TMP-July 14, 2008
Posted: Monday, July 14, 2008 11:58 am

Saint Thomas Health Services’ hospitals, including Baptist Hospital in Nashville and Middle Tennessee Medical Center, deliver a combined total of nearly 10,000 babies each year.

These babies and their mothers will benefit from a new therapeutic massage service launched in June at Baptist Hospital and will launch July 15 at MTMC.

Prenatal and neuromuscular massage techniques can assist a woman during pregnancy or after childbirth by reducing muscle tension, addressing postural issues and improving the immune system’s ability to reduce swelling. Infant massage releases endorphins for babies and parents, supports the development of neuro-pathways, helps to relieve colic and increases bonding between parents and baby.

Janet McIntosh, director of maternity services at MTMC says this is a great way to provide a personal touch to new moms while giving them a more relaxing experience.

“We have an exceptional nursing staff in maternity services that care deeply for their patients,” says McIntosh. “They are dedicated to ensuring their patients have a positive healing experience while receiving high quality and safe care.”

A free, 15-minute massage will be offered to women who deliver their babies at MTMC. The massage will be provided during their hospital stay, pending physician approval, and the patient can choose to have the therapist focus on the neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Additional 15-minute sessions can be purchased for $20 each.

“The focus of our women’s health programs is the care and comfort of the patient, so we continue to find ways to enhance the patient experience, providing women with high-touch services that they want and deserve,” said Amanda Cecconi, women’s health service line executive for Saint Thomas Health Services. “We are excited about providing extra pampering for our moms during their stay with us. In addition, we want to help our parents to create strong bonds with their newest blessing after they return home by providing infant massage training.”

An introduction to infant massage class will be offered Monday through Saturday and will include demonstrations that encourage parents to utilize massage to care for and bond with their baby. Class fees are $10 per family and grandparents or other family members are welcome to attend with parents.

For more information about the therapeutic massage services, call 284-PINK (7465).

Saint Thomas Health Services is a faith-based ministry with more than 8,000 associates serving Middle Tennessee. Saint Thomas Health Services’ regional health system consists of four hospitals – Baptist and Saint Thomas Hospitals in Nashville, Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro and Hickman Community Hospital in Centerville – and a comprehensive network of affiliated joint ventures in diagnostics, cardiac services and ambulatory surgery as well as medical practices, the Center for Spinal Surgery, clinics and rehabilitation facilities.

STHS is a member of Ascension Health, a Catholic organization that is the largest not-for-profit health system in the United States. For more information, visit www.sths.com.