It is the philosophy of St. Bernards Birthcare Center to provide family-centered care. From the time your infant is born, families are encouraged to actively participate in caring for their newborns. After delivery and the recovery process, you and your newborn may be moved to our postpartum care unit on the fourth floor. This transition of care will provide you with a quieter environment to bond with your infant and rest. The transition also allows mothers of infants who may remain in NICU for an extended period of time to remain close to their babies.
We offer lots of postpartum support, whether you want advice and counseling for breastfeeding or find yourself dealing with postpartum depression.
Breastfeeding Resource Center Jonesboro, Arkansas
St. Bernards is the leader in the region for lactation support, with three board-certified lactation consultants to help mothers while in the hospital and after discharge.
These ladies are available to assist mothers at the bedside after delivery, in the NICU when their new baby needs special attention, and in the new outpatient clinic after mom and baby are discharged from the hospital. The outpatient clinic, located at 800 S. Church Street, Suite 203, sees patients by appointment only, Monday – Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 870.897.7335.
The Breastfeeding Help Line - 870.972.4436 - is a free service with extended hours for mothers in Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri. Our lactation experts will help you through a wide-range of challenges and give you the understanding and support you need to breast feed your baby with success. Problems with which they may need assistance include but are not limited to:
- Painful or cracked nipples
- Engorgement
- Low milk supply
- Plugged ducts
- Mastitis
- Yeast
- Breastfeeding twins (or more!)
- Breastfeeding an adopted baby
- Weight checks
- Babies who are slow to gain weight
We offer prenatal breastfeeding classes through a one-time evening class. The class is free to mothers who are delivering at St. Bernards. To register, call 870.207.7300 or visit the St. Bernards Calendar of Events.
Baby Blues
Having a baby can be very exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Feeling weepy, moody, exhausted, unable to sleep, anxious and nervous after your baby is born is normal.
About 80 percent of new moms have baby blues. It is caused from rapidly changing hormones and physical changes such as milk coming in. The great news is these symptoms will go away on their own and it’s not an illness.
Ask for help from others when you need it and get as much rest as possible. Even little “cat naps” can help. If the symptoms persist more than 2–3 weeks after the birth of your baby, call your doctor and seek help.
Post-Partum Depression
About 20 percent of women experience an episode of depression, known as postpartum depression, after having a baby.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is treatable, but many people do not know the facts. They wait too long to get help or never seek treatment.
Postpartum depression affects one in every 8 to 10 women. It usually occurs within the first year after childbirth, miscarriage or stillbirth. PPD is not a character flaw or sign of personal weakness. It does not mean that there is anything wrong with your ability to be a mother. The symptoms of PPD range from mild blues to severe depression. The depression may be mild, moderate or severe.
There is no need to struggle alone. Many new mothers feel out of control, but with help they get back on track and feel good again
If you think you might have post-partum depression, please reach out to your OB-GYN, primary care provider or licensed counselor.
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Hotline Numbers
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800.273.TALK
- National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Hotline: 800.662.HELP
- National Child Abuse Hotline: 800.4.A.CHILD