|
SOUTH JERSEY HEALTHCARE OPENS LACTATION CENTERS
VINELAND, NJ (Sep 28, 2010) — The South Jersey Healthcare (SJH) Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of two Lactation Centers, funded by the Deborah F. Sager Memorial Fund. With locations at SJH Regional Medical Center and SJH Elmer Hospital, the Lactation Centers offer monthly breast pump rentals and breast feeding education. The Lactation Centers are designed to serve the many families who are unable to afford breastfeeding equipment in tough economic times and to inform parents that the practice of breastfeeding is less expensive than using baby formula.
“We believe in the overwhelming benefits of breastfeeding, so we are extremely pleased to offer lactation services and consulting to new mothers, regardless of where the babies were born,” said Elizabeth Sheridan, Chief Operating Officer of SJH Regional Medical Center and SJH Corporate Chief Nursing Executive. “The new Lactation Centers are a great complement to the spectrum of OB/GYN services already available at South Jersey Healthcare, and they provide an essential part of the learning process for new mothers.”
There are many benefits to breast feeding for mothers and babies. Breastfeeding is proven to protect babies by fighting disease and aiding digestion. It is also linked to a lower risk of health diseases for the mother, including type 2 diabetes, breast and ovarian cancers, and postpartum depression.
“It is well known that the health benefits of breastfeeding are crucial to mothers and babies, but many women overlook the significant financial savings the practice can offer, says Marge Pollock, Nursing Director of the Mother/Baby Maternity Units at the SJH Regional Medical Center. “Women who participate in the rental program at the SJH Lactation Centers save money on formula and equipment. Plus, the hospitals are able to conserve and reuse the equipment that would otherwise go to waste after the baby is weaned from breast milk.”
In addition to monthly rentals, the SJH Lactation Centers offer Medela breast pumps and associated breast feeding supplies for purchase. The Lactation Centers are available to all women, whether they delivered at an SJH facility or other location.
The SJH Lactation Centers also offer support and education for breastfeeding mothers. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC), who are also registered nurses, are on staff to assist breastfeeding mothers and babies. For more information on the new Lactation Centers at SJH, or to schedule an individual consultation with a Lactation Consultant, please call 888-SJH-WOMAN or visit www.sjhs.com.
The Deborah F. Sager Memorial Fund (DFSMF) was established in 1978 as a memorial tribute to the vital, giving and loving child that was Deborah Felisse Sager. The DFSMF is a restricted fund of the South Jersey Healthcare Foundation, and earnings from the fund provide critical equipment and services for pediatrics, neo-natal and newborn care at South Jersey Health System. The Deborah F. Sager Memorial fund has grown to almost a half million dollars and has made a number of vital contributions to help ensure quality health care for children.
|
