About Your Stay

Making sure your baby gets off to a good start in life is important.  That is why your baby's first few hours will be busy ones.

After delivery, your baby will have a physical assessment done.  This may be at your bedside or in the nursery.  The assessment consists of obtaining weight, length and vital signs, checking baby's blood sugar and administering vitamin K.  These are all routine procedures and were ordered by your baby's physician.

If your baby's physician was not present at delivery, we have notified him or her of your baby's birth.

Usually within two hours after birth your baby has been bathed, dressed, tucked into a bassinet and is ready to be with you as much as you desire.

Please place the baby in the basinet for transport to and from the nursery.  This is for your baby's safety.

Another safety measure, one you will want to continue at home, is to always place your baby on his or her back when unattended. 

Hand washing is a simple, yet an important step in protecting your baby from illnesses.

Your baby will be weighed once a day at midnight.  It is a natural and common occurrence for your baby to lose weight the first two to four days after birth.  Your baby will be brought to you for feeding unless otherwise specified.

You are encouraged to have your baby with you as often and as long as you wish.

Most physicians make rounds once daily in the morning hours.  Your baby may need to come to the nursery during this time and will be returned to you as soon as the physician has completed his/her examination.

If at any time during your stay you have questions about your baby's care, please do not hesitate to call your nurse at ext. 6663, or by using your call light.

Should your baby develop any problems before, during or after delivery, the Birth Center has a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery.

This is a special care nursery with facilities and staff to care for premature, high risk and other babies requiring close observation.