Frequently Asked Questions
How many rooms are there in the Family Birthplace?
There are 12 Labor/Delivery/Recovery Suites and 43 Postpartum Rooms. Please note that the Labor rooms are on the second floor and the Postpartum rooms are on the third floor in three separate units. The units are as follows: LDPR rooms 3061-3072, Family Birthplace Expansion rooms 3074-3087, and 3 Central rooms 3020-3036.
What do the rooms look like?
All the rooms in the Family Birthplace (and all
the rooms at Memorial Hospital West) are private. The rooms are decorated in soft, home-like colors. They all have either a hospital bed with a sleeper-sofa or recliner chair for coach, or a queen-sized bed. All have private bathrooms, some with tubs with jets, some with showers. The rooms have televisions, some with VCRs. Please note that no matter what room you are in, you will receive the same excellent nursing care.
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What is the normal length of stay in the hospital?
Most Moms stay 48 hours after a normal, vaginal delivery and 72 hours after a Cesarean delivery. Some insurance companies will send a nurse to your home under certain conditions, if you are able and choose to leave before these times. Discuss this with your healthcare provider and your insurance company if this is something that may be of interest to you.
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How can I register for my hospital stay?
It is no longer necessary to pre-register for the hospital. We will ask you to complete a registration form when you come to the hospital in labor or for a planned induction or cesarean. Please bring your insurance card and picture identification with you.
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How can I register for classes?
Complete the Online Scheduling Information Form or call us at
(954) 844-7110.
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How do I know when I should come to the hospital?
Check with your doctor or midwife for directions and timing on when to come to the hospital.
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Does my healthcare provider give me anything to bring to the hospital?
Yes. Your doctor or midwife should give you either a yellow card or a copy of your medical records to bring to the hospital. This will contain the results of your lab work. It is very important that you bring this with you so we can best care for you and your baby.
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Where do I go when I get to the hospital when in labor or for a planned induction or cesarean?
Always call your doctor or midwife before coming to the hospital. When you arrive at the hospital between the hours of 5:30 AM - 9 PM, go to the Patient Registration Department on the 1st floor. If you arrive between the hours of 9 PM - 5:30 AM, go to the Emergency Department on the 1st floor.
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What are the visiting hours for the Family Birthplace?
Because we want this to be your experience, we have open visitation. Visitors may come at any time of the day or night. There is no restriction on the number or age of the visitors. We do ask that all visitors wear special date sensitive visitor’s passes. Visitors passes must be returned when the visitor leaves the hospital. All visitors must present a picture identification to enter the hospital. Please note that safety of both Mom and Baby are our primary concern. Because of this, there may be times when some visitors may be requested to step out of the room. With your privacy in mind, no visitors are allowed to wait in the hallway; they must either be in the room or in the designated waiting areas.
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What security measures are there to keep my baby safe?
All doorways to the Family Birthplace are locked and are monitored with security cameras. Security guards are posted at the entranceways to all Family Birthplace units. Permission must be given to enter and leave. Babies are footprinted and banded at birth with special color-coded bands. The mother and one designated support person are given bracelets to match the baby. There is also an additional security sensor on the baby. The best security is always the parents watching the baby in their room.
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Can the baby “Room In” with mother?
Yes. We encourage you to keep the baby in the room with you as much as possible. This allows you to learn to care for your baby while in the hospital with the assistance of the nurses. Remember, safety of the baby is always important. If Mom is too tired to keep an eye on the baby and there is no one else staying with her, the nurses may suggest that the baby be taken to the nursery for a period of time. You may also ask for the baby to be taken to the nursery if you feel tired and sleepy and there is no one else to watch the baby. For your infant’s safety, the nurse will match your bracelet and your baby’s bracelet every time they bring the baby back to you.
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What is the procedure for a scheduled induction or C-section?
Call your physician for directions as far as where to go and when to come to the hospital. Remember that priority is always given to women in labor, unless the induction or Cesarean is of an urgent nature. If your procedure is not medically necessary, you may be asked to stay at home for several hours, or possibly until the next day, until a bed is available. Remember that a scheduled date and time is NOT a reservation.
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What should I bring with me to the hospital for myself?
Bring anything to help you through your labor: massage oils and tools, music and CD or cassette player (battery-powered), and lip balm. We provide pillows, but you may want to consider bringing your own familiar ones from home. For postpartum, bring toiletries, toothbrush and paste, a nursing bra and nightgown, slippers and a robe. Also bring a case for your eyeglasses or contacts if you wear them. Please leave excess jewelry and money at home.
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What should I bring to the hospital for my baby?
The hospital provides T-shirts for the baby, but we encourage you to bring in several long sleepers. You will also need a car seat and blanket for discharge. The hospital provides blankets and diapers while in the hospital, but you will need your own supply at home. It is Florida State law that all babies be discharged for home in a car seat. We encourage all parents to have the installation of their baby’s car seat checked by a Child Passenger Safety Technician before discharge. Call (954) 844-7110 for assistance.
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Who will be responsible for overseeing my baby's medical care in the hospital?
Your baby’s pediatrician will coordinate the care of your infant with the nurses. By the time you are 35 weeks gestation, you should have chosen a pediatrician for your baby. If you do not have a physician, call the Memorial Physician Referral Service at (800) 944-DOCS. Please bring the name and phone number of your pediatrician with you when you come to the hospital. If your pediatrician is not on staff at Memorial Hospital West, the staff neonatologist will act as the pediatrician during their hospital stay. We will still require the name and phone number of the pediatrician even if they are not on staff.
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Is there a Neonatal Intensive Care in the Family Birthplace at Memorial Hospital West?
Yes. There is a 20-bed level II NICU. The NICU is staffed with all NRP certified registered nurses. There is 24-hour coverage by either a neonatologist or neonatal nurse practitioner. Parents are encouraged to visit and care for their NICU baby as much as is medically possible. Memorial Hospital West Neonatal (NICU)
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Can I have my baby’s cord blood collected?
This is something that you must decide before coming to the hospital. If you choose to have this procedure done, you will contract with an outside company. You are welcome to do this, but the collection is not part of the nursing staff or hospital’s responsibility.
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Is there lactation support at Memorial Hospital West?
Yes. We have board certified lactation consultants on staff. Most of the time, the nurses are able to assist you in getting breastfeeding off to a good start. Pump rentals and supplies are available in the Special Delivery Store located on the 3rd floor of the hospital. For more information, call (954) 844-6845. The Lactation Center
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Is there someone at the hospital to take the baby’s picture?
Growing Families is not affiliated with Memorial Healthcare System, but is a
service that is available for you to use if you choose. Packages are available
for purchase.
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Does the Family Birthplace have a Doula Service?
Memorial Hospital West recommends the company Mother’s Care Doula Services. They can be reached directly at (954) 438-0275. They are available for both labor and postpartum support.
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