Birthplace at Baptist Easley

When you step foot into The Birthplace at Baptist Easley Hospital, you can feel the care and level of detail that have been put into this special part of our campus. From the most sophisticated fetal monitoring equipment available, to a high-tech infant security system, all of the most modern birthing technology is right here.

The Birthplace at Baptist Easley Hospital was designed and created with people in mind—putting the focus on you and your family. Patients get personal, individualized care and can participate in planning their own, special birth experiences.

Choosing Your Baby's Doctor
Having A Baby
OB Pre-Registration

Childbirth & Centering Classes

The more you know the better you do. The Birthplace offers expectant moms childbirth classes to prepare you for that big day. And for parents who want to take it to the next level, Centering allows you to engage from the beginning of your pregnancy and bond with other moms “in your class.”

Delivering Your Baby

Once you are checked in and place in a room, you can expect your nurse to update your communication board with information such as the date, physician, nurse’s name/s, activity, and diet. Your nurse will also discuss your care at your bedside during any shift changes with the nurse taking over your care.

Anesthesia

We want your birth to be your way. Some patients prefer a more natural delivery while others prefer anesthesia as part of their birth plan. All anesthesia has advantages and disadvantages, and one may be more appropriate than the other for you. Your physician can explain options specific to your needs during labor. Remember to discuss this with your anesthesiologist and/or obstetrician.

There are several types of anesthesia used in labor.

  • Local—used by your delivering physician and is used for repair of episiotomies after delivery.
  • Epidural—used by a trained physician (anesthesiologist). A small catheter is placed in the lower back where the physician administers a medication to provide relief for pain in the abdomen, legs, and birth canal. The catheter makes it possible to give medication continually with a pump.

Benefits of epidural anesthesia include:

  • can be given early in your labor
  • provides pain relief with no sedation
  • has little, or no effect, to baby
  • increases the ability to relax

Epidural anesthesia is considered to be a safe option; however, there are possible side effects which include:

  • spinal block and headache
  • uneven pain relief
  • hindered pushing efforts
  • slight drop in blood pressure
  • infection

Midwifery

Baptist Easley Hospital has two licensed registered nurse midwives offering midwifery care including water labor and water births.

Birthing Ball and Peanuts

For moms who want a natural delivery, The Birthplace offers birthing balls and peanuts (a specialized type of birthing ball) to shorten labor time, decrease pain in the natural delivery process, and reduce the need for C-section.

Remote fetal heart monitors

Your body tells you what you need to do as you go through the labor and delivery process. Our remote fetal heart monitors (using advanced telemetry technology) lets us keep track of your baby’s vitals, while you sit up, walk around, take a bath or shower—whatever makes you most comfortable.

Quiet Time

Your family is about you, your support partner, and your baby. Quiet time gives you the time and space to bond with your baby in a focused quiet way.

Preparing for Delivery

You will notice a lot of activity in your room right before your baby arrives. Your nurses will be moving chairs into the bathroom, in order to make room for the baby warmer and the other items needed for delivery. Don’t be surprised if there is an extra nurse and a respiratory therapist in your room to care for you and your newborn.

After Delivery

Following a normal vaginal birth—the doctor will place the baby on your tummy after delivery. If possible, the doctor will let someone of your choosing cut the umbilical cord. Skin to skin contact between you and your baby is important.

For a C-section birth—the doctor will place your newborn in the admission warmer. We’ll bring him/her to you as quickly as possible. Your support person in the operating room will follow the nurse and baby to the nursery while you are in recovery.

You’ll have frequent vital signs and uterine massaging after delivery. You will have your IV for a while and should always call your nurse before getting out of bed for the first time. Family and friends may phone you directly by calling 442–7 and the room number.

At Delivery, Every Baby …

  • is dried and warmed
  • has his/her mouth and nose suctioned with a bulb syringe or tube
  • receives an “Apgar” score from “0-10” at one minute and at five minutes of age (The baby is scored on his/her heart rate, breathing, color, reflexes, and muscle tone.)
  • receives a set of vital signs: heart rate, respiratory rate, BP, and temperature
  • receives an injection of “Vitamin K” that helps to keep the baby from bleeding
  • has antibiotic ointment applied to eyes to help prevent eye infection (It doesn’t hurt.)
  • is examined from head to toe
  • has blood drawn for a blood sugar test—babies that are small, very large, pre-term, or mother has diabetes will need several blood sugar tests during the first day
  • is given a bath when he/she is 90 minutes old and is warm enough

Later On, Every Baby …

  • has blood drawn for a required “Newborn Screen”
  • gets a Hepatitis B vaccination after you sign a permit
  • has his/her hearing tested
  • is weighed daily
  • takes a pre-discharge jaundice test

Feeding Your Baby

Breastfeeding is the most effective way to promote infant health. A mother’s milk is the ideal food, providing nourishment and protecting your baby from common childhood illnesses. The professionals at The Birthplace are happy to provide breastfeeding support, education, and encouragement.

Special Care Nursery

While we always expect the birth of a baby to be uncomplicated, sometimes the unexpected happens. It’s comforting to know the Birthplace has specially trained registered nurses to meet those needs. The nursery is equipped with specially designed beds and state-of-the-art technology including monitors, ventilators, intravenous infusion pumps and telemedicine affording direct viewing and communication with neonatalogists at Greenville Memorial Hospital‘s Level III nursery.

Our trained staff provides care for infants with:

  • Suspected or confirmed sepsis (infection)
  • Respiratory difficulties requiring oxygen by hood or cannula