We are the largest birthing hospital in Baltimore. Approximately one out of every five children born in Baltimore City each year is delivered at Mercy. Unfortunately, Baltimore’s rates of infant mortality, especially in poor neighborhoods, remain worryingly high. Mercy’s Breastfeeding & Safe Sleep Success Initiative helps establish a healthy start for newborns.

Last year, the PNC Foundation awarded a grant to provide Lactation Consultation certification training for three nurses and HALO SleepSacks, zip-up wearable blankets, for hundreds of infants.

“PNC is committed to helping local organizations achieve their mission and for a number of years, the PNC Foundation has supported Mercy Medical Center’s work with mothers before and after childbirth,” said Laura Gamble, PNC regional president for Greater Maryland. “Supporting this initiative will help mothers learn the importance of safe sleep practices and proper lactation techniques, as well as continuing education for the Mercy staff providing these services.”

Jessica Jackson (above), a nurse in the Mother Baby Unit, teaches new parents how to swaddle infants and fasten sleep sacks. “All children come into the world so helpless and dependent—underweight and sick babies are especially vulnerable and in need of extra care,” Jessica said. “The ability for Mercy to provide parents with Lactation and SafeSleep education, plus a state-of-the-art wearable blanket to take home, helps lower the risks of nutrition deficiencies and suffocation for their children.”

Dr. Susan Dulkerian, Chair of Mercy’s Pediatrics Department, says, “Providing information and resources is critical to the health outcomes of the mothers and babies we serve. We are so grateful for our generous philanthropic partners, like PNC, who help to ensure the children born at Mercy grow up great!”