From July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010, HCGH delivered the second highest number of babies ever: 3,455 births, which is just 78 deliveries short of the record set in 2004. This represents an increase of 321 deliveries, or 12 percent over the prior fiscal year. With the blizzards of 2010, we are expecting our “baby boom” to continue through the fall.

Our goal at HCGH is to create a family-centered experience for our new mothers and their families. From our attractively decorated private rooms, all with private baths, to cookies in the afternoon, we want our patients to experience a healthy labor and delivery in a relaxed but medically secure environment. Two of our recovery rooms are designed specifically for cesarean births and our expanded Center for Maternal and Fetal Medicine offers comprehensive, state-of-the-art perinatal care for mothers with high-risk pregnancies. For our neediest infants, our 18-bed Level IIIb Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is ready with state-of-the-art medical equipment and a highly trained staff.

HCGH offers birthing center tours and sibling tours as well as a number of classes for expectant parents. We believe that the more mothers and families know about the process, the more comfortable they will feel at delivery.

For more information about classes and tours, visit our website or call the HCGH Wellness Center at 410-740-7601.

Hungry, and Gassy, and Colicky, oh my!

Newborn babies cry for a variety of reasons: they are hungry, need to burp, have a soiled diaper, want to be bundled or need a nap. While crying can indicate that your baby wants or needs something, parents also have to recognize the difference between a fussy baby and one with colic – periods of intense, uncontrollable crying.

If an otherwise healthy baby cries more than three hours a day, three days a week, for more than three weeks and is younger than three months of age, he may have colic. Soothing a crying baby can be a heart-wrenching experience, leaving a parent feeling helpless.

“Happiest Baby on the Block” Classes at HCGH

To help new parents learn to soothe and comfort their baby, Howard County General Hospital hosts a program called “Happiest Baby on the Block.” Endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the program provides five easy-to-learn techniques taught by a certified instructor at the hospital’s Wellness Center. The four-part method – the Fourth Trimester, the Calming Reflex, The 5 S’s, and The Cuddle Cures – can help reduce persistent crying and sleeplessness, offer new mothers more breastfeeding success and help parents succeed at soothing their baby.

The programs are held on a regular basis. For dates and times, please call the Wellness Center at 410-740-7601 or search our classes and events on hcgh.org.