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The birth of a new baby is an exciting time in the life of a family. It's not surprising that family and friends are enthusiastic about supporting the new mom and welcoming a brand new life into the world. However, having a baby is also a lot of work for both mom and baby, so we ask that you observe some special visiting policies when awaiting a birth so that the process runs as smoothly as possible for everyone.
The expectant mother's Care Partner and up to four visitors may be in the Labor Room at any one time. However, the nursing staff may restrict the normal Visiting Policies in order to do our job of providing the best care for our patient. The Care Partner and up to two visitors may be present for a vaginal birth if the patient desires. If the patient would like to have her other children present during delivery, she may discuss it with her physician during office visits. An adult other than the mother and the Care Partner must be designated as responsible for the children during the labor and birth.
For safety and infection reasons, only the brothers and sisters of the new baby are allowed to visit in Labor and Delivery with a responsible adult. The mother will be issued a blue special visitor arm bracelet for each of her children. The blue arm bracelet is to be worn by each sibling that will be visiting during the mother's hospital stay. It identifies siblings on the Labor and Delivery and Mother-Baby Units.
For the privacy and safety of other patients, visitors may not wait in the hall outside the Labor Rooms. Visitors crowding the halls may prevent necessary medical help from reaching the mom or baby in an emergency situation. Our renovation plans include a new waiting area close to the Labor and Delivery Rooms.
Visitors may see the new mom after she is transferred to the Mother-Baby Unit. Any visitors who are awaiting the birth will be able to see the new arrival during the first hour after birth. Be aware that some new moms and dads reserve part of this time for breastfeeding and bonding before allowing other family and visitors to visit.
If the baby is born after regular visiting hours, family and friends may stay, but at 9 p.m. they must go to the GMH Visitor's Desk to receive a Temporary Visitor's Badge. When a baby is born after 9 p.m., visitors are asked to keep their visit brief so that the new mom may rest.
Moms and babies move to the Mother-Baby Unit between 1 and 2 and-a -half hours after the birth. After transfer, visitors will be asked to wait while the nurse assesses the mom and baby.
Most babies stay with their mothers most of the time, so there are rarely more than two or three babies in the window at any given time. Generally, the baby's parents and brothers and sisters over 14 years of age may visit in the nursery. The parents will also be asked to designate a list of people who may visit their baby in the nursery. Visitors will be asked to provide picture ID and an identification number when visiting.
