LAKE COUNTY >> The Smart Start Campaign is spearheaded by Sutter Lakeside Hospital in keeping with its commitment to community health. Through the program parents will receive education about safe sleep standards for newborns to help families reduce their newborn’s risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and prevent suffocation deaths.
Parents who attend the education session will also receive a bundle of essential items — which includes a Pack N’ Play, sleep sack, baby clothes, digital thermometer, pacifier, diapers and wipes.
The Baby Boxes used in Finland were an early inspiration for this initiative. The campaign took the seed of that idea and worked with local partners First 5 of Lake County, Tribal Health and Mother Wise to design the best solution for the community. A survey of 121 moms was also conducted to directly ask them what items should be included in the bundle.
The next education class and bundle distribution will be held on September 6 and sessions will continue on the first Wednesday of every month.
While this initiative is currently only in Lake County the campaign aims to share its know-how program with Mendocino County in the hopes that they can replicate the approach.
Program aims to educate and equip local families.
Imagine having the least support available when you need it most. That’s the unfortunate reality that many new parents face when they transition from hospital to home after having a baby.
“Sleep deprivation and stress from caring for an infant can come as a surprise to first time moms” said Allison Panella, community benefit specialist at Sutter Lakeside Hospital. “On top of this, many families in our area experience income and housing instability, which can result in unsafe conditions for newborns.”
To help support every baby’s first year of life and raise awareness of safe sleep habits, an innovative countywide campaign called “Smart Start” was recently launched by Sutter Health’s Lakeside Hospital in partnership with Mother-Wise, Lake County Tribal Health, and First 5 Lake County. The campaign is intended to help families reduce their newborn’s risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and prevent suffocation deaths. In addition, this campaign will connect new parents to available resources.
Educate Expectant Moms
The centerpiece of the campaign is an hour long training led by registered nurses from the Sutter Lakeside Family Birth Center and volunteers from Mother-Wise. Free and open to all Lake County residents expecting or with a new baby, each Smart Start class covers why babies shouldn’t sleep in bed with a parent or caregiver; on their side or stomach; or in a crib cluttered with pillows, toys or blankets. In addition to safe sleep strategies the training outlines the risk that second hand smoke poses to newborns and provides resources to help parents and caregivers stop smoking.
The first training was held on July 5 and classes will continue to be offered on the first Wednesday of each month, from 5:20-6:30, through the end of the year. Classes are held at Sutter Lakeside’s Hospital Conference Room at 5176 Hill Road E, Lakeport; to learn more or register call the Family Birth Center at 707.262.5085.
Equip Them Too
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a safe crib, yet many women who give birth in Lake County can’t afford a crib or bassinet for their newborn. “Every month I treat women who tell me that a crib, or a thermometer, or even baby wipes are a luxury beyond their means” said Jackie Rad, R.N.C., M.S.N., nurse manager of the Sutter Lakeside Family Birth Center.
To address this need, Sutter Health’s Lakeside Hospital is giving all expectant or new moms who complete the Smart Start class a free baby bundle, which includes a Pack N’ Play, sleep sack, baby clothes, digital thermometer, pacifier, diapers, wipes and other essentials that support a smooth transition home. The Pack N’ Play — with no blankets or other items inside — meets the American Academy of Pediatrics criteria as a safe place for babies to sleep.
Offer Ongoing Support
The last pillar of the program is to connect new parents with a wealth of resources and ongoing family support. This is facilitated through an education and resource binder compiled by Sutter Lakeside Hospital, with materials on a variety of topics from breastfeeding to playgroups. Additionally, Mother-Wise will follow-up with all families 30 days after their delivery due date to check on their adherence to safe sleep strategies and provide coaching. The phone call is also an opportunity to screen for postpartum depression and connect moms, dads and caregivers to wellness programs and other Lake County services.
