Northside Pre-Admission Packet

Pre-Admission Your packet for

Your baby is coming. It’s time to prepare.

It’s Time to Prepare

You want your childbirth experience to be special. Let us help you get ready.

Find a Pediatrician Have you chosen a doctor for your baby? If not, we offer you a selection of outstanding pediatricians on our medical staff. For help in locating a pediatrician, for Atlanta, Cherokee and Forsyth, call 404.845.5555, and for Gwinnett, call 678.312.5000, weekdays, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. We also have an online physician directory at northside.com , click on Find a Doctor. You can also go to your insurance website or handbooks. Please select a pediatrician before you are 36 weeks pregnant. Take a Tour You can find a Virtual Tour of the Women’s Centers at northside.com/tours . Hospital Admitting/Pre-Registration Because you don’t want to have to think about signing papers and registering for the hospital when you are in labor, we encourage you to take care of this by your 6th month of pregnancy. The pre-registration form is easily found under the Patient Information tab on northside.com , or for Atlanta, Cherokee or Forsyth locations, call 404.459.1280, and for Gwinnett, call 678.312.3600, for more information. You will need the following: • Government-issued photo ID card • Insurance/medical card for mom and for baby (if different) • Work address and telephone number • Name, telephone and address of an emergency contact • Completed pre-admission form • Obstetrician/midwife and pediatrician information

Convenient Locations, Convenient Times To view all of our class offerings and schedule please visit

northside.com/classes or scan the QR code to view our online self service registration portal. For additional assistance, call 404.845.5555.

Additional Resources As you get ready for the upcoming arrival of your baby, we want you to feel prepared. Scan here to view a list of frequently asked questions and to view additional resources that are available.

Northside Hospital www.northside.com/covid-19/maternity-faq

Important Decisions

Gather the information to make some very important decisions before the birth of your baby.

Birth Certificates We have found that parents appreciate knowing what is expected from them ahead of time, such as paperwork or other needed documents. Being prepared ahead of time can help you to focus on caring for your baby and yourself. After the birth of your newborn baby, and after you have been transferred to the postpartum unit, you will be given the birth certificate worksheet by your nurse. Please remember to complete the birth certificate worksheet in its entirety and turn it in to your nurse or to the birth certificate office.

Please bring the cord blood collection kit that is provided to you by the company when you are admitted to labor and delivery. Inform your nurse at admission of your desire for cord blood banking and provide them with the collection kit. Northside Hospital cannot guarantee that a cord blood sample will be obtained and will not be responsible under any circumstances in the event that the sample is not obtained. Circumcision Decision Circumcision involves cutting away the foreskin on the end of the penis. Personal, emotional and religious factors all play into your decision. Circumcision is not required by any law or hospital policy. Talk with your provider and your baby’s pediatrician early so that you will have enough time to make an informed decision prior to coming to the hospital. Birth Certificate Offices: Atlanta.................................................................................... 404.851.8777 Cherokee................................................................................770.224.1263 Forsyth....................................................................................770.292.2033 Gwinnett............................................................................... 678.312.4468 Please note that the birth certificate office will not be able to process a birth certificate or request a social security card for your baby if you do not complete and turn in the worksheet. Listed below are helpful hints about some of the required information on the birth certificate worksheet. Single Mothers If you are a single mother, defined by the state of Georgia as not legally married either at the time of conception or birth, the name of the child’s father cannot be entered on the birth certificate without the written consent of both parents. The completion of a Paternity Acknowledgement (PA) Form is required for a single mother who wants her baby to carry the surname (last name) of his/her father. The PA Form should be signed by both parents. The person listed as the father needs to go to the birth certificate office with a valid picture identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport) to sign the form.

Birth Certificate Information Required

Mother

Father

Baby

• Current

• Current

• Name • Request for Social Security card

legal name • Date of birth • Address • Educational level • Race • Previous births • Maiden name • Social Security number • Marital status • Occupation • Origin/descent • Prenatal visits history

legal name • Social Security number • Educational level • Race • Date of birth • Address • Occupation • Origin/descent

Umbilical Cord Blood Banking

During the past several years, a number of programs have been developed to collect, type, screen for infection and store cord blood for potential transplantation. Private or public organizations may accept donations of umbilical

cord blood for research or for future stem cell transplantation to a person unrelated to the donor, or they may process and store the umbilical cord blood for the donor or family member. The decision to donate cord blood or to bank cord blood cells with a private company is a personal choice. Northside Hospital does not have a business or financial relationship with any cord blood bank entity. We ask that you discuss your desire to bank or donate cord blood with your health care provider during your pregnancy; select the cord blood bank and make all necessary arrangements prior to admission to labor and delivery.

Getting Ready for Your Baby

Before you know it your baby will be here. There are still some things you need to do.

Helpful Checklist Receive your preadmission packet from your health care professionals. Complete your preadmission by using one of our convenient methods listed below: • Online at northside.com , click Patient Information, then Patient Registration. • Email your completed preadmission form, insurance card(s) – front and back – and government issued photo ID to preregistration@northside.com or fax the completed information to 404.300.2333. • Mail the completed preadmission form, insurance card(s) – front and back – and government issued photo ID in prepaid envelope provided. Ask your health care professional about receiving the TDAP vaccination. (See page 33 of Your Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy book.) Call your insurance company to review coverage, most require precertification. Read the informed consent information and advanced directives. Ask your health care professional when you are to come to the hospital and what you should do if you think you are in labor. Receive letter from Northside Hospital confirming receipt of your preadmission form. Virtual video tours are available at northside.com/tours Schedule classes at least 8-12 weeks before delivery via our self-service registration portal at northside.com/classes . For assistance call...................................................... 404.845.5555 Install your baby’s car seat and know how to secure your baby in the seat. See Infant Car Seat section for more information. Map out your route to the hospital. Try to read your chosen baby books and materials, attend the classes you are interested in, fill your freezer with food (for ease when you return home), and complete the other items on your to-do list before baby arrives. Select your support network. Who do you want to be with you during and after your baby’s birth? Take pictures of medications you are taking to share with your health care providers. Choose your pediatrician and add their name and number to your phone contacts. Pack a bag for the labor and birthing room. Pack a bag for after the birth of your baby.

Labor Bag Pediatrician’s name and telephone number Insurance card and government-issued photo ID card Robe and slippers Water bottle Favorite music Hair tie, rubberband, etc. to pull back long hair Lip moisturizer Comfort items (extra pillows with colored pillowcases) Comfortable clothes and snacks for labor partner

After Birth/Postpartum Bag Sleepwear (or use ours) Robe and slippers 2-3 bras Toiletries Cosmetics

Going home outfits for mom and baby Outfit for baby’s photo (if applicable) Leave valuables and any significant amount of money at home (including your jewelry). Baby Pictures A representative from “Mom365” will photograph your baby before you leave the hospital, if you would like them to. You may dress your baby in a special outfit you bring from home. A free website is provided to share the pictures with family and friends. Visit Mom365.com . You are not obligated to purchase pictures.

This service may or may not be available during your stay.

Time for Baby’s Arrival

Be sure to discuss with your doctor when you should go to the hospital after labor begins.

Signs of Labor Your health care provider will give you advice as to when to come to the hospital. Their recommendations will be based upon such considerations as: your medical condition, the distance you live from the hospital and any previous birth history you may have. Don’t worry or be discouraged if you come to the hospital and are not in labor; this happens all the time. If the staff deems it best, you will just get to go back home for awhile. Call your provider for: • Rupture of membranes (aka water has broken): You feel fluid gush or trickle from your vagina indicating that your water has broken. • Contractions: You are having cramp-like discomfort that gets closer together, stronger and becomes regular. • Spotting/mucous discharge (from your vagina): A small amount of blood sometimes mixed with mucous is normal. If you have a large amount of blood, requiring one pad per hour, call your provider.

Support Person(s) and Visitors We recognize that this is a special event and we want you to share it with the people you love. We also know that after your baby is born, there are a lot of new things on your mind such as caring for yourself and your baby. Our experts will be there every step of the way to help you. With all that is going on, it can feel overwhelming to think about when is the best time to welcome your visitors and family. Here are some things to consider while you make those decisions: • During labor and birth, you are encouraged to have a labor partner, someone who helps you feel calm and relaxed and can help you make decisions; someone who went to classes with you is very helpful. We do recommend during labor and birth that no more than 2 people (other than dad/support person) stay with you at a time. • Only one adult is permitted to stay with you overnight during your hospital stay. • Visiting hours (age 16 and older) are from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Some families have asked visitors to come at a specific time, allowing mom and dad/support person more time to learn and bond with their baby. After your baby(ies) are born, siblings may visit from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Your children must be accompanied by another adult at all times. Please make sure they are not sick or have not been recently exposed to any contagious diseases. Other children, under the age of 16, who are not part of the immediate family, are not permitted to visit at this time. Siblings or other children are not permitted to stay overnight. **Please visit northside.com for the most current visitation policy and COVID FAQ’s.

Birth of Baby You know you are in labor – all the signs are there. It’s finally time to go to the hospital. Have you forgotten anything? Your bags are packed, you have pre-registered – you’re ready! The birth of each baby is treated individually. You and your baby’s well-being is our number one priority. If a vaginal birth is planned: • Be sure to take a childbirth preparation class. • Feel secure knowing your room is designed to handle expected and unexpected births. If a cesarean birth is scheduled: • Don’t eat or drink after midnight before your surgery. • Arrive at least 2 hours before surgery. • Arrive with your labor partner that will be with you

throughout your delivery (if applicable). • Remove jewelry and leave at home.

The Hospital Experience

What is the Golden Hour? The Golden Hour is the first hour you and your baby have together as a family. It is a time for introductions – for you and your baby to meet each other for the very first time. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event that needs to be celebrated! During the Golden Hour we place your baby directly on your chest to benefit from skin-to-skin contact. This special contact and closeness after birth is one of the best ways for you to begin the important process of bonding and connecting with your newborn. We want you and your baby to have this time together with as few interruptions as possible. To respect this time, we will wait until after the Golden Hour is over to weigh, measure and bathe your new baby. We know you want to introduce your baby to your family and friends and we encourage you to welcome them after you have this time alone. uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact with your baby which helps to develop the parent-child bond. This special time is critical for your baby’s ongoing growth and development. Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth helps calm your baby and build up his/her resistance to infections. It also presents the perfect opportunity for your baby to begin to breastfeed, if that is what you choose to do. The Golden Hour and skin-to-skin contact during this time are important for everyone, no matter how you choose to feed your baby. Why is the Golden Hour So Important? The quiet time during the Golden Hour promotes

Why is Skin-to-Skin Contact So Important? Skin-to-skin contact with your baby is encouraged throughout your hospital stay and even after you go home. You and your baby receive valuable benefits each time.

Skin-to-skin contact helps babies: • Adjust to life outside the womb. • Steady their heart rate and breathing. • Stay warm and maintain normal blood sugars. • Be more alert and feed better. • Be calmer so they cry less. • Bond with mother. Skin-to-skin contact helps mothers: • Experience less pain after delivery. • Bleed less. • Feel more confident in caring for their baby. • Be less anxious and rest better.

• Breastfeed easier. • Bond with baby.

As the nation’s leader in maternity and newborn services, Northside Hospital Women’s Services continuously ensures that our best practices coincide and evolve with others throughout the industry. The focus on the Golden Hour, skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding are in line with evidence-based recommendations from organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization. Breastfeeding is the gold standard for infant health and has many benefits that last a lifetime. At Northside Hospital, we want to support your decision to breastfeed. We encourage it during your hospital stay, so your baby can get the important benefits of your first breast milk, called colostrum. It is important to establish your milk supply in the early days of breastfeeding. There are many breastfeeding benefits for both babies and mothers: Benefits for babies: • Decreased chance of developing ear and stomach infections • Decreased chance of developing childhood diseases like asthma and diabetes • Decreased chance of developing childhood cancers like leukemia • Decreased chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Benefits for mothers: • Decreased chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer • Decreased chance of developing diabetes • Reduction in postpartum bleeding • Quicker return to prepregnancy weight Why Should I Focus on Breastfeeding in the Hospital?

For more information on Marijuana and Breastfeeding, scan the QR code

Make the most of your experience

How you spend your time in the hospital impacts your breast milk supply. At Northside Hospital, we want to support your decision to breastfeed. Moms say, and studies show, following these five recommendations while you are in the hospital will give you confidence and peace of mind when you return home. 1. Hold your baby skin-to-skin, chest-to-chest. 2. Observe and learn your baby’s cues and behaviors. 3. Keep your baby with you as much as possible. 4. Respond to your baby’s needs to breastfeed on demand, at least 8-12 times in a 24-hour day. 5. Delay visitors until you get home.

Optimize your short stay in the hospital. There is so much to learn in the few days you are with us.

For more resources go to: northside.com/breastfeeding

Getting Ready to Go Home

We realize that bringing a newborn home is a very exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience. Our goal is to assist you in making this the best experience possible. The nurses and medical staff are available to help you plan for your return home. You may find the information below helpful in planning your return home even before you are admitted to the hospital.

Make Prior Arrangements Before you are admitted, make arrangements for extra help when you arrive home with your baby. Here are some of the common items you may need help with: • Someone to stay with you • Preparing meals for you and your family • Help to care for you and your baby • Grocery shopping, banking and bill paying, picking up your

mail and other chores • Cleaning and laundry • Getting around your home, climbing stairs, etc.

Additional Preparations While you are in the hospital: • Read through the written instructions about how to care for yourself and your baby after discharge. • Read through any information you receive about the medications that you and your baby may be taking at home. • Ask your provider or your baby’s provider questions about how to take care of yourself and your baby after you leave the hospital. • If you have identified someone that is going to help you at home, ask him or her to come to the hospital to review necessary instructions with the nurses. Day before going home: • Remember to bring an approved car seat that is properly installed in the car. • Ask family members to start taking home some of your personal items, such as flowers, cards or extra clothes. Day of going home: • We recommend you keep your baby’s bulb syringe readily available during your car ride home. • You will receive information and instructions for follow-up appointments. • Be sure to review and understand information on the discharge instruction sheet (for you and your baby). • Please ask your health care professionals if you have any outstanding questions or concerns. After you go home: • If you have questions after you go home from the hospital, please call your provider, or if you have questions about your baby, please call your pediatrician. • For breastfeeding questions, Northside Hospital Lactation Center is staffed with consultants 7 days per week. The voicemail advice line for Atlanta and Forsyth is 404.303.3329. The Cherokee advice line is 770.224.1970. The Gwinnett Breastfeeding help line is 678.312.4743. Your call will be returned between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. each day.

• Driving to doctor’s appointments (for you and your baby) • Child care for your older children (taking them to school or after-school activities)

Infant Car Seat Make sure you have obtained a proper car seat for your baby as Georgia law requires that all children under the age of 8 use a car seat. Northside Hospital does not provide car seats.

• Your baby’s car seat should already be installed in your car before you are discharged from your room. The hospital staff and volunteers are not permitted to assist with car seat installation or securing the baby in the car seat. • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants ride rear facing starting with their first ride home from the hospital. All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat until they are at least 2 years of age or, preferably, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car seat manufacturer. • Become familiar with the proper way to restrain your baby in this seat. There are many types of car seats and each one has specific requirements for proper restraint. • Some small infants have breathing problems when they sit reclining in a car seat. If your baby is born more than 3 weeks before the due date or is born weighing less than 5 1/2 pounds, your baby’s ability to tolerate this position in his/her car seat will need to be tested before going home from the hospital. This means that you will need to bring your infant car seat into the hospital so a test can be done. The test must be performed in your baby’s actual car seat. • For more information on infant car seat safety: • safekids.org/in-your-area/find-a-inspection-station • seatcheck.org

Expecting the Unexpected

Sometimes the unexpected happens. When it does, we have the special care you need.

Some babies need closer observation immediately after birth because they have been born a little early. Sometimes it could be that their blood sugar has remained low after feeding, or they are showing signs of difficulty breathing. A special transition nursery is staffed by nurses from the Special Care Nursery to carefully watch and care for these babies for the first few hours. If after 4-6 hours, your baby is transitioning well, he/she will be brought back to you. If your baby requires more attention, your baby will go to a special unit that has personnel specially trained for caring for your baby’s needs. Center for Perinatal Medicine This center offers nationally-recognized expertise and innovation in perinatology, obstetrics, radiology and genetics. High-risk mothers receive diagnostic sonography, fetal heart rate monitoring, interventional procedures and genetics counseling. There are locations in Northside Hospital Atlanta, Northside Hospital Forsyth, Northside Hospital Cherokee, Northside/Alpharetta Medical Campus and the Northside/ Midtown Medical Campus. For more information: Atlanta/Sandy Springs...............................................404.851.8988 Atlanta/Midtown............................................................404.898.2550 Forsyth....................................................................................770.292.2942 Cherokee................................................................................. 770.721.9340 Alpharetta............................................................................ 770.667.4240

High Risk Perinatal (HRP) Unit Northside Hospital Atlanta, Forsyth and Gwinnett offer designated high-risk perinatal units with high-tech equipment to monitor moms and babies and where all caregivers specialize in high-risk and multiple pregnancies. Special Care Nurseries At Northside Hospital, our special care nurseries are available for babies that need extra care. Each of our Women’s Centers offer Level III neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) for all babies born with a critical illness or babies born at less than 35 weeks gestation. Our specially trained providers understand the medical and emotional needs of these babies and their parents. Gestational Diabetes Program Comprehensive care, nutritional assistance with individualized meal plan and glucose monitoring tools and education is provided for women dealing with this common complication of pregnancy. Well-qualified certified diabetes educators work with you and your physician to create an individualized diabetes management program. For more information: Atlanta, Alpharetta, Forsyth...................................404.851.6023 Cherokee.............................................................................678.388.6400 Gwinnett................................................................................678.312.6040

We look forward to meeting you and your new baby!

Helpful Phone Numbers

Financial Counselor Atlanta................................................................................ 404.300.2982 Cherokee............................................................................. 770.224.1895 Forsyth................................................................................. 770.292.2023 Gwinnett.............................................................................678.312.4406 A Wellness Place Atlanta..................................................................................404.845.5125 Cherokee............................................................................. 770.721.9560 Forsyth................................................................................. 770.292.2029 Gestational Diabetes Program Atlanta, Alpharetta, Forsyth..................................404.851.6023 Cherokee.......................................................................... 678.388.6400 Gwinnett............................................................................. 678.312.6040

Register for Classes...........................404.845.5555 and press 1 Physician Referral Line ..................................................404.845.5555 Gwinnett Physician Referral Line ............................ 678.312.5000 Pre-Admission Information .........................................404.459.1280 Gwinnett Pre-Admission Information ................. 678.312.3600 Lactation Center Atlanta and Forsyth...................................................404.303.3329 Cherokee.............................................................................770.224.1970 Gwinnett.............................................................................. 678.312.4743 Birth Certificate Information Atlanta..................................................................................404.851.8777 Cherokee............................................................................. 770.224.1263 Forsyth................................................................................. 770.292.2033 Gwinnett............................................................................. 678.312.4468

Northside Hospital offers:

• Private labor-delivery-recovery rooms with individual care for every mother-to-be • Private postpartum rooms • State-of-the-art cesarean section delivery rooms with associated pre-op and post-op areas • Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), for babies who need extra-special care

• Certified Lactation Consultants who will provide individual breastfeeding education and assistance • High-risk perinatal diagnostics services • 24/7 anesthesia (epidural) services • 24/7 neonatologist coverage • A gift shop

Northside Hospital-Atlanta 1000 Johnson Ferry Road NE | Atlanta, GA 30342 INFORMATION: 404.851.8000

Northside Hospital-Cherokee 450 Northside Cherokee Blvd. | Canton, GA 30115 INFORMATION: 770.224.1000

Northside Hospital-Forsyth 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive | Cumming, GA 30041 INFORMATION: 770.844.3200

Northside Hospital-Gwinnett 550 Medical Center Blvd. | Lawrenceville, GA 30046 INFORMATION: 678.312.3600

404.845.5555 | northside.com/maternity

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