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Congratulations to Our Safe Sleep Survey Winner: Vanessa Holcomb of Washington

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Congratulations to Our Safe Sleep Survey Winner: Vanessa Holcomb of Washington

From left, United Way of Daviess County Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Zella Taylor, United Way of Daviess County Board Vice Chair Holly Horrall, winner Vanessa Holcomb of Washington, Daviess Community Hospital Perinatal Navigator Maci Briggeman, RN, and United Way of Daviess County Board Chair Carole Smith.

Daviess Community Hospital in Washington, Indiana is pleased to announce Vanessa Holcomb of Washington as the winner of our Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Survey giveaway (Pack ’n Play). Thank you to every parent and caregiver who completed the survey—your input helps us tailor real-world education and resources that keep local babies safer.

Why the Safe Sleep Survey Mattered

Our goal was simple: listen first. The survey helped DCH’s Perinatal Pathways team understand:

  • What families already know about safe sleep—and where myths still linger (e.g., side-sleep, crib bumpers).

  • What’s happening at home (sleep spaces, routines, products in use).

  • Which resources help most (quick videos, in-hospital demonstrations, printed checklists, access to wearable blankets or sleep spaces).

Those insights guide how we teach at the bedside, what we send home at discharge, and the tools we bring to community partners across Daviess County.

Why Safe Sleep Matters 

Safe sleep is about simple, repeatable habits for every nap and night:

  • Back to sleep for all sleep—naps and nights.

  • Firm, flat, level sleep surface in a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or play yard with a fitted sheet only.

  • Clear the crib: no pillows, blankets, bumper pads, positioners, or stuffed toys.

  • Room-share, don’t bed-share: keep baby close, but return baby to their own sleep space after feeding or comforting.

  • No couches or armchairs for sleep—these are high-risk surfaces.

  • Dress for the room, not the season: avoid overheating; consider a wearable blanket instead of loose bedding.

Remember: Back. Firm. Clear. Three words that save lives.

About Perinatal Pathways at DCH

Perinatal Pathways pairs expectant and new families with a nurse navigator for personalized, judgment-free support from pregnancy through postpartum. Services include:

  • Confidential screenings & one-on-one navigation for medical, social, or financial barriers.

  • Education on healthy pregnancy, infant care, and safe sleep (including when to stop swaddling and how to use wearable blankets).

  • Referrals & resource connections (community programs, financial and social services).

  • Care coordination for high-risk pregnancies and access to early prenatal appointments and labs.

  • Genetic education & testing access when appropriate (e.g., Unity carrier testing for qualifying couples; Plain Insight Panel).

Perinatal Pathways is partially funded by United Way of Daviess County. Their support strengthens navigation, education, and resource access for local families.

FAQs 

Who can use Perinatal Pathways?
Any expectant parent or caregiver in our region—whether you deliver at DCH or are just seeking guidance and resources.

What if I’m unsure about my baby’s current sleep setup?
We’ll walk you through a quick, practical checklist and show you what “firm, flat, and clear” looks like in real life.

Can you help if I don’t have a safe sleep space?
Talk to us. We can help problem-solve access and connect you to community resources.

How do I get started?
Call or text our navigator (below), or visit http://www.dchosp.org/pathways for more information.

Talk With Our Perinatal Navigator

Maci Briggeman, RN — Perinatal Navigator
(812) 254-2760, ext. 1333
(812) 698-6042 (WhatsApp/text welcome)
http://www.dchosp.org/pathways