West Virginia's First Lady Stops at UHC During Infant Safe Sleep Month
By Julie Perine on September 19, 2014 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
This morning, West Virginia First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin addressed an audience of medical professionals at United Hospital Center, acknowledging the care and compassion with which they are implementing “Our Babies: Safe & Sound,” a pilot program intended to reduce the number of incidents of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
“I know all the work you do diligently every day and that work does not go unnoticed,” she said. “The governor and I could never say thank-you enough.”
The First Lady’s stop at UHC was in conjunction with a month-long tour throughout September, which has been declared by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin as “Infant Safe Sleep Month 
in West Virginia.” UHC is one of 12 hospitals statewide which is piloting the "Our Babies: Safe & Sound" program.
in West Virginia.” UHC is one of 12 hospitals statewide which is piloting the "Our Babies: Safe & Sound" program.
“Before any parents of a newborn at UHC take their baby home, they receive one-on-one education about how to provide a safe sleep environment for their baby,” said Lee Ann Romeo, RN, patient education coordinator. “One tragedy is one too many, and that’s why it’s important for parents and caregivers to understand they serve as the first line of defense for prevention.”
Statistics show that in West Virginia, a healthy baby dies due to unsafe sleep practice about every 10 days.
“This is not necessarily about lack of care or abuse,” First Lady Tomblin said. “Sometimes parents feel they are bonding with a new baby or tending to their comfort levels when in actuality, what they're doing can be harmful.”
Being a first-time a parent is a daunting task, she said, and it’s vital to keep parents and caregivers provided with accurate, up-to-date information to keep babies safe, therefore drastically reducing the number of West Virginia babies who die unnecessarily.
As part of “Our Babies: Safe & Sound,” parents are asked to take a safe sleep pledge to implement the following practices:
- Making sure babies sleep alone, on their backs, in their own crib, bassinet or pack and play - even during nap time;
- Checking to make sure the crib is safety approved and that the mattress is firm and fits close to the sides of the crib, bassinet or pack and play;
- Removing all toys, heavy blankets, comforters and bumper pads from the crib, bassinet or pack and play;
- Keeping baby away from places where people smoke;
- Teaching anyone who takes care of the baby about safe sleep practices.
Today’s program included a welcome by Mary-Ann Kroll, MD and an overview of the program by Becky King, co-coordinator. Lee Ann Romeo, RN, discussed the importance of safe sleep habits and UHC President Bruce Carter introduced First 
Lady Tomblin, commending her and his hospital staff for their proactive measures with regard to the campaign. UHC is pleased to partner with the First Lady and the initiative to ensure a safer home environment, Carter said. First Lady Tomblin read and presented Carter with a proclamation.
Lady Tomblin, commending her and his hospital staff for their proactive measures with regard to the campaign. UHC is pleased to partner with the First Lady and the initiative to ensure a safer home environment, Carter said. First Lady Tomblin read and presented Carter with a proclamation.
Prior to a reception featuring refreshments, a number of awards were presented to area programs and hospitals which are taking notable initiative with regard to SIDS awareness and safe sleep habits. Recipients included the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau for Public Health, Office of Maternal, Child and Family Health Perinatal Programs. Look for detailed information about that program coming later on Connect-Bridgeport.
