Mother Baby Wellness Center
Lynette Johnson had only been home from the hospital about 45 minutes when the first question came up. By the next day, she had a list of nearly a dozen questions that ranged from "Is the umbilical cord supposed to look like that?" to "Is the baby latching on correctly?"
Fortunately, the St. Jude Mother Baby Wellness Center was there to provide answers. When a new mom is discharged from St. Jude Medical Center, they are given something more than a friendly "good bye and good luck." Each mom is given an appointment at the St. Jude Mother Baby Wellness Center.
Two days after discharge, a specially trained registered nurse spends 45 minutes with the new mom and baby, providing a head-to-toe assessment of the baby's physical progress, as well as answering mom's questions and concerns. Each nurse is also a certified lactation consultant and highly experienced in helping moms successfully breastfeed.
The appointment is just one of the services offered to moms who deliver at St. Jude Medical Center and is completely free of charge.
"The first few days at home are often overwhelming, as parents worry about issues such as: Does the baby look jaundiced? Is the baby losing weight? Is the baby eating enough?" explains Fran Buche, RN, IBCLC, Supervisor of the Mother Baby Wellness Center. "They leave here with answers, feeling much more comfortable and confident in their new role."
Lynette says, for her, this free visit made all the difference. "It was the best 45 minutes I could have spent," she explains. "They not only checked both of our physical progress, but went through every one of my questions and then showed me exactly what I need to do during breastfeeding. When I got home, I felt like I could finally relax and just enjoy my baby."
Just a Phone Call Away
Even after the initial appointment, new moms can continue to get help and advice when they need it—by just picking up the phone and calling the Mother Baby Wellness Center. "It is very reassuring for parents to have someone they can call, who understands what they're going through and can offer accurate information and advice," explains Fran.
For questions that come up on evenings or weekends when the Mother Baby Wellness Center is closed, parents can call the St. Jude Nurse Advice Line at (800) 870-7537 and get help or advice from one of the specially trained registered nurses.
Shopping Made Easy
Shopping with a newborn can be challenging. To make getting breastfeeding supplies more convenient, the Mother Baby Wellness Center sells many of the items you need to successfully breastfeed, including:
- nursing bras
- breastfeeding pillows
- Medela hospital grade breast pumps available for rent
- Medela personal use breast pumps available for purchase
- nursing pads, breast care products, and containers for pumping and storage
- books and DVDs on parenting, breastfeeding and infant care
The Mother Baby Wellness Center is located at 1901 Sunnycrest Drive in Fullerton and is open weekdays, 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. For more information, call the Mother Baby Wellness Center at (714) 446-7226.
Breastfeeding Workshops
New moms interested in getting a little extra help and support with breastfeeding are encouraged to attend one or more of the weekly workshops offered at the Mother Baby Wellness Center. This group setting offers encouragement, new friendships and practical hands-on help, as the moms are assisted by a certified lactation consultant to successfully breastfeed.
Offered every Monday, from 1 – 3 p.m., and Friday, from 10 a.m. – noon, each mom receives individualized attention and guidance, helping them become confident and successful in their ability to nourish their infant.
There is a $20 fee for the first workshop and then a $5 fee for every subsequent workshop you attend. To sign up for one or more of the breastfeeding workshops, call the Mother Baby Wellness Center at (714) 446-7226. Workshops are held at St. Jude Community Services, 130 W. Bastanchury Road, Fullerton.
Private Breastfeeding Consultations
For moms interested in one-on-one assistance, the certified lactation consultants at the Mother Baby Wellness Center offer private breastfeeding consultations. These appointments allow moms to receive specialized breastfeeding assistance.
There is a fee of $50 per 45-minute consultation. To schedule a private breastfeeding appointment, call the Mother Baby Wellness Center at (714) 446-7226.