Lake Granbury Medical Center Helps Educate Expecting Parents
11/7/2023
This article was originally written by Emily Nava and appeared in the Hood County News
Lake Granbury Medical Center is working to educate expectant parents on numerous things when it comes to having a child.
The center offers multiple programs, from prenatal care to postpartum. Some programs include birthday orientation and car safety classes.
Birthday orientation started in 2016 and is a two-hour program that allows expectant parents who are planning on delivering their baby at LGMC to become educated about the hospital and what to expect.
Parents can learn about visiting hours, amenities, a safe sleep presentation, breastfeeding, postpartum depression, and other mental health disorders after having a baby. Parents can also get a tour of the hospital.
“The main purpose is to educate parents (about) all the different things that encompass being a parent, but also to allow them to be more comfortable with where they are delivering and understanding the process to alleviate stress,”
Lauren Maurer, a registered nurse and international board-certified lactation consultant, said.
Earlier this year, LGMC became a car seat distribution site where the center gives away car seats to those who take part in the car seat class.
The car seat class started in May and provides information on how to install a car seat, removal of it, and how to properly secure a child, as well as an installation checklist.
“Our goal with this class is to help parents use car seats correctly so that we can prevent injuries and deaths,” Maurer said.
Both programs are free to the public, and the only requirement is signing up.
The center also has an inpatient program where new parents are seen by consultants for support on feeding their baby, whether through breastfeeding or formula.
There is also an outpatient lactation program where moms can follow up for more information if they have trouble breastfeeding or have questions.
The center also partners with the Breast Pump Depot, where patients can get a breast pump with qualifying insurance.
This year, the center created a newborn outpatient program where parents are given information on what to do when their baby comes home, including time frames to see a pediatrician and ensure the baby is healthy.
“I love these programs, and I feel super blessed to be able to be part of these programs, and not only the programs but to be a part of these families. Helping them gain knowledge and keeping these babies safe is so important,” Maurer said.
The center also partners with Family Connects, a free visiting nursing program that allows nurses to visit parents at the hospital and after they arrive home with their newborn.
Some of the services these nurses provide include checking the baby’s weight, the mom’s health, offering help with breast or bottle-feeding, performing a postpartum depression screening, informing the parents about childcare options, discussing family dynamics, teaching parents about bathing, diapering, and swaddling, managing infant crying, and providing early literacy information.
“It is a really great resource for these parents, and this program is also able to inform these parents on even more resources that they may need,” Maurer said.
To learn more about programs at LGMC, visit maternity services or call Maurer’s office number at 817-964-7981.
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