Overview
It's natural to have questions about childbirth. This is a very special time for you, and we want to make sure you have all the information you need.
When should I go to the hospital?
It's time to come to the hospital when:
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Your bag of water breaks |
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You have a bloody discharge similar to starting your period |
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Your contractions occur every 4 to 5 minutes for over an hour, or |
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Your doctor or health care provider instructs you to do so. |
Please call us before you come to the hospital. We can help you decide whether it's time for you to come in, and we can prepare for your arrival. When you arrive, we will evaluate your progress and notify your doctor.
What kind of room will I have?
You will have an attractive, private room in which to labor and give birth. If you need a cesarean section, you will be taken to a nearby hospital suite.
What should I bring to the hospital?
A week or two before your due date, pack an overnight bag with items for your hospital stay:
Who can be with me during labor and delivery?
This is your choice. You may invite your husband or partner, a support person and/or family members to stay with you during labor and delivery. If it becomes necessary to deliver your baby by cesarean section, in most cases you may choose one support person to accompany you.
What about circumcision if I have a son?
If you have a baby boy and wish to have him circumcised, tell your health care provider. There is a hospital charge for the procedure, and a professional fee will be added to your doctor's billing.
What about visitors and visiting hours?
Visitors are welcome 24 hours a day in our Family Maternity Centers, but you decide who may visit you and your baby. Children may participate in the hospital experience and hold the new baby if you wish. After 9 p.m., visitors should be quiet and respectful of others' need for rest.
For the health of your newborn and others in Maternity, we ask that you have no visitors who are ill or who have recently been exposed to a communicable disease. Everyone – including you – should wash their hands before touching the baby.
What about meals?
While in the hospital, you may select your meals from daily menus. Juice, coffee, milk and fruit are available in our Family Maternity Centers for you.
Your husband or partner, family and visitors may purchase beverages, snacks or meals from the hospital coffee shops or cafeteria and bring those items back to Maternity.
What is your approach to caring for mother and baby?
We encourage you to touch and hold your baby as much as you desire at delivery and during recovery. Our staff can help you learn to hold, feed, diaper, swaddle and dress your baby. We will, however, always try to respect your needs and wishes for privacy and rest.
What about paperwork?
Hospital staff will help you complete birth certificate forms according to state requirements. If you wish, they will also file an application for your baby's Social Security number.
If you are unmarried and want the baby's father's name to appear on the birth certificate, you and the father must sign a paternity affidavit in the presence of a notary public after the baby is born. The hospital will submit this affidavit to the state along with the birth certificate.
Newspaper notification for a birth announcement is available and optional. Hospital staff can help with this.
What is the hospital discharge procedure?
Your doctor will decide when you are ready to go home. Your nurse will help you complete any remaining paperwork and review with you some instructions for caring for yourself and your baby.
Someone will need to drive you home since you should not drive a vehicle for several days after delivery.
Oregon state law requires that babies travel in approved infant restraint seats. Before your baby is born, be sure to have an approved car seat. Practice using it and securing it correctly in your car. This is extremely important to your baby's safety and welfare.
How long will I be in the hospital?
The answer varies for each patient. Generally it is very safe for new mothers to return to the comfort of their own homes shortly after giving birth. Before you go home, your physician will examine you. If you are not medically ready to go home, you will be encouraged to stay and continue to receive the care you need.
What should I know about my insurance?
Before your baby is born, learn what your insurance plan covers. Nurses cannot answer insurance questions. You will need to know:
-If preauthorization is required for maternity services
-If the plan covers both you and your baby
-The authorized length of stay for vaginal and cesarean births, and
-Whether a follow-up home visit is covered.
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