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I have very good memories of when my first
son came into the world so I'm looking forward to,
I'm taking comfort in knowing that I'm gonna be
in that same environment as I go through this again.
>> Thank you for choosing Howard County General hospital to deliver your new baby.
We know you're very excited and you probably have some
questions about what to expect when you go into labor.
And arrive at the hospital.
When you first suspect you've gone into
labor please call your care provider before
you leave home to let him or her know how you're labor is progressing.
>> What do I need to bring with me?
>> You need to bring
your pre-registration package, toiletries, robe, breastfeeding
bra, breast cream, underwear, a going home outfit for your baby.
And the car seat you'll be bringing your baby home in.
When you arrive at the hospital, you'll
go directly to the Emergency Department entrance.
Someone from Admitting will be there to update
your registration before you go to Labor and Delivery.
You will be escorted to the second floor where Labor and Delivery,
the Maternal Child Unit and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit are located.
Your family and visitors can use this room to relax
when they are asked to step out of your room.
Once you enter the L and D Unit, you'll need to stop
at the nurses' station, so they can assign you to a room.
In the event that a C section is necessary,
you will go to one of the two operating rooms.
And after the baby is born, you will go to one of the post-op recovery rooms.
For a vaginal delivery you will be taken to one of
our labor and delivery suites where you will labor, deliver and recover.
When you come into your room you'll put on
a hospital gown and be asked for a urine sample.
A nurse or technician will also draw some blood for testing.
You'll get a thorough physical exam including a vaginal
exam to see how much progress you've made at home.
An external monitor will check your baby to see
how he or she is reacting to your contractions.
>> Who can stay in the room with me?
>> A total of four people can stay in your room at
one time, including your significant other, and doula, if you have one.
Children can stay, but must have their own adult support person with them.
>> Now, let's move on to the really important stuff.
If you feel you want an epidural, please let your nurse
know, so she can start an IV and contact the anesthesiologist.
If you continue to labor without medication, or with
medication that allows you to be up and moving around.
Your nurse can suggest things that will help.
Including birthing balls, a birthing bar and the shower.
We also have a pantry in the Land D unit with drinks.
Including coffee and tea.
You can help yourself.
But at a certain stage during your labor.
You may want to limit yourself to ice chips.
After your baby is born, a nurse or a
doctor will place the baby right on your stomach.
Someone will then take the baby over the warmer to do a set
of vital signs, a quick assessment, measure
weight and length, and make a footprint.
The nurse will put an antibiotic in your baby's eyes
and give him or her a shot of Vitamin K.
Your baby will get an ID band for one wrist
and one ankle, and a security tag for the other ankle.
You and your significant other will also get ID bands.
Your baby will come back to you and will be with you
for approximately 90 minutes unless there
is a medical condition that needs attention.
Baby then heads over to the newborn nursery.
Just like Labor and Delivery, the Maternal Child Unit is locked and secure.
This is our new born nursery where baby will have
a complete assessment two sets of vital and a bath.
Then your baby will meet the pediatrician.
You if you haven't yet chosen a pediatrician or
if your doctor doesn't have privileges at Howard County General.
The on-call pediatrician will see your baby to
let you know how he or she is doing.
If you have a boy who will be circumcised, the obstetrician will do
that in a special room in the nursery, usually after the first day.
You should discuss the pros and cons of circumcision with your obstetrician.
Once you are able to get up and use the bathroom, you will
go to the Maternal-Child Unit and your baby will come to your room.
You'll be brought here from 90 minutes to three hours after you deliver.
The cabinet above the sink has towels,
washcloths, gowns and sanitary napkins for your use.
Your baby will be brought to you in a bassinet that
contains undershirts, blankets, diapers, wipes
and formula if you're bottle feeding.
Lactation consultants are available but our nurses are
trained to help you with most breast feeding problems.
If you are bottle feeding, we use Enfamil formula.
Generally, you will have a 36 to 48 hour
recovery time in the hospital for a vaginal delivery.
And about four days after a C-section.
>> Well, I actually watched her I helped run
a delivery so and I watched her come out.
So each time that Mandy had to push I
watched each step long the way so I watched when
her hair started to appear and when when the
doctor pulled her out,and I was almost moved to tears.
I didn't quite cry but It was a
very moving moment, and I was just extremely excited.
I was very happy to see her.
There were no complications or anything like that and
again, that was what was most important to me.
So it was very exciting.
>> Family and friends need to stop at the front desk to get an identity sticker.
Because we want you to have plenty of time to rest and spend alone with
your new baby, the Maternal Child Unit has visiting hours from 9 am to 8 pm.
One responsible adult such as a significant
other, will be welcome 24 hours a day.
Is there a charge for the food, phone and TV?
Your phone and TV service will
automatically be billed to your home telephone.
Meals are included in the room charge.
We even have a Stork menu, a four
course gourmet meal that gets a lot of compliments.
Our dietary department is open from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm.
And you'll have a menu to choose from.
You should call about 45 minutes before you are ready to eat.
We have Rooming In on the maternal child unit.
That means your baby will be in the room with you for most of your stay.
Baby will have to return to the nursery for weight checks each
night and for the pediatrician and
hearing screening technician to do their assessments.
>> When will I be discharged?
Discharge time is 11:00 am.
The only thing you need to bring for your baby is a going
home outfit and the car seat you'll use to take him or her home.
It's a very good idea to practicing using
your car seat before coming to the hospital.
To make sure it fits in your car and that
you know how to use it and tighten the straps.
You can get more information about car seats at kidsinsafetyseats.com.
Thank you for joining us on this tour we
hope this has answered most of the questions you have
about delivering at Howard County General and we look forward
to helping you bring your new baby into the world.
You can find additional information online at hcgh.org/baby.
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