In the Delivery Room

You’ve waited nine months; and now your baby is finally here! You’re probably eager to hold him or her and count tiny fingers and toes, and your baby is ready to get to know you and the exciting new world. The first hours after birth are an important time for you to begin bonding with your baby, and our family-centered doctors and nurses will do everything possible to make sure your baby’s adjustment to life after birth is a smooth and healthy one.

Because of our commitment to Family Centered Care, once the baby’s umbilical cord has been cut and tied, you’ll have an immediate opportunity to hold him or her, skin-to-skin.  This will help your baby during the transition from your body to the larger world, as breathing, heartbeat, blood sugar and body temperature adjust after birth.  This is also an opportunity to snuggle and to breastfeed for the first time.

Meanwhile, your nurse will continue to care for your baby during this time, including:

• Assessing baby’s transition to life after delivery and assigning an APGAR score
• Weighing and measuring baby
• Helping with breastfeeding
• Testing baby’s blood sugar, if needed

In the Postpartum Unit

Whenever possible, all additional newborn care happens in the mother’s room. This allows parents to watch, participate, and learn about the baby’s care without being separated. You can maintain skin-to-skin contact with your baby during rest, feeding, assessments and care as much as possible. Some care that we will provide in your room includes:

• Newborn assessment
• Monitoring of vital signs and adaptation to life after delivery
• Promotion and support for breastfeeding
• Newborn bath when his or her temperature is stable and you’ve had at least one successful breastfeeding
• Continued skin-to-skin after bath to keep your baby warm
• Blood sugar monitoring, if indicated
• Collection of newborn screen and other specimens