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It’s important to establish children with a pediatrician so that their health baselines can be monitored regularly throughout each stage of their life, from infancy to young adulthood. Well-child visits are comprehensive, preventative check-ups that are vital to each child and teen’s overall health and wellbeing.  At Renown Children’s Hospital, our Pediatric Primary Care team is dedicated to treating children with personalized medical care – we are focused on each child’s individualized healthcare needs, offering services ranging from well-child visits and immunizations to sports physicals, care for illnesses and minor injuries, mental health support and specialist referrals when needed. Here is an overview of the timeline and importance of well-child visits for you to reference as you care for your children. Well-Child Visit Schedule Renown Children’s Primary Care provides the following well-child visit schedule: Three to five days after birth 2 weeks Two months Four months Six months Nine months One year 15 months 18 months Two years, and yearly after

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Why are timely vaccinations important? Childhood vaccinations are scheduled and vaccines are administered when young bodies require immediate protection or need to build immunity for diseases and illnesses we may encounter throughout our lives. Delaying recommended vaccinations puts children at higher risk for diseases that can affect them more harshly, like pertussis (whooping cough), which is especially dangerous for babies. Vaccination Benefits Vaccinations save the lives of 1,000s of children (and adults) every year Vaccinations protect us from illnesses that can lead to cancer, hospital stays, life-long health issues & even death Vaccinations help protect those who receive the vaccines and, through herd immunity, also help protect the unvaccinated and seniors whose immunity may have waned. What’s the recommended vaccine schedule for children? In the U.S., we follow the CDC’s vaccine schedule for children and teens up to 18 years of age. The schedule also provides notes regarding missed or late vaccine doses and how to properly “catch-up.” If your child is missing one of the vaccinations listed below, is not quite on-schedule with the recommended timeline or you have any questions regarding vaccines or timings, please reach out to your child’s provider. Vaccine Schedule Birth to 4 Years: Birth – First vaccine for hepatitis B and may receive respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)* vaccine 2, 4 & 6 months of age – Vaccines/boosters for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (DTaP), polio (IPV), haemophilus influenza type B (HiB), pneumonia, hepatitis B and rotavirus 6 months to 4 years of age – COVID-19 vaccine, 1-2 doses* 1 year of age – First dose of measles, mumps, rubella with varicella for chicken pox (MMRV) vaccine and boosters for hepatitis A, HiB and pneumonia 15 months of age – 4th dose of DTaP 18 months of age – 2nd dose of hepatitis A 4 years of age – Final dose of MMRV, TDaP and IPV vaccines *Conditions apply. See your child’s provider.  Vaccine Schedule 5 Years & Older: CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also recommend the following vaccine schedule for children as they grow: Prior to starting middle school – TDaP and meningitis vaccines/boosters 9-12 years of age – AAP suggests children (and those up to 26 years of age who have not been adequately vaccinated) receive the HPV vaccine to help protect against developing certain cancers as adults Children up to 18 years of age & adults – COVID-19 vaccines are recommended, especially for those with medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes For more vaccination information, please refer to the CDC recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule. Any tips on preparing my child for a vaccination? Many parents worry about side effects like pain and fever for their children after getting vaccinations. Studies have shown that giving Tylenol prior to vaccines can decrease their effectiveness. That’s why providers recommend parents and caregivers wait until after vaccines are administered before giving Tylenol or Ibuprofen, and then only if symptoms develop. Do vaccinations wear off? Many vaccinations provide life-long immunity while others may wear off over time. Vaccines are given to children when they are at most risk for contracting diseases as well as when they are at the highest risk of severe complications from a disease. So even if immunity fades over time, it is important receive vaccinations on time to protect children during these high-risk windows. Doctor's Advice: Ensure Your Child's Health with Timely Vaccinations A child receiving a vaccination can be a scary thing for some parents and misinformation about vaccines on social media and the internet can make things confusing. It is important for parents to discuss any questions they have about vaccines with their child’s health care provider. As medical providers caring for children, we all have the common goal of keeping children the healthiest they can be – and vaccines are an important part of that. To schedule an appointment with a Renown provider, please go here and click here to learn more about Brittany Lemons, MD.

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With the dangerous heat wave impacting our region, there are heightened risks of heatstroke, especially for children who cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as adults. Infants are particularly vulnerable and may not express discomfort, so never leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Top Tips for Preventing Heatstroke Reduce the number of deaths from heatstroke by remembering to ACT. Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving a child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not inside so kids don’t get in on their own. Create reminders. Keep a stuffed animal or other memento in your child’s car seat when it’s empty, and move it to the front seat as a visual reminder when your child is in the back seat. Or place and secure your phone, briefcase or purse in the backseat when traveling with your child. Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations Keeping Your Baby Cool in the Back Seat In hot weather, it is crucial to keep your baby cool and hydrated by using a car seat cover or towel over them to reflect the sun's rays. Dress your baby in lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs. Keep an eye on your baby's skin color. Move them to a cooler place if they look too red or flushed. Keep the temperature at a comfortable temperature for you, not for your child. Keep the windows cracked open for ventilation and ensure nothing is blocking the airflow from entering or exiting the vehicle. Dress your infant appropriately for their environment, including appropriate head and neck coverings, to keep them cool and protected from sunburns. Ensure you have enough fluids to last an hour before getting out of the car or use bottled water if possible. Never leave your child unattended in a car. Steps to Follow if You Suspect Heatstroke  Call 911 immediately.  Cool the victim – Get the person to a shady area, remove restrictive clothing and cover skin with sheets soaked in ice-water, and place ice packs in the arm pits and groin.  Have the victim drink cool fluids, preferably an electrolyte-containing sports drink.  Monitor body temperature with a thermometer but stop cooling efforts after temperature has dropped to 102 Fahrenheit. Baby Safe Classes These classes help prepare parents for emergencies that may occur in baby’s first year. Safe Kids Worldwide Did you know heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash related fatalities in children? “On average, every 10 days a child dies from heatstroke in a vehicle. In more than half of these deaths, the caregiver forgot the child was in the car.”

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In today's fast-paced society, it is understandable for parents to want to take shortcuts in caring for their little ones. A s a result, It is tempting to leave a sleeping infant in a car seat or swing after a long day of errands or when you need a moment to catch your breath. But, as convenient as these devices may be, they pose a serious risk to your child's safety. Why Car Seats and Swings Pose Risks for Infant Sleep Car seats, swings, and bouncers are quick and convenient ways to feed, hold, and sleep an infant. Not out of malice or discontent, but again from the need for quick and easy access to baby care in an already busy lifestyle. However, the risks outweigh the benefits. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that “infants should be moved to a crib, bassinet, or play yard for sleeping as soon as is practical.” If a parent must use a car seat or other sitting device, they should only do so for a short period of time and never as a substitute for a proper sleeping environment. Leaving a sleeping infant in a sitting device, such as a car seat or swing, can create unsafe sleeping conditions. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns that doing so increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and positional asphyxia. This is because infants can easily slump over or become entangled in the straps, blocking their airway, and causing suffocation. Car seats, swings, and bouncers are quick and convenient ways to feed, hold, and sleep an infant. Not out of malice or discontent, but again from the need for quick and easy access to baby care in an already busy lifestyle. However, the risks outweigh the benefits. The AAP states: Infants should be moved to a crib, bassinet, or play yard for sleeping as soon as is practical. If a parent must use a car seat or other sitting device, they should only do so for a short period and never as a substitute for a proper sleeping environment. Leaving a sleeping infant in a sitting device, such as a car seat or swing, can create unsafe sleeping conditions. The AAP warns that doing so increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and positional asphyxia. In addition, infants can easily slump over or become entangled in the straps, blocking their airways and causing suffocation.

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A well-child checkup is a great opportunity to monitor your child’s growth and development, and it's also a chance to establish a trusting relationship with your child’s pediatrician and have your questions answered. What to Expect at Each Checkup At every checkup, a comprehensive physical examination will be conducted to assess your child's growth parameters, including height, weight and head circumference. A developmental assessment will evaluate the progress of your infant or young child in achieving age-appropriate milestones, encompassing language skills, motor development, problem-solving abilities and psycho-social skills. In addition, your pediatrician will address common concerns such as feeding, sleep patterns, oral health and general infant care. Unless there are specific needs or concerns for your baby, routine laboratory tests are typically unnecessary. Your pediatrician will provide guidance on immunization schedules, post-vaccination expectations and when to seek medical attention. Furthermore, during each visit, you will receive age-specific guidance to help you anticipate your child's expected growth and development, along with essential safety precautions and illness prevention measures. Your pediatrician will discuss various topics, such as placing your baby to sleep on their back, utilizing rear-facing infant car seats until around age two, maintaining home water thermostats below 120 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring dangerous objects and poisonous substances are out of sight and reach, emphasizing dental health and promoting the use of bike helmets, among other things. Preparing for Your Visit It is recommended that, as a parent, you write down any questions beforehand, so you don’t forget them in the moment. Most importantly, feel comfortable asking your pediatrician about anything that might seem unusual, as you are the parent, and you know best! Before leaving the pediatrician’s office, be sure that you fully understand any instructions given to you and ask for clarification if needed. From your child’s birth through young adulthood, you will be visiting your pediatrician regularly. The American Academy of Pediatrics provides what a regular schedule might look like. Well-Child Checkup Schedule Two to three days after birth and at one month Two months Four months Six months Nine months One year 15 months 18 months 24 months 30 months Three years, and yearly after

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Taking a few minutes to prepare for your child's pediatrician visit helps ensure that all your child's medical needs are met. Knowing the right questions to ask your provider can help you get the most out of your visit and ensure you and your child feel comfortable and informed. It is essential to base your questions on your child's specific health needs, but the ten options below are a great place to start. How is my child's overall health and development progressing? Is my child meeting their developmental milestones, and are there any areas where they may need extra support? What vaccinations does my child need, and are they up to date on all required immunizations? Are there any nutritional recommendations or concerns for my child's age and stage of development? What are some strategies for promoting healthy habits and physical activity for my child? Are there any warning signs I should look out for regarding my child's health or behavior? What can I do to help prevent common childhood illnesses like colds, flu strains or ear infections? What should I do if my child gets sick, and when should I seek medical attention? Are there any changes to my child's medication or dosage that I should be aware of? Is there anything else I should know or be aware of regarding my child's health or development?

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Bringing in new life is an exciting and beautiful occasion. The possibilities for the newest members of our world are endless – what will the child grow up to become? What will they achieve in their lifetime? Anyone will agree that a new life is precious and protecting that life by any means possible is a necessity.  Sometimes, however, a baby’s journey into our world brings along obstacles. Prematurity, congenital defects and other complications can accompany a birth and the baby’s first few moments of life. But what happens when these complications happen outside of a fully-functioning Labor & Delivery unit, or if the complications need a special level of intervention with a health system capable of caring for their unique needs?  Enter the NICU Transport team at Renown Health. As the only Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Transport team in northern Nevada, these dedicated nurses, respiratory therapists and neonatal nurse practitioners – who have normal unit duties of their own at Renown Regional Medical Center – step up to the plate to take on this extra duty to support members of their community facing some of the scariest moments of their lives. To them, transporting babies in critical condition and giving them the best chance of life isn’t just a responsibility; it’s a calling.  The NICU on Wheels  When the Saint Mary’s maternity unit, which was Renown’s partner in NICU transport duties, made the decision to close, our dedicated NICU nurses and respiratory therapists diligently rose to the occasion to fill the demand. Dubbed the “NICU on Wheels,” Renown’s team went from taking on transport duties every other day to 365 days a year – and they are always ready to go at a moment’s notice, whether it’s by ambulance or by fixed-wing aircraft.  “When we learned about the closure we knew it was our calling and knew we had to step up,” said Rachel D., Neonatal Transport RN at Renown. “We still have regular days on the floor, and we each switch off being on-call for transport. Once we get a distress call, we have 30 minutes to get to the hospital, grab our gear and go. We have to essentially put a whole room’s worth of portable equipment in one bag.”  “I really enjoy being a part of the transport team and making a difference from northern Nevada to northern California,” added Sam V., Supervisor of Respiratory Care at Renown. “We are able to practice at the top of our skill level and use autonomy that not every practitioner gets to use.”  Each NICU Transport unit works in teams of three when heading out into the field: one nurse (our bedside experts), one nurse practitioner (our education experts) and one respiratory therapist (our lung and breathing experts). With several years – and in many cases, decades – of experience in NICU nursing, NICU transport duties and respiratory therapy, this team is poised to provide state-of-the-art lifesaving care en route to the hospital. This diverse array of experiences among the team especially comes in handy as they continue to face the increased transport workload.  “We are so thankful to have Saint Mary’s employees come over and work on our team after their maternity ward closed,” said Melyssa H., RN, NICU Transport Coordinator at Renown. “Helping the babies, as well as helping the scared families, will always be our top priority.”  “I love the complexity that babies provide in the NICU,” added Jennifer J., Neonatal Transport RN at Renown. “Providing hands-on care right at the bedside along other members of the team is such a rewarding experience.”  Education is also a crucial tool in NICU care, especially in the field. The nurse practitioners on this team make it their mission to outreach to the community, including our rural health partners, and help them build the tools and skills they need to care for our smallest and most critical patients.  “I have been on a few transports where we went out and did not have to bring the baby over to the hospital, and we were able to provide lots of education instead,” said Shiela A., Respiratory Specialist at Renown. “For instance, I was called out to Fallon for a baby that was in respiratory distress. When we arrived, we saw the baby was awake and active although intubated. The tube came out, and we retaped it. While we stayed to observe the baby to make sure everything was okay, the nurse practitioner on the team provided educational tools to the family on what they can improve on regarding their baby’s tubing. Our nurses do such a great job with these teachings.”  “When I started, I quickly noticed that more education was needed in the field,” added Jennifer J., RN. “Now I see the momentum we’ve had in these communities really take full force. Because of this education, and the confidence we instill in our patients’ families, each baby’s transition to our team has become so much easier. It has been awesome to watch this progress over the years.”  With immense experience, education and a strong commitment to their community under their wing, the NICU on Wheels is only just getting started.  Teamwork Makes the Dream Work  Running a successful NICU Transport operation, especially as the sole health system participating, takes a village. With only three professionals out in the field, the team leans on their fellow nurses, physicians, surgeons and specialists to make the operation run as smoothly as possible.  From REMSA and Care Flight helping load patients in and get them to the hospital safely, to Renown’s Clinical Engineering team who are first on the scene when machines need repairs and troubleshooting, everyone rises to the occasion to achieve the best-possible outcome for our youngest patients at some of the most challenging moments of the beginning of their lives – and they are fully trusted to move those mountains.  “Being a part of the NICU Transport team has given us the opportunity to facilitate a deeper, meaningful relationship with providers and a patient’s entire care team,” said Rachel D., RN. “They entrust us with our assessment skills, opinions and skill levels. There is an equal layer of trust between us and them.”  Despite the pressure they feel every day, the NICU Transport team never let it overtake them and instead let it empower them.  “We are under a lot of pressure and stress regardless of the case, and yet, we all work so well together; the teamwork really is incredible,” said Lisa A., Respiratory Specialist at Renown. “I am very proud of how our team steps up and is very intricate, even down to organization. For example, team members like Shiela arrange all the respiratory bags and make sure they are laid out in a way that makes the procedure as simple as possible to ensure there are no complications.”  The nurses and respiratory therapists also partner together on the NICU floor and are always ready to provide coverage when their transport colleagues get a call. Committed to collaboration and ready to jump into action, the NICU Transport team works together to elevate each other and the bottom line for each patient.  “This is a full-time gig, and the group works together to make sure everyone is covered; we are all very collaborative,” said Sarah K., Respiratory Specialist at Renown. “We all think of our patients as extra special, and it’s nice to know that you can make a difference in the baby’s life and the lives of the family. We all have a sense of purpose in giving back to the community.”  “I am just so thankful to be a part of this team,” added Marcia A., Neonatal Transport RN at Renown. “We really have developed a strong bond.”  A Track Record of Success  The life-saving measures that each member of the NICU Transport team take surpass hospital walls. The impact they have on each baby are remembered and celebrated for years, and they often develop lifelong relationships with patients and their families after their stay in the NICU.  One prime example of this can be found in an impassioned letter from Tess, the mother of a young boy who was in the midst of respiratory distress and needed immediate intervention. Because of the valiant efforts of Renown’s NICU Transport team, her child, Warren, is a healthy and happy baby to this day. She recalls the experience: Warren had stopped breathing while getting routine blood work. He was resuscitated twice while at an area hospital. We made the decision to transfer him to Renown for him to be admitted into the NICU. Within an hour and a half of this decision, Renown had sent a team consisting of a respiratory therapist, nurse and nurse practitioner to come and get him. As soon as the team entered the room, we immediately felt safe and comforted. The team made sure we knew exactly what was going on and what was going to happen in the following hours, and they let us know they would do everything for Warren. He was resuscitated two more times by the respiratory therapist while getting ready for transport. At that time, the decision was made to intubate for a smoother ride to Renown. We knew you all had his best interest in mind, and of course, we trusted you with everything. The intubation went well, and he was packed up and ready to drive. Today, Warren is hitting all of his developmental milestones and is a normal, happy baby in everyone’s eyes. We can’t thank the NICU Transport team enough for taking such good care of Warren and helping him Fight the Good Fight.  “This success wasn’t just due to our three-person unit – our manager, Jason, also jumped in and drove all the way to Carson City to stabilize the child,” said Shiela A. “This just goes to show that no matter our title, we are always here to help and make a huge difference in the lives of our patients.”  Success stories of children like Warren describe the common mission of the NICU Transport team in detail, and while there are more of these stories to come, the team is always ready to make the necessary sacrifices for the greater good of their patients.  “Sarah K. is like Warren’s guardian angel,” said Tess. “We call her ‘Auntie Sarah’ now. He wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for her and the entire NICU Transport team. It takes a special kind of person to work in the NICU. I can never repay this team for what they’ve done for Warren and our family.”  “I am proud of this team, their flexibility and the sacrifices they have made to do transport 365 days a year,” added Melyssa H., RN.”  The remarkable success of the NICU Transport team serves as proof of the unwavering and tireless commitment of each and every team member, bringing hope to families during their most difficult moments.  “NICU Transport forces you to be confident in yourself and your abilities and to push yourself a step further,” said Rachel D., RN. “I am a better nurse because I joined the transport team.”

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Giving birth expends as much energy as running a marathon. And just like you would only run a marathon with training beforehand, there are exercises you can do to prepare for birth. But instead of a coach, you'll have your birth team. Your birth team exists to help you navigate pregnancy and labor and support your choices. Let's say you've never put together a birth team before and are wondering where to start. Today we'll go over the three main positions to fill for your birth team's starting lineup. Birthing Person The birthing person is the leader of the team. After all, you can't have a birth team without someone giving birth. This person could be the baby's mother, gestational surrogate, birth parent before adoption, a transgender father or a non-binary parent. If you are not the birthing person, don't presume to know what the ideal labor and birth circumstances should be. And if you are the birthing person, don't allow anyone else to tell you what you want. This is your body and your birth; you are the boss in the birth room. Doula No birth team is complete without a doula, and although doulas have increased in popularity lately, many people still don't know what a doula is. Simply put, a doula is a birth professional – not a medical provider – who offers emotional, physical and informational support during pregnancy, labor and beyond. Most doulas' services include at least one prenatal visit and one postpartum visit, as well as continuous care throughout active labor. Some doulas provide more than one prenatal/postpartum visit, so be sure to ask what is included in their fee. Even if you have a partner who will support you during labor, studies have shown that a doula can significantly increase your likelihood of a positive birth outcome. Even the most supportive partner needs to rest, and a doula can ensure that you still get the care you need while your partner gets a break. Midwife or Obstetrician Finally, you'll want to choose the medical professional who will attend your birth. Many folks choose to give birth with the OB/GYN who does their annual check-ups, but there are many reasons someone might choose a different provider for their birth. The first step to finding the best attending provider for your birth is to decide which model of care aligns closest to your values and goals: the Midwifery Model of Care or the Medical Model of Care. .tg {border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;} .tg td{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px; overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;} .tg th{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px; font-weight:normal;overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;} .tg .tg-gqvw{background-color:#ffffff;color:#56266d;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important;font-weight:bold; text-align:left;vertical-align:top} .tg .tg-8vim{background-color:#ffffff;color:#56266d;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important;font-size:18px; font-weight:bold;text-align:left;vertical-align:top} .tg .tg-qm8j{background-color:#ffffff;color:#56266d;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important;text-align:left; vertical-align:top} .tg {border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;} .tg td{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px; overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;} .tg th{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px; font-weight:normal;overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;} .tg .tg-gqvw{background-color:#ffffff;color:#56266d;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important;font-weight:bold; text-align:left;vertical-align:top} .tg .tg-8vim{background-color:#ffffff;color:#56266d;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important;font-size:18px; font-weight:bold;text-align:left;vertical-align:top} .tg .tg-2rvk{background-color:#ffffff;color:#000000;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important;text-align:left; vertical-align:top} Midwifery Model of Care Medical Model of Care Philosophy Birth is physiological. Birth is potentially pathological. Interventions Medical interventions can cause more complications, and therefore are only used as needed. Medical interventions should be used, even in non-emergency situations and sometimes as preventative measures. Decisions Birthing person is the key decision maker. Medical professional is the key decision maker. Provider’s Role Providers monitor labor and will intervene or transfer to hospital if needed. Providers assess and control the birthing process.

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By taking our pregnancy and birth class, you will gain the tools necessary to have a safe and empowering birth experience for both you and your baby. Chris Marlo, Childbirth Educator at Renown Health explains why birth classes are important. For questions regarding classes or tours, contact Chris Marlo: chris.marlo@renown.org 775-982-4352 What is a Certified Childbirth Educator/Doula? If you are expecting a baby, Renown has a wide variety of classes to help prepare you for birth. Classes are taught by certified childbirth educators and doulas. A certified childbirth educator is a trusted resource who has a passion for educating expecting parents about childbirth, and will provide you with non-biased, evidence-based information. A doula is a professional labor assistant who provides physical and emotional support during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. As you prepare for birth, our certified educators will guide you each step of the way and ensure you receive the quality care you deserve.

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Becoming a parent for the first time means lots of new unknowns – from learning to breastfeed and swaddle to buckling your newborn into the car seat for the first time. But when it comes to putting them to bed safely, it’s important to remember it really can mean life or death. It’s something we’re taught before our little one is even here: the correct way to put your baby to bed safely. Sadly though, the number of infant deaths continues to climb. The main culprit of sleep-related infant death continues to be all the items parents leave in the crib with their babies. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are about 3,500 sleep-related deaths among babies each year. “The best advice is ‘bare is best.’ Keep your infant’s sleep space clutter free – no blankets, bumpers, toys or pillows,” said Karen Wagner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Follow the ABCs for Safe Sleep Remembering the ABCs is an easy way to remember how to put your little one to bed safely. A: Alone No blankets, toys or pillows. “We do recommend using a sleep sack as a blanket alternative,” said Karen. “It prevents the risk of suffocation and keeps your baby warm.” Keep in mind, the greatest risk for suffocation happens when babies are under 1 year of age, so it’s best to save the toys, blankets and pillows for their “big kid bed,” or around 18 months old. B: Back The slogan “back is best” is another good reminder. Keeping your baby on their back until they’re old enough to rollover helps reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). C: Crib It is best to have your baby sleep alone in their crib. While co-sleeping may be enticing, especially after a late-night feed, it increases the risks of possible suffocation. However, “having your child in your room, in their own crib or bassinet, is protective for SIDS,” Karen said. “In fact, we think co-rooming reduces SIDS risk by almost 50 percent.” Co-rooming allows parents to keep new babies in close reach and helps parents oversee their baby’s sleep, just in case something happens.

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Pictured above: A section of Renown’s Labor Assessment Area.  When patients expecting a new child are about to give birth, nerves can be especially heightened. Questions flood their minds: Is the baby actually on the way? What’s going to happen next? Are we ready to push?   Lucky for them, at Renown Health, the guesswork can finally end with Renown’s Labor & Delivery unit Labor Assessment Area. This unique space is a triage area that helps make more precise labor diagnoses by determining exactly what stage expectant parents are at in the labor process.  Funded by a state grant more than a decade ago, the six-bed Labor Assessment Area sees 500-600 patients per month – from patients entering the unit directly, unsure if they are in active labor, to patients who are sent over from elsewhere experiencing labor symptoms, such as high blood pressure and water breaking. The area also serves as a pre-operation space for patients getting ready for procedures such as C-sections. The six cubicles that are enclosed with doors and curtains ensure each patient gets the private, one-on-one care they need. Furthermore, rather than sitting in a waiting room, this area allows expectant parents a comfortable place to prepare for labor.  “We are a unit that prides ourselves on getting patients into beds very quickly,” said Debbie Hawley, Associate Nurse Manager in Renown’s Labor & Delivery unit. “This area has allowed us to triage more effectively and allow more patients to collaborate with their provider in a quick manner.”

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Parents welcoming their new bundles of joy into the world might be overcome with emotions. They're exhausted yet excited to meet their new baby and hold them in their arms. That’s where Renown Health’s Labor & Delivery (L&D) department comes in. When patients arrive at the L&D unit in Renown Regional Medical Center, they are embraced with caring, compassionate nurses, surgical technicians and physicians ready to serve their family. As they get ready for the big moment in their private L&D room or family suite, you can be certain that you, they can be certain that they will receive the excellent care they deserve. Unpredictable, but Never Unprepared  Ushering in new life can bring a lot of surprises for parents, but the L&D department is prepared for any challenge. Whether the unit is helping with a routine or high-risk delivery, every patient and newborn are treated with personalized care that is uniquely tailored to their own individual needs and birth preferences, from labor evaluation and birth to post-birth lactation consultation and navigating the nursery.  “Our floor is never predictable,” said Bri Goode, Renown L&D nurse. “Our nurses and our staff work as a team to ensure the best care for our patients. I commonly say that we are all 'nurses’ for each patient!”  The state-of-the-art technology at their fingertips – including advanced 3D ultrasound machines – coupled with the love and passion the team has for their patients allows them to create an optimal environment for every mother and baby. The unit is also equipped with a Labor Assessment Area, where expectant mothers are evaluated to determine what stage of labor they are in, removing the guesswork and allowing providers to treat the patient and unborn child more efficiently and meet them exactly where they are at in the labor process.  Nothing can replace the careful guidance and words of encouragement a patient needs in the delivery room. The L&D department are true patient advocates and firmly believe in the power of listening and the power of staying calm and collected.  “To help our patients and ease their fears and anxieties, we always ensure them that our biggest goal is to have a healthy mom and healthy baby,” said Lindsay Strowmatt, Renown L&D nurse. “We constantly reinforce that they are strong and capable. Empowerment goes a long way!”  “We always take the time to actually sit down and listen to the patient, no matter how busy we are,” added Krystie Mortensen, Renown L&D nurse and DAISY Award winner. “It’s important for us to understand where their nerves are stemming from and address any changes in plan of care along the way.”  While the L&D unit is seen as a “happy place,” as described repeatedly by the members of the team, a seemingly low-risk patient can also turn into an emergency in a matter of seconds.   "Our line of work can involve high-stakes emergency care,” said April Tucker, Renown L&D nurse. “We view change as a necessary part of growth, and we save lives.”  These steps result in high patient outcome scores, which can be attributed directly to the unit.  “We have continually great outcomes from hard work and consistency in care,” said Roya Galata, Renown L&D nurse and Nursing Organizations Alliance (NOA) Lifetime Achievement awardee. “I have tremendous love for my patients and the type of work I do.”  Awards Without End  With patient safety and experience always top of mind, and with the team continually going above and beyond for all parents and their newborns, it’s no wonder why the L&D department has achieved a long and growing list of both local and national awards and accolades.   This year, U.S. News & World Report ranked the L&D unit at Renown Regional as "High Performing in Maternity Care – Uncomplicated Pregnancy.” This award is only the latest in this department’s “Best Of” accolades list, as the unit also achieved a win as the Best Place to Have a Baby in the 2022 Best of Reno Awards.  Not only is the department continually recognized, but individual team members also receive coveted awards within their professional associations. As previously mentioned, Krystie Mortensen is a DAISY Award winner, which means that she has been recognized for the “super-human work” she has done throughout her career. Additionally, three team members, including Roya Galata, have received NOA awards, celebrating their contributions to the nursing profession as a whole.  Many nurses in this department also choose to pursue lifelong learning by taking advantage of the educational benefits that Renown offers. Several team members have completed their continuing education in midwifery and advanced practice, reaffirming their dedication to delivering healthy babies and helping parents manage their first few days with their newborns.  “The teamwork on this unit is phenomenal, and the energy and commitment that the staff comes in with every single day amazes me,” said Lora Carlson, Renown L&D Manager of Nursing.  Internally, the L&D department loves to show their spirit at Renown. In December, they received the Best Holiday Decoration award during the 2021 holiday season. The team also enjoys participating (and scoring well) in Renown-sponsored Halloween costume contests.  In 2023, the L&D department will only pursue greater heights to continue producing patient outcomes.  A Work Family  “I stay here because this is my family. My work family.”  These strong words were proudly stated by Jeanne Bufkin, Renown L&D Surgical Technician, and echoed by virtually every L&D employee. Having each other’s backs during both times of need and times of celebration is a must in this department, and they do so proudly.  “Our staff constantly back each other up,” added Lora Carlson. “They display a lot of adaptability and flexibility. That’s why our unit functions as well as it does.”  Several team members in this department experienced the care of the L&D unit at Renown before they became fully-fledged employees.  “I had two of my babies here and had wonderful experiences both times,” said Judy McBride, Unit Clerk. “I love being a part of the reason why the next woman can say the same!”  Bri Goode also delivered her child at Renown and loved her experience so much that she was also inspired to join the team. “I chose to work at Renown because when I had such a positive experience during my delivery while I was in nursing school, I knew it was a team I wanted to be a part of.”  Coming to Renown was clearly an easy decision for this team; staying at Renown is even easier.  “I stay here because I love what I do and who I do it with,” said Judy McBride. “I truly feel like I am treated as an asset to this department, and it makes me want to come to work every day and make a difference in these mothers’ lives.”  The closeness of this department and the top-of-the-line collaboration displayed by every provider can be felt by the patients during their entire stay at Renown.   “We have an amazing collaborative team of physicians, nurses, scrub techs, unit clerks, patient access representatives and environmental services personnel that strive to provide our patients with the best possible care,” said April Tucker.  The labor and delivery process is a team effort – and those interested in jumping in on this team effort are welcome to join. Delivering healthy babies and supporting new mothers are cornerstone acts in meeting Renown’s mission of making a genuine difference in the communities we serve. Our L&D department does precisely this and more, never giving up in Fighting the Good Fight.

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