Breastfeeding Resource Locations

Birthing Hospital - University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center

Evidence-Based Maternity Care Practice Availability

Evidence-Based Maternity Care Practice Availability
PracticeAvailability
Let Labor Begin on Its Own: Families are educated on the importance of full-term delivery. Induction is discouraged unless medically indicated, as determined by a provider. Standard
Comfort During Labor: Families are introduced to non-pharmacological ways as an option to manage pain during labor.Standard
Skin-to-skin Right After Birth: Baby is placed safely on the mother’s bare chest immediately after birth.Standard
Magical First Hour Without Interruptions: Baby stays skin-to-skin with mother for at least one hour and until after the first feeding.Standard
Help With Baby’s First Feed: Staff assists mother in recognizing feeding cues and behaviors during the magical first hour. Standard
Delayed Routine Procedures: Routine procedures (such as weights, measurements, and medications) are delayed until after the magical first hour.Standard
Keep Baby in Room: Mother and baby have the option to stay in mother’s room together, unless medically indicated.Standard
Continued Skin-to-Skin: Families are educated on safe skin-to-skin throughout their hospital stay as a way to calm baby and encourage feeding. Dependent on Staff
Quiet Hours: Families are encouraged to participate in quiet hours designed to limit visitors and allow new families rest. Upon Request
Feed Baby on Cue: Mothers are encouraged to feed their baby on-demand. No limits are put on the length of feedings. Standard
Comforting Baby: Families are educated on how to calm and soothe their babies.Standard
Help Learning How to Breastfeed: Staff are training on how to assist mothers with breastfeeding early and often. Standard
Help Learning How to Hand Express: Mothers are taught how to hand express their milk as an effective alternative to pumping. Standard
No Pacifiers or Bottles: Families are educated on the impact that artificial bottles and nipples can have before breastfeeding is well established. Families can still use these tools upon request.Dependent on Staff
No Formula (Unless Medically Necessary): Breastfed infants are only given formula when medically indicated and when mother’s milk or donor milk is not available. Families can still choose to use formula if they desire. Standard
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