Bartlett Regional | HouseCalls | Summer 2016

8 HouseCalls Summer 2016 Q When should I go to the hospital? A It’s time to come to the hospital when: w w Your water breaks. w w You have a bloody discharge similar to starting your period. w w Your contractions occur every four to five minutes for over an hour. w w Your doctor or health care provider tells you to do so. Please call us before you come to the hospital ( 907-796-8424 ). 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. Q What kind of room will I have? A You will have an attractive private room during labor and childbirth. Bartlett Beginnings has an on-site operating room for a cesarean birth, if needed. FrequentlyAskedQuestions about Q What should I bring to the hospital? A A week or two before your due date, pack a bag with the following items: w w Nightgown (front-opening styles are convenient for breastfeeding). w w Bathrobe. w w Slippers. w w Bra (nursing style if you plan to breastfeed your baby). w w Clothes to wear home: • • For you: comfortable clothes that fit during midpregnancy. • • For your baby: blankets, a diaper, infant-size sleepers, infant gown, etc. w w Cosmetics and toiletries. w w Camera or video camera. Remember your charger. w w Personal comfort items. Leave all valuables at home! Q Who can be with me during labor and delivery? A You may invite your spouse or partner, a support person, and family members to stay with you during labor and delivery. If it becomes necessary to deliver your baby by cesarean section, a support person may accompany you to surgery. Q What about circumcision if I have a son? A If you have a baby boy and wish to have him circumcised, tell your care provider. Your care provider will often perform this procedure in the clinic after you and baby are discharged, but it may also be done before you leave the hospital. There is a hospital charge for the procedure, and a professional fee will be added to your care provider’s billing. Q What about meals? A While in the hospital, you may select your meals from daily menus. Juice, coffee, milk, fruit and some snacks are available in our OB unit for you. Your spouse or partner, family, and visitors can buy beverages, snacks or meals from the hospital coffee shops or cafeteria and bring those items back to OB. You and your spouse or support person will have a celebratory dinner after the birth of your baby. Q What about paperwork? A Hospital staff will help you complete birth certificate forms according to state requirements. 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. A notary public is available in the hospital. The hospital will submit this affidavit to the state along with the birth certificate. Q What is the hospital discharge procedure? A Your doctor will decide when you are ready to go home. Your nurse will help you complete any remaining paperwork and review instructions for caring for yourself and your baby. Someone will need to drive you home because you should not drive a vehicle for several days after delivery. Q How long will I be in the hospital? A The answer varies for each patient. Generally it is very safe for new mothers to return to the comfort of their own homes 24 to 48 hours 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. Q What should I know about my insurance? A Before your baby is born, learn what your insurance plan covers. Nurses cannot answer insurance questions. You will need to know: w w If preauthorization is required for maternity services. w w If the plan covers both you and your baby. w w The authorized length of stay for vaginal and cesarean births. C h i l d b i r t h QUESTIONS &ANSWERS