• Breast milk is medicine for your premature baby. If you intend to breastfeed, inform your baby’s nurse so she can help you get started with pumping and storage of breast milk. Our lactation consultant is available to ensure your success.
• Please notify your insurance company of the baby’s birth as soon as possible to place the baby on your policy.
• Choose and/or notify your pediatrician as soon as possible.
• Obtain an appropriate infant car seat, and if necessary, a preemie insert.
• Obtain and read the CPR book (Life Saver Baby), view the CPR video and perform a hands-on CPR demonstration with baby’s nurse.
• Our Case Management Social Worker Team is available to support you; please ask your nurse, or you may call the department at 1-845-333-2179.
• If your baby is going home with a special monitor; please obtain a letter from us to give to your telephone and electric companies.
• Clergy Services are available at 845-333-1014, should you be need of spiritual support.
• Gifts such as flowers and latex balloons are not permitted in the NICU.

If your baby has been admitted to our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, there may be a number of medical terms you will hear during your baby’s stay.

As always, we encourage you to ask questions about your baby. Do not hesitate to discuss any concerns with the nurse or doctor. If you do not understand a term that is used or what to expect of your care as it is explained to you, please speak up and allow us to further explain.

We want to make sure that you understand the care your baby is receiving and want you to be an active participant during their stay in our NICU.

Anemia
A low number of red blood cells in the blood.

Antibiotics
Medication to help fight infection.

Apnea
A period when breathing has stopped. The baby may start to breathe on his or her own or may need stimulation.

Bagging
A method of filling your baby’s lungs with air and oxygen by using a rubber bag, mask and oxygen.

Bilirubin
A yellow-colored substance in the body that is made when red cells in the blood are digested by the liver. Too much bilirubin in the body can lead to jaundice.

Blood Gas
A blood test that measures the concentration of oxygen in the baby’s blood.

Bradycardia
A heart rate that is slower than normal. This can happen when the baby has apnea.

Desaturation (desats)
Short periods of time when the oxygen in your baby’s system drops below the normal level.

Grams
A measurement of weight. Your baby is weighed in grams in the hospital. You can convert grams to pounds and ounces. 1 ounce = 28 grams; 1 pound = 454 grams.

Heel Stick
A way to obtain a blood sample by pricking the baby’s heel.

Hyperalimentation or TPN
Providing nutrition through a vein when your baby cannot be fed or is not taking enough nutrition by mouth.

Jaundice
The yellow skin color caused by too much bilirubin in the blood.

Lipids
Fats and proteins given through an IV to help your baby grow.

Metabolic Screening
A state required newborn screening that tests the blood for several diseases. Sometimes called PKU test, although this is not the official name.

NPO
Abbreviation for nothing by mouth.

Phototherapy
Special fluorescent light treatment for jaundice that helps break down the bilirubin in the blood.

Pneumothorax
A collection of air in the space between the lung and the chest wall that causes the lung to collapse.

Residual
The amount of undigested food left in your baby’s stomach. This is checked before the next feeding if your baby is being fed with a feeding tube.

Sepsis
An infection in the blood or other part of the body.

Tachycardia
An abnormally fast heart rate.

Tachypnea
An abnormally fast breathing rate.

Vital signs
Your baby’s heart rate, breathing rate, temperature and blood pressure.

Age: 39
Date of Surgery: May 16, 2011
Pounds Lost: 135

Two years ago, I weighed 285 pounds. I was a type 2 diabetic, had high cholesterol and unstable asthma and that’s just naming a few of my health issues.

Today, I am so thankful I had the surgery and received the tools I needed to improve my health. Prior to my surgery, I wasn’t able to walk far because of my asthma. My heel hurt because of plantar fasciitis, I had increased back pain and my ankle and knee would swell up. My blood sugar was always high because I used food to comfort me when I was stressed or tired. I was stressed and tired all of the time because I was always in pain. When I watched people exercise and jog, I wished I would be able to do it -someday.

I no longer have to wish. Since my surgery, I’ve lost a total of 135 pounds. I now weigh 150 pounds. Eating the right foods, the moderate amount for the size of my stomach and exercise has helped me maintain my weight. My diabetes went away immediately after surgery and I don’t have health problems. I don’t take any medication, only supplements.

I’m also achieving my dreams. I’m able to run and jump and feel free – from asthma, aches and pains. I’ve learned to eat healthy foods in the right moderation. I have a membership at the gym and my daughters and I go four times a week. I participate in Zumba, yoga and cycling classes. I’ve gone ice skating, skiing, horseback riding and rode amusement park rides with my daughters. These are things I would have never done without the surgery.

At work, some of my banking customers, who are snowbirds, hadn’t seen me for a while and didn’t even recognize me when they came into the bank. I now carry the picture I took before the surgery so that I can show people that’s it’s still me.

Even my personality has changed – from feeling miserable, depressed and irritable to feeling beautiful, confident, healthy, young and energetic. I live a healthy lifestyle and instill that within my daughters. This surgery has given me a second chance in life and has given my daughters a mother they can enjoy for even longer.

I want everyone to have the joy and good health I feel. This is one reason I will always encourage obese people to consider Gastric Bypass surgery. I am proud of my progress and share my story with anyone who is willing to hear it.

From day one of my surgery to my discharge, Garnet Health Medical Center was caring, patient and professional. Garnet Health Medical Center has such an awesome friendly staff. Manager of the Bariatric Surgery Program, Janet Kovler, is professional, knowledgeable and there when you need her. The support groups at Garnet Health Medical Center are very informative and helpful. The Bariatric team was very efficient with providing the proper programs, education and support I needed to have a successful surgery and future. Whenever I had a concern or question they were always there to help.

Garnet Health Medical Center sets itself apart because it genuinely cares about the patients they serve. The staff are professional, friendly and efficient. The Bariaric Surgery team works together to demonstrate its efforts in making sure the patient is cared for properly. You don’t get that kind of care anywhere else.

Jessica Escobar

Use This Falls Checklist to help eliminate obstacles that can cause falls.

• Remove obstacles
• Clear path to restroom, kitchen & bedroom
• No clutter
• Secure Cords
• Keep Objects off steps
• Fix uneven surfaces
• Light Stairway
• Switches on both sides of rooms/ stairs/ hallways
• Firmly attach carpet to stairs
• Install Grab bars
• Non slip mats
• No throw rugs

• Use Seatbelts
• Do Not Drink Then Drive
• Use Car Seats
• Do Not Text & Drive
• Observe Road Signs
• Pay Attention When Driving
• Be cautious when driving …

View videos on adult backseat seat belt usage.

Are you a seat belt safety expert? Take a quiz and find out!