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Our Patient Story
Said and Iris
Iris began seeking care at Ravenswood’s main health center in East Palo Alto four years ago. Since becoming a patient, Iris and her family have been coming to Ravenswood for routine check-ups, prescriptions from the pharmacy, and dental care. Last year, she began seeking prenatal care during her pregnancy, and in August of 2022 gave birth to Said. On Said’s third day of life, Iris brought him to Ravenswood Family Health Center for his first routine well-child visit. During the visit, Iris had a concern about Said’s skin. “His eyelids had a yellow discoloration,” said Iris. The skin discoloration was diagnosed as jaundice, a common newborn problem due to high levels of the body substance bilirubin.
Said’s Treatments
The following day, the discoloration had spread to his lower abdomen. Iris was worried about Said’s skin, and was having trouble with breastfeeding. At Said’s follow-up visit, she was informed about Ravenswood’s new lactation counseling program, and was referred to a lactation counselor at the clinic the next day. To cure the skin problem and lower his levels of bilirubin, Iris was encouraged to breastfeed Said every two to three hours. More effective and frequent feedings cause a baby to have more outputs (stools) and this helps to eliminate bilirubin from a baby’s body.
Results
At the lactation visit, Iris met with a certified lactation counselor. Cheryl, Lactation Program Manager, says, “I applaud Iris because she had breastfed her first two children without difficulties, and was still willing to accept support in this area, not all moms do.” Iris discovered the importance of positioning a baby for breastfeeding. She learned how to put Said in a cross-cradle position to achieve a successful latch. She also received a plan for feeding and pumping her breast milk. At Said’s follow-up visit a few days later, his pediatric care team noted a significant improvement in his jaundice. Iris was advised to continue breastfeeding, and by Said’s 12th day of life, the skin discoloration was completely gone! Iris continues bringing Said to his routine visits and is actively learning to take care of his health through health counseling from his pediatric care team. Apart from lactation counseling, Iris also receives counseling on nutrition, safety, dental, and behavioral topics for babies.
Questions?
Contact the Development Team at Development@RavenswoodFHN.org.
Ravenswood Family Health Network thanks El Camino Healthcare District for supporting some of the salaries and benefits of our medical and dental staff at our MayView Mountain View Clinic and MayView Sunnyvale Clinic.
