saving a baby one box at a time.
i attended the ribbon cutting for the safe haven baby box at the fentress c.o. ambulance/ems center. i am so happy to have this in my hometown.
jamestown,tn has a safe haven baby box and i am thrilled that moms in crisis will have access to this option. we never know the life circumstances surrounding the birth of a new baby. this is a safe option when keeping a baby is no longer an option. it is anonymous. there is no shame no blame and no names when surrendering your newborn. what occurs at a safe haven location?
newborns will be handed to personnel or placed inside a safe haven baby box at this approved location. staff members receiving the infant will make arrangements for transportation of the infant to the nearest hospital.
hospital personnel will conduct a physical exam of the newborn infant and provide any needed medical care. if you wish, you can complete the medical information forms at the safe haven location or take them home and mail them back. this helps healthcare workers taking care of your baby. it is confidential and you do not need to give your name.
the baby is then transferred to the department of child services. they will place the infant with an adoptive family quickly.
this is a photo of the outside of the baby box. after putting the baby in the safe haven baby box, this orange bag will be there with more information.
if you find yourself in this situation, here is the number for
the national crisis line for the safe haven baby box. 1-866-99BABY1 / 1-866-992-2291
also, feel free to contact a doula, midwife, ob, medical practitioner, lactation specialist or anyone from your birth team to talk with and offer support.
also postpartum support international can help and here is their number 1-800-944-4773.
are you wondering what a doula does? check out this blog post. “how a doula makes a difference”
more about grammie doula:
i offer in-person and virtual postpartum doula support in middle tennessee and my clients call me “grammie d.”. i have 25 years as a labor and delivery nurse and then 10 years as a birth photographer.
i am a mom to 3 grown children, 6 grandchildren and a baby in heaven. i live in a one story house with a view and long front porch with my gray-bearded husband and four pets that prefer his company over mine! ~laura
