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.

CHRISTUS Children’s Selected Among Top Grant Recipients from The Toy Foundation

CHRISTUS Children’s is one of 20 children’s hospitals and health systems to receive funding for play projects that will improve the care and well-being of pediatric patients (APRIL 11, 2024 – SAN ANTONIO) – CHRISTUS Children’s is proud to announce its selection as a recipient of a $15,000 grant from The Toy Foundation’s (TTF) Children’s Hospital Play Grants program. The grant will expand sensory-friendly play opportunities for patients at CHRISTUS Children’s, particularly within its emergency services and behavioral health areas. The initiative aims to promote and support a calm and comforting hospital environment. Specialized toys designed for sensory engagement will be purchased and used by child life specialists at CHRISTUS Children’s to provide essential coping support. The sensory safety kits will be distributed to patients for use during their hospital stay, upon discharge, and at home. “Our child life specialists play such an important role in providing emotional and social support for patients at CHRISTUS Children’s,” said Terry Kyle, CEO of CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful for this generous gift from The Toy Foundation that will allow our specialists to continue their impactful work.” CHRISTUS Children’s is one of 20 children’s hospitals and health systems selected to receive a Children’s Hospital Play Grant. TTF is distributing $389,000 nationwide, marking a significant gesture expected to bring joy and support to approximately 240,000 children. Play is a powerful tool that can significantly improve the care, well-being, and health outcomes of pediatric patients. Hospitals are reliant on external funding or donations to provide this key aspect of the holistic pediatric care model, and TTF’s Children’s Hospital Play Grants program helps fill this need. Focused on supporting hospitals that serve under-resourced communities, where 50% or more of patients rely on Medicaid, the program has delivered the benefits of play to 360,000 children since 2021. “Play has a profound impact on a child’s healing journey, benefiting their physical, emotional, and educational well-being,” said Pamela Mastrota, executive director at The Toy Foundation. “We are pleased to support CHRISTUS Children’s in providing the power of play to help their patients heal and thrive.” For more information about TTF’s Children’s Hospital Play Grants program and to see the full list of 2024 grant recipients, visit ToyFoundation.org. ### About CHRISTUS Children’s CHRISTUS Children’s became San Antonio’s first freestanding hospital solely dedicated to the care of children and expectant women. Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, CHRISTUS Children’s is part of CHRISTUS Health. Baylor College of Medicine, one of the top medical schools in the nation, is the academic partner of The Children’s Hospital with 180 pediatric specialists affiliated with Baylor. In addition, community physicians in private practice remain a valuable partner in the care of women and children in our community. We are a health care ministry that works to continually meet the needs of the community to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, following the values and mission of our sponsoring congregations: Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston and San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. About The Toy Foundation The Toy Foundation (TTF) is a 501 (c)(3) children’s charity and philanthropic arm of The Toy Association. The uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry for the benefit of all children in need, TTF works with small, medium, and large companies to create a world where every child experiences the comfort, joy, and extraordinary physical, emotional, and educational benefits of play through three program areas – The Toy Bank, Play Grants, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Pipeline Program. Thanks to the toy industry’s support, TTF has delivered play to more than 31 million children in need around the world.

Making a Difference, One Family at a Time: The Every Baby Matters Mission

Making a Difference, One Family at a Time: The Every Baby Matters Mission

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