Mother and Baby Recovery
After birth, you and your baby rest and recover together in one of our private rooms. Your newborn will stay with you to help you become familiar and comfortable with each other before going home. A nursery is available if you need to be out of your room and for procedures. Should you or your child require extra care, Arnot Health is the region's only high risk referral center with specialists in perinatology and maternal health and a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Visiting Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fathers and support people may stay with a mother in her recovery room. Siblings and children may visit during visiting hours when accompanied by an adult.
Baby's First Day
The baby is examined shortly after birth and then stays with the mother in her recovery room unless extra care is required. A labor or nursery nurse or lactation consultant will show you how to hold your baby and help with the first breastfeeding. Once the baby's temperature is stable he or she will be given a bath in the nursery. A nurse will visit every few hours to check the baby's vital signs. Nurses and lactation consultants are available to assist and answer any questions.
Screenings and Test
On the second day, several tests are performed to determine if additional care is needed.
Hearing Screening
All newborns receive a hearing screening as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Earmuffs are placed on the baby while a nurse measures the baby's brain responses to sounds. The test takes a few minutes and the results will be ready before you leave the hospital. If your baby is unable to pass the test, you will receive follow up instructions. It is important to diagnose hearing loss, because it may delay speech and language development. One to three in every 1,000 newborns have significant hearing deficits.
Newborn Screening
A blood sample will be taken by pricking the baby's heel and used for some special tests known as a newborn screening. The blood test is required by law before your baby leaves the hospital. Newborn screening checks for serious but rare conditions at birth.
Vaccinations
Your baby will receive the first of three Hepatitis B shots. The New York State Department of Health recommends that every baby receive this vaccine before leaving the hospital to reduce the risk of contracting Hepatitis B from moms or family members who may not know they are infected. Contact your pediatrician if you have questions.
Safety for You and Your Baby
Mother and baby wear matching identification bands that are checked every time she is given the baby. Your baby may be removed from your room by a maternity unit employee for a bath, exam, blood draws and weight. Feel free to ask us how long your baby will be gone and what procedures will be done. We are happy to answer your questions.
Never leave your baby unattended. If you must leave your room for any purpose, use the nurse call button for assistance. The nurse's station is located in the center of the unit so the nurses can see everything that happens on the floor.
Bringing Your New Baby Home
This is the moment you've been waiting for and all new parents feel a little anxious. We will see you off with a gift bag of essentials and printed answers to many questions you may have. Make sure an approved car seat is properly installed in the car and you have an outfit for your baby to wear home. Download this booklet for more information: Caring for Your Baby.
Arnot Health is here for you and your family. To speak with a registered nurse, call Health on Demand: 607-737-4499.
