I have been writing a paper this week on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a common and life-threatening gastrointestinal disease that occurs mostly in premature infants.  While researching the topic, I was reminded over and over again of the importance of breast milk and I thought I would share some information with you.

Lafeber, Westerbeek,  Van den Berg,  Fetter, and Van Elburg (2008) found that breast milk offers some protective measures against NEC by stimulating the growth of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. These are both types of ‘good’ bacteria that live in the gut of healthy infants.

Another study found that NEC developed six times more in neonates who were formula fed and 3.5 times more in infants fed formula and breast milk combined than in those fed breast milk alone (Thompson & Bizzarro, 2008).

What a great reason to provide breastmilk for your baby, especially if your baby is a preemie!  The benefits of breastmilk are numerous (See our Lactation page for more info) and in most cases, it is the best thing for your baby.  Please talk to your baby’s physician, nurse, or a Lactation Consultant today about providing breast milk or the use of Donor Expressed Breastmilk (DEBM).

Email me with your thoughts, concerns, or questions on this topic.  I’d love to hear from you.

Happy Pumping!

Julie Hudson, BSN, RN
NCBH NICU  

This week, I just wanted to share some encouraging words with all the NICU families out there:
“They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world. Someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.”   ~Tom Bodett

If you have a baby (or babies) in the NICU, then you have all 3 of these things. 

Scripture even tells us:  “And thou shalt be secure because there is hope.”  (Job 11:18).

Hope is what sometimes gets you through the hard days and keeps you going even when it doesn’t seem like you have anything left to give.  But, you still may have to wait because some things take time. Remember…..
“Patience is the art of Hoping.”  ~Vauvenargues 

Hope these words encourage you this week….as you wait and hope!

If you have an encouraging word for other NICU families, please drop me an email by clicking on my name below.

Julie Hudson, BSN, RN
NCBH NICU  

     This week, I have been on the other side of hospital life…my grandfather has been in critical condition following cardiac bypass.  It has been a difficult time for our family, full of lots of emotions - stress, worry, etc.  Our family will reflect happily on the staff that have contributed to his care, and we will especially remember the ones who took the time to talk, explain procedures, and who spoke and acted kindly to my grandfather.
     In the NICU, the story is similar.  You will always remember those of us who have touched your child and contributed to his or her health.  We hope that those memories are fond ones and that we have been there to not only nurture your little one, but to offer support and kindness to you and your family.
     If you have a NICU story to share or a word of advice for other NICU parents or NICU staff, please email me by clicking on my name below.  I would love to include your ideas for dealing with NICU life.

Julie Hudson, BSN, RN
NCBH NICU   

Summertime Fun Time!

Join North Central Baptist Hospital for the 5th Annual Summer Celebration. 

Your kids will love the fun activities, and you'll enjoy informative exhibits.

- FREE t-shirt for the first 200 attendees who donate back-to-school supplies
- Great giveaway items from area businesses
- FREE food and refreshments
- Local physicians with FREE family health and wellness information
- Asthma education
- Learn about the Spirit of Women program
- Games, crafts and much, much more!

When:  Saturday, August 7th

Time:  9 am to noon

Location:  North Central Baptist Hospital's Atrium Lobby
                    520 Madison Oak Drive
                    San Antonio, TX  78258

For more information, please call (210) 297-7005

According to the CDC, more than a ½ million babies are born prematurely each year in the United States…that is estimated to be 1 in 8.[1]  This is a staggering statistic, however, recently released numbers from the National Center for Health Statistics shows that premature births have decreased nationwide by 4% from 2006-2008!  This is the first time our country has seen a decline in 30 years.[2] 
That means we are making progress in the fight toward healthy pregnancies and deliveries, but we still have a long way to go.  Check out the latest statistics and information on premature babies here on our NICU Helpful Links page and for Moms-to-be, check out the Prenatal Care page.If you have questions, comments, or a story to share, please email me by clicking on my name below.