You’re the Reason We Exist!

Glenni Lorick, Editor-in-Chief

Valley Babies first edition came out four years ago this month. We began this publication for you, the hopeful, expectant or new parent. We’ve found that even parents of toddlers and preschoolers appreciate our articles. In our first issue we highlighted Huntsville Hospital, Crestwood Medical Center, Decatur General Hospital, Parkway Memorial Hospital, Athens Limestone Hospital and Helen Keller Hospital. Since then, our distribution area has grown to include Scottsboro as well as Cullman County. You will see some of the same hospitals in this issue as well as some new ones. Several hospitals were unable to get their information to us in time for our deadline. We apologize to those institutions and hope that they will be a part of our special hospital edition next August!

We are excited about celebrating World Breastfeeding Week once again. This issue has a terrific article by Jane Mitchell, IBCLC at Crestwood Medical Center, about what you can expect from your lactation consultant. I hope you also enjoy Phala Rasmussen’s tongue-in-cheek article about staying home with your kids. Finally, Dale Bader, StormForce 31 meteorologist, has some great suggestions for get-aways with your kids.

As I write this editorial, I’m on my way to the International Lactation Consultant Association Convention in Orlando, FL. I’m excited about hearing new research in the field of lactation because I love working with breastfeeding moms and their babies. I always want to be on the cutting edge of my profession. Nevertheless, it is very important to me that all mothers whether they breastfeed or formula-feed, whether they work outside of the home or stay home with their babies, whether they are single or married…ALL MOMS know how much we at Valley Babies appreciate the vitally important role they play as mothers. This magazine exists for you! Please let us know how we can better meet your needs with an email.