going home outfit for pictures to be posted on the ARH facebook page where available.