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Before Delivery
During Delivery -- It's Time!
After Delivery
Before
Delivery
Pre-register by completing and returning a pre-registration
form. You can get a pre-registration form from your physicians office. After
you return your pre-registration form, you will receive an information packet
within 2-3 weeks.
Call our HealthLine Call Center, 402-CARE or 1-800-863-CARE
to register for any of our Expectant Family Programs. Whether you plan to take
several classes or would just like to tour the Maternity Suites, it is a good idea
to call early (3 months prior to your due date) for reservations as the classes
fill quickly.
Plan ahead to have a Pediatrician available to care for your
precious arrival both while in the hospital as well as after you go home. If you
need assistance in choosing a Pediatrician, contact our HealthLine Call Center for
a free physician referral, 402-CARE or 1-800-863-CARE.
Included in your information packet is a sample Birth Certificate
worksheet that you will be asked to complete while in the hospital. You may want to
review this information prior to entering the hospital.
The purchase of an approved car safety seat should be included on
your preparation list. Prior to the onset of labor, you should equip your automobile
with this car seat. Practice installing car seat properly before baby comes.
Remember to call your health insurance company and enroll your
baby for medical coverage.
Prepare an overnight bag three weeks prior to your
due date. The following are items that will make your stay more comfortable.
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- Bathrobe |
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- Flat slippers |
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- Two or three nightgowns, perhaps with a front opening
for breastfeeding |
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- Five or six pair of underwear |
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- Personal toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, showercap,
deodorant, hair-care supplies, a compact and cosmetics |
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- One or two bras: a supportive, tight bra if
bottlefeeding; or two nursing bras and nursing pads if
breastfeeding |
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- Pillows from home |
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- Important phone numbers |
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- Birth announcements or stationary, pen, stamps and addresses |
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- A watch with a second hand |
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- Camera |
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- Insurance card or information
(you may check with pre-registration at
843-402-5100 as to what you will need) |
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- Loose fitting going home clothes for
you. (Clothes you wore at 5-6 months). |
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- Going home clothes for the baby (including blanket or bunting, diapers and a hat) |
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- Reading material |
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- Infant car seat - installed |
See Preparing for Baby for more information.
During
Delivery - It's Time!
It's the moment you've been waiting for! Remain calm and call your
physician or certified nurse midwife immediately. He or she will assess your progression
in labor and inform you of the best time to arrive at the hospital. Your physician or nurse
midwife will call the hospital to announce your pending arrival. We will then prepare to
admit you as a patient.
Where to Go: The Maternity Suites at Roper Hospital are located on the third
floor of the Pettit wing. Parking is available in either of the garages on campus. Maternity
Suites at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital are located in the Women's Center on the West side
of the hospital (pink building). Parking is available adjacent to this entrance.
Upon arrival on the OB unit, you will be escorted to one of our maternity
suites. We will help you unpack and make you comfortable. During your delivery, you may be
joined by a loved one to coach and support you and share the miracle of birth. Family members
and friends can enjoy the comfort of our waiting room or outside courtyard while you are in labor.
Our maternity suites at Bon Secours St. Francis and Roper Hospitals combine the latest
technology with a soothing, home-like atmosphere. All of our maternity patient rooms are private and
furnished with special comforts such as birthing beds, private baths or showers, rocking chairs, TVs
and sleeper chairs. Specially trained physicians and nurses provide the care you and your baby need.
Your little one can stay with you as much as you like, or can be cared for in the nursery if you need
some quiet time.
The staff of the birthing suites is specially trained
in all aspects of support to laboring women.
Nnurses provide support for you and your partner
in all types of labors; from
unmedicated childbirth (Bradley or Lamaze methods),
to active management with epidural anesthesia.
Many tools for management of labor that can
assist you with meeting your labor goals are
available
on the units as well. Our staff of anesthesia
specialists provide on-site coverage for epidurals
for labor as well as regional or general anesthesia
should you require a Cesarean
section. If
this becomes necessary, Cesarean sections are
performed within the birthing units and most
times your partner can remain with you throughout
the birth. Our specially trained nursery
nurses attend all
of our deliveries to assure your baby has a healthy
start in life.
After
Delivery
Rest and nutrition are important!
While you are in the hospital, a specially designed menu suited for new mothers who have special
nutritional needs as a result of childbirth and nursing is available. Special food selections are
also available at any time of day during your stay.
When you are breastfeeding or recovering from delivery or surgery, do not diet.
Healthy eating will help your body heal and provide nutrition to your baby. If you have
questions or concerns, contact your physician or a dietitian.
See our Breastfeeding and Bottlefeeding sections
for more helpful information.
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