Having a baby is an important and exciting time! The team of Maternity Center doctors and nurses at Memorial Hospital is proud to provide you with excellent care during this special time in your life.

Our family-centered Maternity Center has four beautifully decorated birthing rooms.

We encourage the father or a support person to be with you throughout your stay. We do our very best to treat you like family - to make you as comfortable as possible.

We invite you to tour our Maternity Center as you are planning your family, or anytime before delivery.

To help you get the best possible start for you and your baby, you may be eligable to participate in Nurse Family Partnership.

Prior to your delivery you will need to obtain and complete various pre-registration forms. These will be given to you at your physician’s office.

When we receive your information we will provide you any additional forms that are needed for your and your new baby's stay. You will receive confirmation of receipt of your packet via the postcard contained in the forms. At this time we will contact your insurance company to verify your coverage and notify you of any financial responsibility to the hospital as a result of this anticipated stay.

For questions about your maternity stay, please contact our Admissions Representative for Maternity Services at 570-265-2191.

• PREPARING FOR CHILDBIRTH CLASSES



• SIBLING CLASSES



• BREAST-FEEDING CLASS



• PAIN MANAGEMENT DURING LABOR



• CESAREAN DELIVERY



• MOTHER / BABY CARE



• VISITATION



• CAR SAFETY



• BABY'S FIRST PICTURE



• PHYSICIANS



• 24-HOUR HOTLINE

The Maternity Center at Memorial Hospital offers a series of four classes designed to educate expectant parents. The series explains what to expect during the labor and delivery process and skills to cope with labor contractions.

REGISTRATION. To register, please call the Maternity Center at Memorial Hospital at 570-268-2252 or toll free 1-888-999-1724. Cost: $20 for class series if delivering at Memorial Hospital or $30 if delivering at another hospital.

The childbirth preparation classes include four sessions that are held on Thursday evenings from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. In addition to learning skills to cope with labor and delivery, newborn behavior and characteristics are also discussed. Informative videos are used throughout the sessions as well as a tour of our Maternity Center.

• Class 1: Early Labor. Video on "Fetal Development". True vs. false labor; timing contractions; early labor; breathing techniques.



• Class 2: Active Labor. Tour of Maternity Center; coping with contractions; pain relief in labor.



• Class 3: Transition. More breathing techniques; skills for the coach; cesarean section - why and how; video "The Birth Experience".



• Class 4: Delivery and the Newborn. Pushing positions; review of breathing techniques; normal newborn characteristics; post partum changes.

Preparing for Childbirth Class Dates and Times:

Sibling Classes are held once a month to help your children, ages two to seven, adjust to the new baby.

• Having a baby in the house creates jealousy. These feelings will be explored.



• Jealousy often leads to anger. Other outlets are explored.



• Reassurance is given.



• Class includes video, a tour of the Maternity Center so big brothers/big sisters will know what to expect while Mom is in the hospital, and practice with newborn-size baby doll. Register at the Maternity Center to help prepare your children for the addition of a new baby. This class is free of charge. There is a new class every month.



• This class is specifically for those who choose to deliver at Memorial Hospital.

Preparing to breast-feed class for anyone who desires breast-feeding or even if you are still deciding.

• Human milk cannot be duplicated by formula. Breast milk is the most perfect food for your baby.



• Reduces incidence of allergies.



• Fewer cold and ear infections, less intestinal disease.



• Provides antibodies to most bacteria and viruses.



• Costs less, more convenient and easier than bottles.

The most effective pain management begins long before the baby is born – with education. Your physician will tell you about the educational opportunities available at Memorial Hospital, including classes that teach relaxation techniques and breathing methods. Education is one of the best ways to manage pain, because simply knowing what to expect promotes relaxation and calms fears.

Throughout the delivery process, we use a variety of successful treatments, such as:


• Noninvasive pain management methods – These methods include breathing and relaxation techniques, massage, walking, showers, music and positioning techniques.



• Systemic analgesia – This is often given as an injection into a muscle or vein. This will help relieve the pain, but will not cause you to lose consciousness or sensation.



• Intrathecal analgesic – This involves injecting medication into your spinal fluid. You can move and even walk with intrathecal pain relief, so it doesn't interfere with your ability to push. This method generally takes effect quickly and can be repeated if necessary.



• Epidural Analgesia or Block – This involves injecting medication into an area called the epidural space, which surrounds your spinal cord. You remain awake and alert, but it may cause complete numbness in the lower half of the body, depending on the type of medication injected.

MOTHER / BABY CARE

Our mother / baby care nursing concept provides a more comprehensive way to care for you and your baby. With one nurse coordinating care for both mother and baby, family unity is enhanced as you learn to properly care for your infant. We encourage interaction with fathers, siblings and supportive others for true family-centered maternity care.

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VISITATION

Sharing the experience of a new life is very important to you and everyone who wants to see the "new baby". While keeping the good health of you and your baby first and foremost, we are as flexible as possible with visiting hours.

Naturally, the security of you and your baby is important to our staff. The father or birth partner may be with you and your baby at any time. Family members, especially grandparents and siblings, are also welcome to visit. While siblings may visit any time we ask that an adult accompany young children. Before anyone holds your baby, we ask that they wash their hands thoroughly.

All other visitors are welcome between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Visitors must be 12 years old (this does not include siblings). All visitors must be free from infection, illness or communicable disease.

Private time with your family and periods of rest are important to you following birth. We urge you to limit the number of visitors and keep visits brief. Please let your nurse know if she can be of assistance in this area.

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BABY'S FIRST PICTURE

Everyone wants to preserve the memory of their baby's first days. To help, we take pictures of your newborn before you go home. Be sure to let us know if you would like your baby to wear a special outfit or if there is a special blanket you would like to provide for the background. The picture company provides an on-line nursery for your convenience. The web site is very secure and requires your personal ID number to see your baby's picture. This may be ideal for those relatives or friends that live away from you.

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