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Labor and Delivery Experience FAQ

Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum 

Located on the 4th floor of the main hospital, the 24-bed unit of L+M Maternity Services (often called LDRP, for Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum) has the area’s most respected team of doctors, midwives, nurses and support services, ready to care for women through all stages of their pregnancy. 

Our maternity unit is equipped with the most advanced technologies, including central surveillance of all live fetal heart rate tracings, state-of-the-art labor/maternity rooms, a triage area for assessment and ante-partum evaluation, a fully staffed nursery and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

There are also two operating room suites located on the maternity unit staffed with certified surgical technicians around the clock. 

Many members of our nursing team hold specialty certifications in maternal newborn nursing, inpatient obstetrics, childbirth education, lactation, and all are certified in electronic fetal monitoring. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I pack for my stay?

It is helpful to pack things that will make you feel more comfortable during your stay. For example:

  • Pajamas, nightgown, bathrobe, slippers, nursing bra
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash and shampoo are available for use)
  • Nursing pillow or own home pillow
  • Camera
  • A cooler for any food you wish to keep cold. The pantry refrigerator may not be used to store outside food due to health code regulations.
  • Going home outfit for newborn
  • Music playlist for labor
  • Tennis ball for back massage and counter-pressure

Do you have available newborn supplies to use while I am at the hospital?

We have all the essential items needed for your newborn during your hospital stay. This includes a crib, diapers, wipes, breastfeeding equipment (including breast pumps), newborn onesie t-shirts, burp cloths, blankets, and bathing supplies. If you choose to formula-feed your baby, we also have formula available for use.

What is your visiting policy on labor and delivery? 

During labor, you may have up to three support persons present. Your designated support person will receive a wrist band to wear during your stay with 24/7 access. Normal hospital visiting hours are 10 am – 8 pm during the postpartum period. All children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a non-patient adult and are not permitted to spend the night. Expect a two-hour recovery period following vaginal or C-section deliveries where visitors are limited. Special visitor precautions may be implemented during influenza season.  

See our Visitation Guidelines for current visitor information.

What do I do if I think I am in labor?

Call your doctor’s office phone line. If after office hours, you will be forwarded to the answering service.  Follow the instructions provided by your doctor’s office.  If advised to come to the L+M Maternity unit, you will be directed to our triage area.  Here only one visitor is allowed.  Others may wait in the waiting room. No children please.

What should I expect when I get to the hospital for labor?

When you arrive to the hospital in labor, you will be transferred to the Maternity unit for care by our staff. The Maternity unit is a locked unit with 24 patient rooms, 2 dedicated operating rooms, and a triage area. All patient rooms on the Maternity unit are private and have a private bathroom/shower. Each room is equipped with cable television and some rooms have a DVD player. 

Room service for food is included for patients and their partner and available from 7 am to 7 pm. Patients may order as often as they would like after delivery during these hours of operation and one support person meal is offered up to three times per day during your stay. The cafeteria is located on the 2nd floor off the Red elevator and open from 6:30 am to 7 pm. If you might deliver or desire food outside of these hours, please plan accordingly.  

During your stay on the Maternity unit, expect various procedures involving the health of your newborn. 

  • An infant security tag and ID band will be applied to your baby at delivery.
  • Every 24 hours your nurse will weigh your baby.
  • At 24 hours of age, all newborns will have the CCHD (Critical Congenital Heart Disease) screening and receive a bilirubin level check for jaundice.
  • Prior to discharge, a Metabolic Screening panel to screen for serious, rare metabolic diseases.

Is there anyone available to help me with breastfeeding my baby?

Yes. L+M Hospital is a designated Baby Friendly Facility. This means that all staff members are trained and educated to promote the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. This is an initiative supported by the World Health Organization and UNICEF. All those who delivery will be offered information regarding the ten steps; including no pacifiers or artificial nipples while breastfeeding, encouraging rooming-in 24-hours a day and informing all pregnant individuals about the benefits of breastfeeding.

If my baby is sick, is there a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) available at L+M?

Yes. While the majority of newborns are born healthy, specialized care and monitoring are sometimes necessary. Should your infant require more care, our Level III NICU features dedicated staff and highly sophisticated equipment specially designed to care for critically-ill newborns in an environment that fosters family involvement and healthy development.

Do I need to bring a car seat to the hospital with me?

Yes. You will need to have a car seat with you for your infant to be discharged from the hospital. Every car seat has a weight range printed on the label; your infant will need to meet these requirements to safely use the car seat. Every car seat has an expiration date printed on the device; car seats should not be expired and should be free from sustaining any previous accidents.

Will you help me install my car seat?

No. The Maternity staff are not certified to install car seats into the car. This should be done prior to your arrival to the hospital when possible. Please check with your local police or fire station as they may be able to install your car seat.

Your nurse will give you detailed instructions and demonstration on how to properly secure your infant in the car seat carrier.

How is COVID-19 going to affect my hospital stay during labor?

Our number one priority is keeping our patients and staff as safe as possible. Covid-19 guidelines are being updated as new information becomes available. Visit our health system COVID-19 resources page for more information and your provider about the most current precautions.