Parenting in the wellness era often means navigating a parade of gadgets more focused on “bouncing back” than the health of new families. So, many parents are surprised to discover this simple solution for maternal pain and infant development — which is incredibly accessible, affordable and science-backed. Skin-to-skin contact, especially in the first hour after birth, is clinically proven to reduce postpartum bleeding, reduce infant crying and encourage early breastfeeding. Research also indicates the importance of skin-to-skin contact throughout the fourth trimester for both birthing parents’ recovery journey and to support the new baby.
Those early moments where a baby lies directly on their mother’s bare chest is aptly called “The Golden Hour,” but to prevent falls in the delivery room, clinicians hold babies to their mother’s chest for only 15 minutes at a time, cutting the magic short. Joeyband, an innovative technology invented by a Canadian who experienced the impact of an unsafe delivery, offers a simple fix by providing easy skin-to-skin contact in the delivery room, at home and especially in the NICU.
Where love meets science
Joeyband is the premiere skin-to-skin device used by hospitals around the world, and backed by data proving its effectiveness in the golden hour and in boosting breastfeeding rates.
- The Joeyband increased exclusive breastfeeding rates by 8.2 percent when implemented in a Connecticut Hospital for five months.
- The Joeyband can also lead to 50.4 average minutes of uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact in the operating room, according to research from a California Hospital.
- Another study, which was presented at the largest neonatal conference in the US, showed a reduction in pain medication allocated to mom post c-section, in addition to a reduction of NICU admissions.
These results quickly gave way to exciting expert-reviews. “It should be a standard of care in the operating room,” says Janet Stevens, MSN, RNC-OB, CNE, CNL, high risk obstetrics.“ Joeybands are the miracle that helps skin-to-skin happen for our maternal/parental newborn dyad.”
Unique uses of Joeyband for infants, mothers and doctors
Gentle C-sections are gaining popularity with mothers who want to bring personal birth-plan elements into the operating room. Usually, mothers undergoing C-sections don’t have a chance to experience immediate skin-to-skin contact. But when the Joeyband was tested at Long Island’s Good Samaritan University Hospital, this golden hour was achieved — with 100 per cent of participants reporting decreased maternal anxiety.
“Baby’s first embrace should be a sacred and safe one,” says Janet Stevens, MSN, RNC-OB, CNE, CNL, high risk obstetrics. “With Joeyband, we provide newborns a circle of support, connecting them to their caregiver for the incredible benefits of skin-to-skin contact—regulating body temperature, heart rate, breathing, promoting bonding, and releasing calming hormones,” she adds
As an added bonus, the Joeyband provides mothers with comfortable belly compression, soothing the pain that comes with C-section incisions.
Preventing infant falls was another concern for Joeyband inventor Hayley Mullins after her two-week-old baby fell to the ground while they practiced skin-to-skin contact.
“I didn’t want other parents to go through what I did,” said Mullins. “The more I learned about the importance of skin-to-skin contact with newborns and babies, the more surprised I was at the lack of options available. We wanted to create a technology that wasn’t your typical carrier or sling, but a circle of support designed specifically for skin-to-skin, with an emphasis on ease-of use and good, ergonomic positioning’ she added. Fast forward 13 years later and Joeyband has an extensive (globally) patented portfolio to back up this design.
A study from a Colorado hospital found that, with Joeyband, 90 per cent of the moms who participated in their study felt their baby was better protected from a fall.
Inclusive design
Joeyband was thoughtfully made to empower all caregivers, including members of the adaptive parenting community. The genderless, size-inclusive design offers a wearable solution for every identity, skin tone and body. “We’ve worked tirelessly with the healthcare community in all newborn care settings over the last 10 years to refine the device. We’ve looked at everything from colour, fabric, use of velcro (vs zippers, hooks or buttons) down to sizing with a very intentional lens,” says Sarah-Almaza Cox, Joeyband co-founder. “To have a hospital device that’s available for patients to directly purchase was part of our vision of empowering patients.”
An example of the device refinement; Joeyband offers sizes ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ directly to patients, while providing a ‘one-size fits most’ exclusively for hospitals, in an effort to streamline workflow and accessibility.
“My husband loved the Joeyband even more than I did,” said one customer. “I think it helps him feel the special bond that a lot of mothers feel through the nursing relationship.”
Media inquiries and resources
To access resources or arrange an interview, contact Adrienne Harry, Aldeen Consulting. [email protected], 905-464-4167
To learn more about Joeyband, visit https://joeyband.com/