Maternity Services

They are the complete health care services provided to women, babies and their families from the time of conception, throughout the pregnancy, during labor and including the 6-week period after birth. These services include monitoring the health and well-being of mother and baby; empowering families with education on prenatal care, birth, breastfeeding, medications and appropriate activity levels and newborn care. We are here to provide families with support during their journey of welcoming their baby with knowledge and confidence.

Your body is healing, and you are learning about your newborn’s personality, wants and needs. During this time, you can slowly and carefully increase your activity level each day for the first few weeks after birth. Nothing should go in the vagina for 6 weeks. That means no tampons or intercourse until your body has healed from the birth process. Do not take baths or go swimming and do not resume strenuous activity or exercise until you are cleared by your doctor, usually at your 6-week postpartum appointment. Do not operate a vehicle if you are taking narcotic medications and do not lift anything heavier than your baby until your bleeding has completely stopped.

Please take the time during your pregnancy to learn as much as you can about breastfeeding your new baby. It can be the most rewarding and healthy things you do in your life, for both you and your baby. As a team, we are all here to support you with breastfeeding assistance in the hospital. A Lactation Consultant may be here when you deliver or during your stay. Her sole job is to assist with breastfeeding. All labor and postpartum nurses are able to provide lactation assistance as well. Your baby will quietly let you know when they are hungry with feeding cues. Our staff is more than happy to assist you with latching and position for optimal breastfeeding. Your postpartum nurse will be your primary resource for the first 24 hours after childbirth. No matter if your infant is full term, preterm, or in the NICU, we are here to proudly assist you. Being a new parent is a special journey, and, if breastfeeding is part of your plan, we would like to help you achieve your goal.

Hormone changes are an inevitable part of having a baby. You may have already experienced some emotions you weren’t expecting during your pregnancy. When delivery happens, there is a big shift in your hormones that can affect how you feel. It is perfectly normal but, in some cases, you may feel extremely overwhelmed or sad. You can ask to see a social worker at any time during your hospital stay if you are concerned about your feelings. Your doctor can also provide you with various community resources as part of your maternity care. The Postpartum Health Alliance is a good resource if you are experiencing emotional difficulties during the postpartum period. You can call their hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (619) 254-0023.

Each bottle type has pros and cons, and it may take some trial and error before you know what your baby prefers. Standard bottles are the most widely available and the least expensive option. Wide-necked bottles are easier to clean but take up more space. Anti-colic bottles reduce the amount of air your baby takes in while they’re drinking. Shaped bottles have special handles or holes in the middle to make them easier for your baby to hold. Heat-sensitive bottles change color if the milk is too hot. Disposable bottles have sterilized bags that fit inside bottles and are thrown away after feeds. Glass bottles are more environmentally friendly than plastic bottles but are also more breakable.

You can choose between silicone and latex teats for most of these bottle types. Silicone is more durable, while latex is softer and more flexible, but needs to be replaced more often.

The birth of your baby is an exciting time, so to help you and your family share this moment, you can choose to allow up to two, healthy adults (over the age of 18) as support people into the labor and delivery with you.

While in Postpartum care, only one support individual (who will be given a newborn band) can spend the night to assist with the care of yourself and the baby. During visiting hours, however, you may have both healthy adults at your bedside.

Yes. You and your support person(s) must wear your masks in the hallways and any time a health care provider enters your room.

This is an exciting time of memories that will last a lifetime. You and your loved ones may choose to photograph or record AFTER the baby has been born to capture these special moments.