Mercy Tunes Into Newborn Channel for Parents
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (July 18, 2014) – Becoming a new parent in the digital age has its perks; there’s a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips, but is it the correct information?
To cut through the confusion, Mercy Hospital Springfield now offers new moms and dads access to the nationally-recognized Newborn Channel through in-hospital TVs, computers or mobile devices. The network delivers newborn and parenting information when parents and their families need it most.
“With this technology, doctors can send accurate, evidenced-based information to busy patients during pregnancy, postpartum and infancy,” said Dr. Tamara Fusco, medical director of Mercy’s Family Resource Center. “It also serves as a ‘go-to’ resource that updates as moms and dads journey through parenthood.”
The Newborn Channel – 67 on Mercy’s televisions – follows American Academy of Pediatrics and Joint Commission guidelines and recommendations, providing more than 40 original, award-winning programming on many topics, including:
- Diapering, bathing and other infant care
- Mom health and recovery topics
- Work-life balance and sibling interaction
- Breastfeeding basics and tips for success
- Safety topics like car seat safety, smoking cessation, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and more
“Our videos are meant to help demystify diapering, feeding, and caring for both mom and baby,” said Dave Ross, COO of The Wellness Network. “Moms and dads can view programs and talk to the hospital’s educators with their questions before they’re home on their own with their new baby.”
“It helps supplement our nurses’ patient education efforts,” Tammy Titus, family resource coordinator, explained. “The videos are engaging and accessible, and we’ll see to it that they’re available around the clock.” Program guides are available to all parents and include a password for easy access.
“Looking toward the future, Mercy can build on this,” Dr. Fusco added. “From this initiative, it is easy to imagine developing more topics and education on other aspects of health care.”
The Newborn Channel launched in 1992 and now airs in more than 1,000 U.S. hospitals. The educational content is overseen and reviewed by a medical advisory board, which ensures all content is up to date and presented in a clear and understandable way for patients and their families. For more information, visit www.thenewbornchannel.com.
