NGMC's Braselton and Gainesville campuses have been designated by the Georgia Department of Public Health as "Safe to Sleep" hospitals.
The designation comes after the center's commitment to educating mothers, fathers and other caretakers of newborns and infants on the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations for infant safe sleep.
According to NGMC Mother Baby Unit Educator, Jamie Vick, the process to be awarded the designation began in January of 2016.
"We participated with 76 other state birthing hospitals to hopefully reduce infant death related to sleep related causes that can come from an unsafe sleep environment," said Vick.
The designation of being a Safe to Sleep hospital means NGMC's medical staff teaches new parents the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations for safe infant sleeping, known as the "ABCs of safe sleep."
- Alone - Babies should sleep alone in their own sleep space close to, but separate from, their caregiver.
- Back - Babies should be placed on their back to sleep. Every nap. Every sleep. Every time.
- Crib - Babies should sleep in a crib or bassinet with a firm, flat surface with no extra things such as crib bumpers, blankets or toys.
These safe sleep practices are explained and demonstrated to parents while the babies are in the hospital. In addition, NGMC also completes monthly "crib audits" to evaluate safe sleep guidelines in compliance with the American Academy of Pediatrics to reinforce safe sleep education.
"This is an initiative we truly believe in," said Director of Women and Children's Services at NGMC Gainesville, Heather Standard.
"Many caregivers, especially first-time parents or grandparents, don't realize the risks of improper sleeping arrangements. By educating our families and patients about best practices for sleeping, we hope to do our part in reducing infant mortality rates across our communities."
For more information about the designation and safe sleep for infants, visit NGMC's Women and Children's Services.
