Healthwise: New Moms Brunch

By: Cheryn Stone Email

Updated: Thu 7:06 AM, Mar 25, 2010

March 24, 2010

New parents stop by a special brunch before they head home from Martha Jefferson Hospital. It's a chance for them to share stories with other new moms and get last minute questions answered. CBS19's Cheryn Stone profiles how the brunch is helping the transition from patients to parents.

Brand new moms, dads and babies have one last stop before leaving Martha Jefferson. The hospital hosts the low-key going away brunch and social gathering for new parents almost every day.

"That's one of the best ways to really own and embrace this amazing thing that they've just been through. By sharing their birth stories, that just cements the whole experience for all of them," said Brunch Coordinator, Kate Fiddyment.

Big smiles and memorable stories accompany the eggs at the gathering, however the brunch is also one of the last crash courses in parenting before mom and dad head home with the new baby.

"The dynamics of the brunch start to feed additional questions. [The new parents] start asking each other about their experiences and that reminds them of something they forgot to ask," said Fiddyment.

Martha Jefferson nurses attend the brunch and address any last minute questions from breast feeding to postpartum depression. The most popular questions? How to calm down that crying baby and how to get an older child to embrace having a little brother or sister.

The nurses also use the face-to-face brunch time to ask a few questions of their own.

"It's a time for us to complete their education process and make sure they have the skills and the ability to go home and care for their newborns," said Fiddyment.

After all, the brunch gathering at Martha Jefferson Hospital may be one of the last calm meals these new parents will have in a while.

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MJH Resources

Advance Directives:
Martha Jefferson Hospital supports your right to make decisions about your future medical care. We want to know your wishes so we can provide the care you desire. We never know when an accident or serious illness will leave us incapable of making our own health care decisions. For peace of mind, it is important to think about and talk about your values and wishes for medical care and to put those wishes in writing. Download the Advance Directives form by clicking here.

MJH Calendar of Events:
Each quarter Martha Jefferson Hospital holds more than 75 informational classes focusing on everyday health, help for diabetes, women’s health, and family centered maternity care. We also have free support groups to help new mothers, patients and families affected by cancer and those struggling to get a good night’s sleep. The calendar is searchable by week, month and year or by keyword. Click Here to find a class to help you. If you don’t see a class that meets your health needs call Health Connection at 434-654-7009 or toll free 1-888-652-6663 and ask to see if you qualify for a free consultation with a community health specialist.

Health Connection:
Register for classes, find a doctor and learn about our community education programs and health screenings by calling 434-654-7009 or toll free 1-888-652-6663.