Northside Pre-Admission Packet

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. • Visiting hours (age 12 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 12, who are not part of the immediate family, are not permitted to visit at this time. **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.