Dr. Heather Lanphere, Cierra Dean, RN, BSN, OB Clinical Supervisor and Amanda Green, RN, BSN, Director of Maternity show off the new sleep sacks
From Jones Memorial Hospital,
The Dr. F Clifton Miller Birthing Center at Jones Memorial Hospital is one step closer to Safe Sleep Silver Certification as they continue to prioritize advanced care for moms and babies in our region. OB department leadership states that
“In an effort to promote safe sleep in the hospital, at home, and our community at large the Jones Memorial Hospital labor and delivery team have worked with administration and several donors to provide sleep sacks to each newborn delivered at Jones Memorial Hospital.”
By focusing on safe sleep, JMH, with the support of the Miller Trust Fund, reinforces its commitment to reducing the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), Accidental Suffocation and Strangulation in Bed (ASSB), SIDS and unsafe sleep injuries.
Guidelines for Safe Sleep include placing infants on their backs to sleep, using a firm, flat sleep surface like a crib with a tightly fitted sheet, and avoiding soft items like blankets, pillows, and bumper pads in the sleep space.
Key Safe Sleep Practices:
- Alone: Infants should always sleep alone on their own sleep surface, like a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard.
- Back: Infants should be placed on their backs for every sleep, including naps.
- Crib: A crib, bassinet, or portable play yard with a firm, flat mattress and a tightly fitted sheet is recommended.
- No Soft Objects: Avoid soft items like blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, and bumpers in the sleep space.
- Safe Sleep Surfaces: Use a firm, flat, non-inclined sleep surface.
- Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS.
- Avoid Smoking: Parents should avoid smoking during pregnancy and after birth.
- Room Sharing: Parents can choose to share a room with their infant, but not bed sharing, which can increase the risk of SIDS.
- Safe Sleep Devices: Avoid inclined sleepers, bumper pads, and other sleep devices that have been linked to infant deaths.
Cierra Dean, RN, BSN, OB Clinical Supervisor, emphasized the critical need for education around safe sleep, stating, “Our associates provide a crucial role in teaching, reinforcing and improving outcomes for our most vulnerable population!”
Amanda Green, RN, BSN, Maternity Director at Jones Memorial stated, “We are incredibly grateful to our local community and to the Dr. F Clifton Miller Fund for the support that we have been shown for this important initiative.”
The Dr. F Clifton Miller Trust Fund was developed in 2015 after the unexpected passing of a beloved physician. Dr. Miller spent his entire 40 year career in Wellsville caring for thousands of women and children, and delivering over 8,400 babies. He was a part of many families and a pillar of the Jones Memorial Hospital medical staff. Now, with the support of the trust fund, the Miller Birthing Center is taking the next steps towards advancing care in our community.
For more information on the birthing center or for a list of providers accepting new patients, please visit jones.urmc.edu.
About Jones Memorial Hospital
Jones Memorial Hospital (JMH), located in beautiful southwestern New York State, is a 4-star CMS Quality rated, 49-bed acute care facility serving all of Allegany County, as well as western Steuben County and northern Potter County, PA. Truly a community hospital, JMH is committed to continuously raising quality and safety to higher levels and providing top quality healthcare in a hometown community setting. Jones Memorial is accredited by The Joint Commission.
