Bartlett Regional | HouseCalls | Summer 2016

www.bartletthospital.org 5 e i e y injection below the spinal cord, and it works by blocking sensations in the abdomen, back, buttocks, perineum and legs. Epidural blocks must be given by anesthesiologists. Be sure to thoroughly discuss any possible side effects of epidurals on you, your labor and your baby with your caregiver. There is an additional fee charged. We support skin-to-skin bonding immediately after delivery. Routine assessments, tests and baths for healthy babies are done in the delivery room. Labor coaches can provide support during all phases of labor and childbirth. Your coach can help you with breathing and relaxation techniques and keep you up-to-date on your progress. A doula is a woman trained to provide continuous and nurturing physical, emotional and informational support to a mother during her labor and delivery. Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications. Babies are healthier, and they breastfeed more easily. We are happy to provide information and help facilitate a doula-supported labor and delivery through the Doula Network program. experience and Breastfeeding Clinic We are a designated Baby-Friendly facility and follow the U.S. Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative guidelines to ensure that the highest standards possible for protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding are followed. All staff nurses are trained in breastfeeding and can offer guidance and support during your breastfeeding experience. Our clinic provides breastfeeding support services for mothers and babies by international board-certified lactation consultants who have specialized education, skills and knowledge about helping mothers and infants breastfeed. We offer inpatient breastfeeding support as well as appointments for babies and mothers having breastfeeding problems after leaving the hospital. Our lactation consultants evaluate and treat breastfeeding problems infants may have. This service is provided free of charge, both during your hospital stay and afterward in our outpatient clinic, if you have any feeding problems. Call us at 907-796-8424 . Specialized care: Training and experience While the vast majority of pregnancies, deliveries and babies are healthy, some patients need specialized care. Our physicians and nursing staff continue to educate themselves to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and studies. All of the OB nurses have completed neonatal resuscitation classes, and many are certified in either obstetrics or nursery care. Our unit is equipped to care for women and babies with complications. Women in danger of delivering several weeks early and critically ill babies will be stabilized until a skilled transport team arrives to take these patients to a hospital providing the extra care required. Cesarean sections Our philosophy of family-centered care does not change if you deliver by cesarean section—planned or unplanned. A cesarean birth can be somewhat frightening, and we take the time to fully explain what you can expect to happen and why. We encourage you and your family to ask questions so everyone understands what’s happening. Bartlett Beginnings’ operating room is right on the labor and delivery unit. During a cesarean birth, your partner or support person is encouraged to remain by your side. We promote skin-to-skin bonding as soon as is practical after cesarean birth, often right in the OR suite. If you had a prior cesarean section and are thinking of vaginal delivery, you are encouraged to have an early discussion with your provider and read Bartlett Regional Hospital’s policy on vaginal birth after cesarean. Discharge calls You can expect a call within a week or so of your discharge home to see how you and your baby are doing. OB staff is committed to identifying any needs for follow-up care or community resources you might need.