Windsor Regional Hospital is being recognized for its patient safety and family birthing initiatives.
On Wednesday, the hospital received the International Patient Safety Award from the Salus Global Obstetrical Risk Efficiently (MORE OB) Program for it's "Quiet Time - Baby Bonding at it's Best" program.
Clinical Practice Manager at the Family Birthing Centre Devon Lanspeary says it gives the mom and dad one hour each day, where they're guaranteed not to have any visitors.
"We have our lab [professionals], we have our dietary [professionals], we have a number of different people that do come in and out of the room, but it can be very exhausting for the families," she explains.
Lanspeary says the quiet time program is designed to allow for uninterrupted skin-to-skin bonding which can normalize maternal and infant vital signs in the early transition period. It also helps to establish breast feeding.
Front-line nurse Jonna Miggins adds that they want parents to get into the habit of taking that time for bonding, especially through a child's first year.
"From the research that we received through a presentation by a physician from Montreal -- there are long term benefits to holding your baby skin-to-skin and even baby wearing instead of putting your baby in a stroller," she says.
The hospital also received the Recognition Award from MORE OB for its skills and safety training programs.
