Breastfeeding has been shown to be one of the best things a mother can do to protect her baby’s health. Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect against infections and illnesses, reducing the risk of certain health conditions for both infants and mothers.

Some of the benefits for infants include reduced risk of respiratory infections, ear infections, and diarrhea. Breastfeeding has also been linked to a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

For mothers, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Breastfeeding triggers the release of hormones such as oxytocin and prolactin, which not only promote the production of breast milk but also contribute to stress reduction and relaxation for both mother and baby.

The Power of Together:

Breastfeeding in the early weeks can sometimes be a challenge for new moms, but the benefits are worth it! Getting help from your family, friends, babysitters, and others can make breastfeeding a smoother experience.

For example, your family can help by doing chores and watching older kids. Your health care provider can guide you to useful resources including breastfeeding support groups and online forums. And, if and when you return to work, your employer can assist by offering a private space for pumping or other flexible arrangements to make continued breastfeeding possible.

Additional Breastfeeding Support and Resources:

At Redeemer Health, our compassionate, knowledgeable lactation consultants will give you personalized support and guidance every step of the way.

Click here to read more about breastfeeding basics, including free lactation help resources, useful tips for partners and grandparents, and FAQs about getting started with breastfeeding.

We also offer a variety of breastfeeding resources and videos on our website and in our online community @redeemerbaby on Instagram and Facebook, where you can meet and stay connected with other new moms.

To learn more about our maternity care services and to download other useful educational materials about childbirth, breastfeeding, and after-delivery care, visit redeemerhealth.org/maternitycare.

A caring and generous donation benefiting our NICU families.

Krystal and Andrew Rigney from Croydon, Pa., had to bring their two little kids to the Holy Redeemer Hospital NICU last week. 

This time, though, it was a happy occasion. Recalling their last visit in March 2021 when their son, Atlas, needed to spend a few days in an incubator, they returned to show their gratitude. 

As a representative from PaperPie books, Krystal and her family donated a carton of children’s books for new parents to take home with their bundles of joy.

Both Atlas and his little sister, Rhea, were born at Holy Redeemer Hospital. “My husband and I had incredible experiences at Holy Redeemer Hospital for both of my deliveries,” Krystal said. “The doctors and nurses during my son’s stay in the NICU were amazing, and I can’t even begin to thank them for their kindness. They helped put our minds at ease when we were scared as first-time parents.” 

The PaperPie books donated by the Rigneys will give new parents great stories to tell their babies, with ducklings, owls, bunnies, and even wombats. 

“As a parent feeling completely ill-prepared for your baby’s stay in the NICU, I think having something to read helps comfort both you and your baby,” Krystal said.

Their visit was special for Atlas, who got to peek at tiny newborns in the incubators where he spent his first few days. 

Thank you, Rigney family, for the fabulous and generous donation!
 

MEADOWBROOK, PA – AUGUST 2024 — Redeemer Health Richboro has been awarded a three-year accreditation in ultrasound after an extensive review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). This gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of imaging quality and patient safety. 

This accreditation allows the facility to perform general, gynecological and obstetrical ultrasound, as well as pediatric, vascular, peripheral venous and cerebrovascular.

Congratulations, Redeemer Health Richboro, for your outstanding achievement.
 

In the Philadelphia metropolitan area, nursing professionals are thriving, especially in skilled nursing facilities. The demand for skilled nursing care is high, providing consistent job opportunities for RNs, LPNs, and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights our region as fertile ground for nursing careers due to an aging population and increasing rates of chronic illnesses.

So Many Rewards in Skilled Nursing Care
While job stability in skilled nursing is unquestionable, working in skilled nursing facilities offers nursing professionals a unique set of rewards not commonly found in other health care environments.

In skilled nursing facilities, nurses collaborate in interdisciplinary teams to develop personalized care plans—which can last for several weeks to several years—for patients recuperating from surgeries, injuries, or acute illnesses. Skilled nursing professionals deliver precise and specialized care through these plans, witnessing the substantial progress patients make over time during their recovery journeys. 

This extended duration of care not only fosters significant improvements for patients but also cultivates deeper connections between nursing professionals and patients. The emphasis on individualized care, measurable progress, and the opportunity for meaningful patient relationships sets skilled nursing apart as an attractive choice for many nursing professionals compared to hospital or outpatient settings.

 “The Lafayette and St. Joseph Manor, which are Redeemer Health skilled nursing facilities, provide a level of personalized, holistic care that simply isn't possible in most hospital settings. Our nurses and CNAs have the opportunity to truly get to know each patient or resident, to understand their unique needs, goals, and life stories. This allows us to deliver care that is tailored to the individual, not just the illness or injury. Our nurses and CNAs are not just caregivers—they are mentors, advocates, and friends to those in their care,” says Patricia Benz, a skilled nursing talent recruiter for The Lafayette and St Joseph Manor.

The Lafayette and St. Joseph Manor: Supporting Nursing Professionals
Redeemer Health skilled nursing facilities, including The Lafayette and St. Joseph Manor, stand out as supportive environments for nursing professionals looking for fulfilling careers.

Through significant rate increases that honor the crucial role of skilled nursing professionals to fostering continuous learning through access to tuition assistance and nursing scholarship opportunities, Redeemer Health is committed to creating an environment that promotes professional growth. 

Additionally, newly hired skilled nursing professionals value Redeemer Health’s Nurse Residency Program, which equips them with the necessary tools and mentorship for success in skilled nursing care. “In the Nurse Residency Program, nothing is ever the right or wrong question. You get to share your ideas. It makes me a better professional because I get to enhance what I’ve taken from the Nurse Residency Program and carry it on while I’m at work,” says Leashiea Reid, LPN, The Lafayette.

Explore Opportunities Now!
"There has never been a better time to join our rapidly expanding skilled nursing team at The Lafayette or St. Joseph Manor.  We now offer increased rates and sign-on bonuses, plus with both facilities earning nationally recognized distinctions for short-term rehab and long-term care, now is the perfect time to be part of our journey towards excellence and seize exceptional opportunities for professional growth and personal fulfillment," says Patricia.

Redeemer Health welcomes you to consider RN, LPN, and CNA opportunities at The Lafayette and St. Joseph Manor. Click here to explore and apply for available jobs today.
 

By Lauren Matsnev, MD, OB-GYN at at Kramer OB-GYN and Associates, a Redeemer Health practice providing complete obstetrical and gynecological care

Protecting your health and your baby’s well-being during pregnancy is a top priority. This includes going for routine check-ups and getting regular screenings recommended by your doctor. 

One particularly important screening in the third trimester is for Group B Streptococcus (GBS), commonly known as Group B Strep.

What is Group B Strep?
GBS is a type of bacteria often found in the genital or gastrointestinal tracts of healthy women. While generally harmless in adults, GBS can pose significant risks during pregnancy and childbirth. 

Why is GBS screening important? 
During pregnancy, GBS may occasionally lead to UTIs or other infections, which are treatable with antibiotics. For newborns, exposure to GBS during delivery can result in severe infections like pneumonia, sepsis, or meningitis. These conditions can be life-threatening, making it critical to know if you have GBS.

When and how are you tested for GBS?
Testing for GBS is typically done between weeks 35-37 of pregnancy. The procedure is quick, painless, and usually performed during a regular prenatal visit. Knowing whether you have GBS enables you and your health care provider to take the necessary precautions to protect your baby during delivery.

What happens if you test positive for GBS: 
If you test positive for GBS, you will receive antibiotics during labor. These antibiotics are safe for both you and your baby and significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the bacteria during childbirth. Should any complications occur from GBS, hospital staff are well-trained to provide immediate antibiotics and closely monitor your baby after birth.

Knowing your GBS status is the first step in safeguarding your baby during childbirth.
By getting tested, discussing antibiotics with your doctor, and taking timely action during delivery, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with Group B Strep. 

Take charge of your pregnancy health today. Talk with your doctor about GBS testing and make informed choices to protect the well-being of your precious new arrival.

To find a Redeemer Health OB-GYN near you, call our Physician Referral Service at 800-818-4747 or visit the Find a Provider directory on Redeemer Health’s website.

Holy Redeemer Hospital’s maternity center is recognized as a Blue Distinction Center+ by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association for its history of delivering high-quality maternal care, safely and effectively.

If you are expecting a new baby, be sure to visit RedeemerHealth.org/MaternityCare to register for a tour of our maternity center, access helpful educational resources and videos, and join our Redeemer Baby Online Community, where you can meet and stay connected with other new moms. 

About the Author: Lauren Matsnev, MD, is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OB-GYN) specializing in pregnancy, childbirth, and women's reproductive health. She received her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine. Dr. Matsnev currently sees patients at Kramer OB-GYN and Associates, a Redeemer Health practice providing complete obstetrical and gynecological care.

MEADOWBROOK, PA – JULY 2024 — Holy Redeemer Hospital has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke: Gold Plus achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Stroke is the fifth cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the country. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

“Holy Redeemer Hospital is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Cass Egan, Chief Administration Officer at the hospital. “Get With The Guidelines helps our team put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis. The end goal is to ensure more people in our care can experience longer, healthier lives.” 

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home. 

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Holy Redeemer Hospital for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

Holy Redeemer Hospital also received the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Elite award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytic therapy.  

Additionally, the hospital also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award. This helps ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.
 

About Get With The Guidelines® - Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 14 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

MEADOWBROOK, Pa. – June 27, 2024 Holy Redeemer Hospital was named one of the country’s “100 Great Community Hospitals” by Becker’s Hospital Review. Holy Redeemer Hospital is part of Redeemer Health, a community-based integrated health care and social services system in Montgomery and Bucks counties, and Northeast Philadelphia.

The annual list is developed by Becker’s based on nominations and editorial research. 

“Community hospitals are a crucial piece of the overall health care system in the U.S. They provide patients located outside of metropolitan areas with convenient, affordable care,” said Becker’s. “The community hospitals honored in this list are focused on bringing clinical and academic excellence, personalized and holistic care, and overall improved health to their communities.”

Holy Redeemer Hospital’s nomination included the hospital’s services for new mothers with substance abuse challenges, its low rates of health care-associated infections, and success in programs such as stroke care, maternity, and joint replacement. 

According to the American Hospital Association, there are 5,129 community hospitals in the United States, which is about 84% of all U.S. hospitals. The 100 Great Community Hospitals represents less than 2% of all community hospitals in the country. Further, only four hospitals in Pennsylvania earned the status as one of the 100 Great Community Hospitals this year – one in Bucks County, one in Central Pennsylvania, and two in the Philadelphia market, including Holy Redeemer Hospital.

“Truly, this is the result of a team working together and remaining committed to everything that matters most in a hospital,” said Cass Egan, Chief Administrative Officer at Holy Redeemer Hospital. “Every day we reaffirm staunch loyalty to our mission, to our culture of safety, to our patient experience, and to a community that has trusted us for generations.”

This recognition comes immediately after The Leapfrog Group scored Holy Redeemer Hospital its tenth straight A-grade for safety, noting that fewer than 6% of surveyed hospitals nationally accomplished this milestone. The Leapfrog Group informed Holy Redeemer Hospital that it has the highest number of A-grades in a row in both Montgomery County and Philadelphia County.

For more information, and to read the complete list of “100 Great Community Hospitals,” visit Becker’s Hospital Review here. To see The Leapfrog Group’s Hospital Safety Grade for Holy Redeemer Hospital, visit here.

During Men’s Health Month or any time of the year, taking care of yourself is essential. One way to do this is by regularly seeing your doctor. Being proactive can help prevent health issues and catch them early during routine visits, especially as you age. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cancer and heart disease remain among the top leading causes of death for men – underscoring the critical role early detection plays in managing and preventing these conditions.

Regular Check-ups and Screenings Offer Obvious Benefits

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent voluntary panel of experts in primary care, prevention, and evidence-based practice, recommends a roster of regular screenings for men of any age. Below are just a few:

• Blood Pressure – Regular checks help detect hypertension.  
• Cholesterol – Checking levels can prevent heart-related issues, especially for men aged 35 and older. Consult your primary care physician to discuss the option of undergoing a low dose CT cardiac calcium score test, which can aid in the early detection of any potential issues. 
• Colorectal Cancer – Screening starting at age 45 for average-risk men or earlier based on family history is recommended.
• Type 2 Diabetes – Screening should start at age 35 for men with risk factors such as obesity or family history. Did you know, nutritional counseling services are available through Redeemer Health’s partnership with Simplex Health? To learn more, visit simplexhealth.com or call 1-877-842-2425.
• Prostate Cancer – Discuss the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening with a health care professional, especially if you’re 50 or older.
• Lung Cancer – Screening should start at age 50 for current or past smokers. You may be a candidate for a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan, which can detect lung cancer earlier. Click here for more information or call 215-938-LUNG (5864).
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm – Start screening at age 65 to 75 if you have ever smoked.

These are only general guidelines and there are others to consider for issues like alcohol use disorder, depression, obesity, tobacco use, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis, for example.

Get to Know Your Doctor to Keep Your Health in Check

Consult with your doctor for personalized recommendations based on your individual needs and risk factors. It could help to have additional conversations about diabetes, skin cancer prevention, and a diet designed to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Finally, your doctor can help determine which vaccines may require a booster or re-dose. While vaccines for flu and COVID-19 are top of mind these days, you should also ask about vaccines for pneumonia, Tdap, shingles, meningitis, chicken pox, RSV, and Hepatitis A and B.

To find a doctor who is right for you, visit Redeemer Health’s physician directory or call the Redeemer Health Physician Referral Service at 800-818-4747.

Preventive Screenings Chart