"Bonding with your new baby in a nurturing, family environment is important from the beginning," said Dr. Joseph Wangeh, McLeod Pediatrics Dillon. This is why McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence, SC, and McLeod Dillon, Dillon, SC, have introduced family-centered care, which focuses on keeping the mother and her baby together.

"Rooming in, meaning the baby stays in mom’s room during her hospital stay, allows parents to be active participants in the care of their new baby and take part in every special moment from the beginning," said Dr. Wangeh. "Interaction is so important in the first few weeks of life, and rooming in provides the best start for both mom and baby."

It is natural for mom and baby to be together the first few days of life. As evidence, nature shows us that no other mammal routinely separates mothers from their infants during this time.

Studies support rooming in because of its many benefits, including:

• Babies stay warm, cry less and are easier to calm.
• Mothers get more rest and have less separation anxiety.
• Mothers and families have the ability to respond to baby’s feeding cues and wake-sleep cycles.
• Breastfeeding mothers make more breast milk by frequent feedings with baby in the room.
• Parents have the opportunity to provide care for baby with the help of nursing staff and lactation support.
• Mothers bonds with their new baby.
• Families know that their baby is receiving the best care possible.

"As a new mom delights in all of the wonderful things a newborn brings, adopting practices to help her new bundle of joy experience the healthiest of outcomes is always our top priority at McLeod," said Dr. Wangeh.

Dr. Joseph Wangeh, alongside of Dr. Yvonne Ramirez, delivers the highest level of care at McLeod Pediatrics Dillon. McLeod Pediatrics Dillon is known for its exceptional quality care for children and families in the area. The practice is now accepting new patients. McLeod Pediatrics Dillon is located at 705 North 8th Avenue, Suite 3A, in Dillon, South Carolina, and can be reached at 843-774-6091.

Baby-Friendly Designation
Rooming in is one of the components of a Baby-Friendly hospital. McLeod Regional Medical Center and McLeod Medical Center Dillon are currently pursuing Baby-Friendly designation. This is a global initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The initiative’s goal is to improve health outcomes for mothers and babies through evidence-based practices that encourage breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact.

There are 3,200 birthing hospitals and centers in the United States and fewer than 300 are designated Baby-Friendly.