Committed to both baby-care and self-care for mothers, our experienced neonatologists and special trained nursing staff provide 24-hour postpartum care and support. At the Mother-Baby Unit, services also include:

• Breastfeeding education (lactation consultations)
• Skin-to-skin contact assistance
• Quiet time (2-4 p.m.)
• Baby massage
• Night-time stay for dad or a support person
• Family-focused Assistance Programs
• Transitional Care Unit for newborns who need extra attention
• CHOC NICU, located on the same floor as our Mother-Baby Unit

We also offer referrals if you experience any of the following concerns:

• Breastfeeding support
• Emotional problems, including anxiety, mood swings, depression or feelings of being overwhelmed
• Family conflict due to domestic violence, drug abuse or other issues
• Resources needed to care for your newborn

In addition to being Orange County's first Baby-Friendly designated hospital, St. Joseph Hospital is one of the only hospitals in Orange County providing after-discharge lactation care. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global effort for caregivers to give new mothers the information, confidence and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their infants, and recognizes hospitals and birth centers giving this optimal level of care.

St. Joseph Hospital has consistently ranked among the highest Orange County hospitals for breastfeeding rates. The hospital staff worked for four years to thoroughly implement Baby-Friendly policies. According to research, hospitals that implement Baby-Friendly policies achieve higher breastfeeding rates.

More than two decades of research have established that breast milk is perfectly suited to nourish infants and protect them from illness. Breast-fed infants have lower rates of hospital admissions, ear infections, diarrhea, rashes, allergies and other medical problems than bottle-fed babies, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The greatest benefits are derived when babies are breastfed exclusively (breast milk is their only food) for the first six months of life.