that she had developed pneumonia and the breathing troubles
caused her to require nourishment via a feeding tube.
“The most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do is leave the
hospital without Kaitlyn,” Houston says. “We came to be with
her as much as we could, and I would go to the hospital to feed
her every day. But when I did leave the NICU, the nurses and
doctors kept me very informed. It was nice to feel like I wasn’t
going to miss asking an important question or miss anything in
Kaitlyn’s life — good or bad.”
Slowly Kaitlyn improved, especially thanks to skin-to-skin
time — when the baby is placed directly onto her mother’s chest
to promote bonding.
“We found that Kaitlyn did better when she was with me,”
Houston says. “So I tried to feed her myself as much as possible.
“Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding were both hard for her at
first, because she had trouble suckling, but with the support of the
certified lactation consultants, we were able to successfully breastfeed.
I could only give a little, but they made me feel like a hero!”
Safe and sound at home
Houston and her husband, Randy, took their little girl home at
10 days old, laden with plenty of supplies and solid new-parent
advice. “A nurse from the NICU waved as we drove away,”
Houston says. “That’s like something out of a movie, not real life!
“I tell all of my pregnant co-workers and friends to go see
Dr. Chancellor and Methodist Mansfield. The people who
were there and the education they gave us made a difficult
time a little easier.”
Kaitlyn Houston is an adorable, healthy handful for mom Krista and dad Randy. The
family is grateful that Methodist Mansfield and its all-star NICU were there for them
throughout the pregnancy and Kaitlyn’s hospital stay.
GET READY FOR BABY
Whether you’re expecting baby No. 1, 2, or 10, Methodist Mansfield
wants to support you. Learn more about the offerings at our
Women’s Pavilion at
.
Our classes can help expectant moms build confidence in their ability to
give birth and can help birth partners learn how to be active members of the
birthing team during labor and delivery. You’ll have the chance to ask the
instructor questions and talk about any concerns you have, as well as meet
other expectant parents.
Commonly covered topics in our classes include:
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Pain relief options, including massage, relaxation, breathing, and medications
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Labor and birthing positions
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Common medical procedures used during labor and delivery
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How to care for your newborn baby
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Breast- and bottle-feeding tips and advice.
Expecting?
SAVE YOUR SPOT
Find the class that’s
right for you — and
register right then —
at
We also offer an online
Childbirth Preparation
Class that you can take
at your own speed in the
comfort of your home.
Our childbirth classes can help
you prepare for the big day
Methodist Mansfield Medical Center
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Spring 2014
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