Making a Difference, One Family at a Time: The Every Baby Matters Mission
New Mom Amanda (left) undergoes an assessment by Michelle Bryant, RN, in the comfort of her home.
Bringing a baby into the world is a joyous occasion, but can sometimes be a stressful time for new mothers. The Every Baby Matters Mission (EBMM) at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – New Braunfels (CSRH – NB) takes the care we provide within the hospital walls out into the community to ensure mothers and babies are healthy and happy.
Serving nearly 400 patients annually, the EBMM aims to give parents the tools they need to allow babies to thrive in strong, healthy families. The program gives new mothers the opportunity for in-home visits by a registered nurse following delivery. The nurse conducts medical assessments on both mother and baby in the comfort of their home, addresses any concerns or questions the mother may have, and provides educational information on maternal and child health issues and child development.
Michelle Bryant, a registered nurse with more than 14 years of experience in mother-baby care, is currently the sole EBMM nurse at CSRH-NB, making home visits to families throughout New Braunfels and surrounding areas.
“Having a new baby at home can be stressful – whether it’s the mother’s first or third child. When mothers return home after giving birth, they may not always be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of illness, infections or feeding problems,” said Michelle. “It helps to have some assistance from a medical professional in the comfort of their home, especially if they have questions or concerns, or if a mother is feeling anxiety that can lead to postpartum depression.”
The EBMM is a free service available to high-risk patients, ranging from teen mothers and mothers with pre-term babies to those with feeding or social issues.
The McKenna Foundation recently presented a generous gift to CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – New Braunfels with $25,000 earmarked for the Every Baby Matters Mission.
The Friends of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Foundation has helped fund the EBMM through generous donations from the McKenna Foundation and the United Way of Comal County.
For information about how you can contribute to the Friends Foundation’s efforts, call 210.704.2800, email SantaRosaFoundation@ChristusHealth.org or visit us online at FriendsFoundation.org.
