Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin opens new ‘Compassion Closet’

Thanks to nurses in the Mother/Baby Unit at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin (ASMCA) and the Ascension Seton Foundation, families will be able to access clean clothing and other necessary resources after their baby is born through the new ‘Bump to Baby Boutique’.

All patients in the Mother/Baby Unit at ASMCA will be able to access things like clean robes, T-shirts, sandals, and sweatpants for mothers to go home in, as well as baby blankets, socks and hats, and toddler clothing for older siblings. Parents will also be able to access necessary resources for new babies like diaper bags, including diapers and wipes, and even car seats and cribs, when needed.

Claire Vences, a supervisor in the Mother/Baby Unit said, “We have had patients go home in a hospital gown, and we didn’t feel like that was what we wanted our patients to do. We wanted everyone to go home wearing something clean.”

More than half of birthing patients at ASMCA are un- or under-insured and ASMCA has a level four maternity unit, which means ASMCA often cares for the sickest mothers in Central Texas. 

“One of the things that is really special about our hospital is that we have the resources to be able to provide what our families need based on whatever economic status they’re in,” Vences said.

The Bump to Baby Boutique has been funded by the Ascension Seton Foundation.

Published: February 25, 2025