Rapides Women's and Children's Hospital

08/20/2026

Summer fun can heat up fast. ☀

Heat exhaustion or heat stroke? Knowing the difference could help you recognize the warnings signs and act before a heat-related illness becomes an emergency.

Learn the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, what to do if someone is overheating and simple ways to stay safer in extreme heat: https://bit.ly/46dSLvQ

🚨 If someone has severe symptoms — such as loss of consciousness or slurred speech — call 911 right away.

08/18/2026

August is National Breastfeeding Month, and breastfeeding is one of the more important things mothers can do for their babies, confirms Rapides Women's and Children's Hospital lactation specialist Christina Holton.
To help new mothers and expectant mothers, Rapides Women's and Children's Hospital offers monthly online breastfeeding classes during both day and evening hours. To find out more information about our classes, visit https://bit.ly/4qqT3c3.

A Cenla hospital is helping mothers navigate breastfeeding, from latch concerns to returning to work.

08/13/2026

This August, we’re celebrating the incredible journey of breastfeeding and the many ways we can support moms and babies along the way. 🤱

Breastfeeding provides important health benefits for babies and moms, but every family’s feeding journey is unique. Whether a mother chooses to breastfeed, pump, use donor milk, formula, or a combination, what matters most is that she feels supported, encouraged and cared for.
At Rapides Women's and Children's Hospital, we’re proud to support our moms with education, encouragement and compassionate care as they make the best choices for themselves and their babies. 💕👶

Here’s to celebrating strong moms, healthy babies and the support that makes all the difference! 🌸

08/12/2026

After 29 years of faithful service, we are celebrating the retirement of Wayne Sibley, Director of Pastoral Care! 🎉

Chaplain Sibley has been a steady source of comfort, compassion and prayer for countless patients, families, physicians and colleagues. For nearly three decades, he has quietly and faithfully served as a powerful resource to our hospital and community—walking alongside families through some of life’s most difficult moments, as well as some of its most beautiful.

Wayne also provided leadership to our Auxiliary program and the incredible volunteers who give their time and talents to support our hospital. His presence has touched so many lives, and we are deeply grateful for his dedication, leadership and commitment to serving others.

Congratulations on a well-earned retirement, Wayne! 👏 Thank you for 29 years of service and for the lasting impact you have made on our patients, colleagues and community. We wish you every happiness and all the best in this exciting next chapter! ❤️

08/11/2026

Here is one more item that should be on your back to school list - making sure your children's car seats are installed properly and not under a recall. Take a few minutes out of your day and give yourself peace of mind thanks to a our team of trained child passenger safety experts. All it takes is about 15 minutes.

08/08/2026

Thinking about breastfeeding your baby? Join our Virtual Breastfeeding Class, designed for expectant and new moms who want to feel confident and prepared.

This class is led by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and covers the benefits of breastfeeding, how to prepare before baby arrives, and practical troubleshooting tips to help you succeed.

Register at https://bit.ly/4fUtI5r. Once registered, you’ll receive login instructions by email prior to the class. Give yourself the knowledge and support you deserve on your breastfeeding journey!

08/07/2026

Students in Rapides Parish went back to school today. The return to the classroom also can mean the return of sniffles, coughs and other minor illnesses. Theresa Hood, director of Community Education, explains what parents should watch for in deciding if their child needs more than rest at home.
Here is wishing all students, teachers, staff and administrators a great, safe and healthy 2026-2027 school year!

Health experts say soap and water — not just hand sanitizer — is the best defense as kids head back to class.

08/05/2026

Rapides Regional Medical Center is holding a FREE educational program for adults with newly diagnosed diabetes and for those needed a refresher course in diabetes management. The class is Thursday night, Aug. 6, from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. in the Cascade Room at Rapides Women's and Children's Hospital.
This is a basic diabetes program; therefore, no physician referral is required. The program content follows American Diabetes Association guidelines. Topics include learning to deal with a chronic disease, monitoring blood sugar, complications and medications.
To register, or for more information, please click here: https://bit.ly/4yVIqSs

07/31/2026

It's going to be a hot one this weekend.🔥🚒

Learn from Emergency Medical Director, Brent Arnold, M.D., the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

A doctor explains how to tell heat exhaustion from a deadly heat stroke — and why waiting could cost a life.

07/31/2026

It's going to be a hot one this weekend.🔥🚒

Learn from Emergency Medical Director, Brent Arnold, M.D., the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

https://bit.ly/4yQ2buv$

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