Lane Health Blog | Louisiana Hospital Blog

Breastfeeding and Safe Sleep: What Every New Parent Needs to Know

Written by Dr. Joshua Best | Aug 10, 2026, 1:54:28 PM

Bringing home a new baby is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with plenty of questions. Two of the most important ways to support your baby's health from day one are establishing healthy breastfeeding habits and creating a safe sleep environment.

While every family's experience is different, having access to trusted education and support can help parents feel more confident during those first weeks at home. At Lane Regional Medical Center, families in Zachary have access to breastfeeding education, newborn care resources, and safe sleep support designed to help give babies a healthy start.

 

Why Are Breastfeeding and Safe Sleep Important for Newborns?

Breastfeeding and safe sleep are both important parts of caring for a newborn during the first year of life. Learning about these practices before your baby arrives and having support after delivery can help parents feel more prepared as they adjust to life with a newborn.

At Lane Regional Medical Center, new parents receive education on breastfeeding, newborn care, and safe sleep to help establish healthy habits from the very beginning. The goal is to provide families with practical information and support they can continue using after they return home.

 

 

What Are the Benefits of Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding provides essential nutrition that supports a baby's growth and development while fostering a strong bond between parent and baby.

While many families choose to breastfeed, every family's feeding journey is different. Some parents breastfeed exclusively, some combine breastfeeding with formula feeding, and others use formula based on their baby's needs or medical circumstances. The most important goal is to make sure your baby is fed and receives the care they need.

For parents who choose to breastfeed, or who would like additional guidance, Lane's experienced nursing staff provides one-on-one instruction on breastfeeding, nutrition, and newborn care, giving families the opportunity to ask questions and build confidence before leaving the hospital.

 

How Does Safe Sleep Education Help New Parents?

Preparing a safe sleep space before bringing your baby home is an important part of newborn care. Learning about healthy sleep habits in advance can help parents feel more confident during those first weeks at home.

Through the Baby Lane Breastfeeding & Safe Sleep Support Program, participating families receive safe sleep education and a portable crib to support healthy sleep habits after leaving the hospital.

 

How Can New Parents Prepare Before Their Baby Arrives?

Preparing for your baby's arrival involves more than packing a hospital bag. Learning about breastfeeding, newborn care, and available support resources before delivery can make the transition home smoother.

Lane also recommends selecting a pediatrician during the last trimester of pregnancy, so your baby can be evaluated shortly after birth. Throughout your stay, experienced nurses provide individualized instruction on breastfeeding, nutrition, and newborn care to help families feel prepared before going home.

 

How Does the Baby Lane Breastfeeding & Safe Sleep Support Program Help Families?

The Baby Lane Breastfeeding & Safe Sleep Support Program was created to help families give their babies a safe and healthy start through education, resources, and support. The program provides practical tools and evidence-based information that promotes healthy outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Participating families receive:

 

  • Portable crib
  • Breastfeeding support pillow
  • Breastfeeding education materials
  • Safe sleep information
  • Lane-branded onesie
  • Lane-branded burp cloth

The program was conceived by Dr. Joshua Best and funded through the Lane Foundation's inaugural Match Day. It reflects Lane Regional Medical Center's ongoing commitment to improving maternal and infant health throughout the community.

 

Where Can Families Find Breastfeeding and Safe Sleep Support in Zachary?

Preparing for a new baby doesn't stop after delivery. Having access to education, trusted guidance, and practical resources can help families feel more confident as they begin life with their newborn.

At Lane Regional Medical Center, families receive breastfeeding education, newborn care instruction, and safe sleep support before leaving the hospital. Through the Baby Lane Breastfeeding & Safe Sleep Support Program, Lane continues to provide support by offering practical resources that help families establish healthy habits and give their babies a safe, healthy start.

Written by

This blog was written by Joshua Best, M.D., an OB/GYN at Lane OB/GYN. Dr. Best provides comprehensive women’s healthcare, including prenatal care and normal and high-risk pregnancy care, and is dedicated to helping mothers and babies have a healthy start.