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WELCOME TO EMORY DECATUR HOSPITAL

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PREPARING FOR CHILDBIRTH

• Register for Emory Decatur Hospital Childbirth Preparation class

– Online under Classes & Events at www.emoryhealthcare.org or call 404-778-7777

– Currently we are not holding any in-person classes and events please visit our website for more information.

• Visit our website to view education videos on labor, birth and pain management– http://www.dekalbmedical.org/our-

services/maternity-services

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PREPARING FOR CHILDBIRTH

• Review our “It’s Your Birth” birth plan with your provider to help plan your options for you and baby during and after birth.

• Pre-register for your hospital stay by filling out the form provided.

• Make sure to provide a valid email address – Allows you to sign up for the Patient Portal– Allows you to fill out the “It’s Your Birth” plan online

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PREPARING FOR PARENTHOOD• Register for Emory Decatur Hospital classes on Breastfeeding,

Newborn Care, and Infant CPR & Safety– Register online under Classes & Events at

www.emoryhealthcare.org or call 404-778-7777• Visit our website to view education videos on breastfeeding

and infant care.– http://www.dekalbmedical.org/our-services/maternity-

services• Plan to attend our free breastfeeding & new parent support

groups every Thursday at 11:00am & noon after your baby arrives.

Currently we are not holding any in-person classes and events, please visit our website for more information.

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PREPARING FOR PARENTHOOD

• Choose a pediatrician for your baby.– Babies are examined by a pediatrician within 24 hours

of birth– A hospitalist pediatrician will care for your baby if your

pediatrician group doesn’t make rounds at Emory Decatur Hospital

– Neonatology services are available 24/7 for sick or premature infants

• Choose and purchase a car seat– Practice with the car seat before coming to the

hospital.– Hospital employees cannot install or assist with car

seat operation.

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PLANNING TO FEED YOUR BABY• Breast milk is the normal food for the human baby

– Evidence based practice recommends:• Exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first four weeks• Exclusive breast milk feeding for the first six months

• After providing breastfeeding education, mothers who make an informed choice to formula feed will be supported at Emory Decatur Hospital.

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BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDINGEmory Decatur Hospital is designated as a Baby-Friendly birth facility.

• Recognition that the first few days are critical bonding times between mother and child

• Mothers will receive lactation education and support from our staff to encourage breastfeeding

• We support and respect the mother’s decisions on feeding

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PLANNING FOR THE HOSPITAL

• Make plans ahead of time for care for other children• Bring extra pillows and comfort items from home • Pack two bags: one for items during your stay as well

as one for after you leave the hospital.• Choose a special outfit/blanket for baby to wear

home• Family is responsible for all belongings

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ARRIVING AT THE HOSPITAL

• Take the elevators from the main lobby or parking to the 2nd Floor– Security is available on

the 1st floor to assist with a wheelchair if needed

• Remember to bring your photo ID and insurance card.

• There are seated waiting areas to both sides of the elevator.

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ONLY IF NEEDED: OB EMERGENCY DEPT(OB-ED)

• Come to the same place on 2nd Floor

• Obstetrician in house 24/7• Your provider may send

you for urgent assessment of mom/baby during pregnancy

• Moms with complications up to six weeks after birth may also be sent here for assessment

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LABOR & DELIVERY UNIT

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LABOR & DELIVERY ROOM• Space for mom, baby,

and support person.• Equipped with monitors

for mom & baby• Available labor support

devices include birthing balls, squat bars, rebozos & labor/birth tubs

• 24/7 anesthesia services

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LABOR & DELIVERY: SUPPORT PERSONNote- please visit emoryhealthcare.org for the latest

information and guidelines regarding COVID-19

• One support person (over 16 years of age)• No visitation by persons with cough or fever.• No visitation by children at this time.

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LABOR OPTIONS: HYDROTHERAPY

• Hydrotherapy-use of water for pain relief during labor

• Must be ordered by your OB provider– Talk to your provider now

about your options• Visit dekalbmedical.org/our-

services/maternity-services and select ‘Birthing Options’ to learn more about water immersion.

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ONLY IF NEEDED: CESAREAN BIRTH

• Mother & baby’s safety is top priority

• Support person can accompany mom for most situations

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ONLY IF NEEDED: CESAREAN BIRTH

• Recovery room (PACU) in Labor & Delivery allows mom and baby to stay together after birth

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WHEN BABY IS BORN: SKIN-TO-SKIN

Helps baby:– Regulate heart rate,

breathing, temperature– Begin to build ‘good’ germs– Prepare for breastfeeding

Lasts for at least 60 minutes

Vaginal birth: immediately Cesarean birth: as soon as

mom is able to respond

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WHEN BABY IS BORN: INFANT SECURITY

• Baby ID bands: two (2) for baby, one (1) for mom, one (1) for dad or partner– Baby’s name will be listed

as “boy” or “girl” as well as mom’s name

• Staff ID badges: all staff caring for babies have pink stripe located on their name badge

• Infant Security System: monitors for all babies, secure exits

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WHEN BABY IS BORN: DELAYED BATH

• Usually occurs six or more hours after birth• Vernix remains on skin

– Protects and moisturizes baby’s skin– Reduces risk of infection

• Better for baby– Less stressful for baby– Improves temperature regulation– Stabilize blood sugar

• Better for mom & family– Improves initial bonding– Improved early breastfeeding– Allows mom or family to participate, if desired

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ONLY IF NEEDED: NICU

• Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with 24/7 Neonatology and Respiratory Therapy services

• Located on the 2nd Floor, across the bridge from L&D

• Common reasons for NICU transfer:– Prematurity– Low blood sugar – Respiratory distress– Symptoms of infection

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ONLY IF NEEDED: NICU

• If medically able, mom will be able to see/touch baby before transfer

• Support person can accompany baby to NICU

• Mom should begin expressing breast milk within six hours of birth

• NICU staff will support mom to hold baby skin-to-skin when its medically appropriate for baby

• Donor breast milk available when needed

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MOTHER-BABY UNIT: 3RD & 4TH FLOORS

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MOTHER-BABY ROOM

• Window daybed for support person

• Glider/rocking chair in each room

• Bassinet for baby’s safety & comfort

• Private bathroom with shower

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MOTHER-BABY: ROOMING-IN

• Babies stay with their families instead of in a nursery

• Better for babies:– Cry less and are more easily

calmed– Improved initial bonding

• Better for moms:– Moms rest more– Respond better to baby’s

feeding cues– Make more breast milk

faster

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MOTHER-BABY: SKIN-TO-SKIN

• Continue to hold baby skin-to-skin as often as possible– At least once a day, for sixty minutes

• Helps to wake a sleepy baby• Dad/Partner can also hold baby skin-to-skin

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MOTHER-BABY: BREASTFEEDING

• Breastfeeding is learned, it takes time, practice & patience– All of our staff are trained to

assist you• All health organizations

recommend:– Exclusive breastfeeding for at

least the first four weeks– Exclusive breast milk feeding for

the first six months

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MOTHER-BABY: BREASTFEEDING

• Feed your baby on cue/demand– “8 or more in 24 hrs”

• Give only breast milk unless there is a medical reason– Donor breast milk available for

medical need• Avoid artificial pacifiers/nipples for

three to four weeks, until breastfeeding is established– Cup, syringe or spoon feeding

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MOTHER-BABY: VISITATION

• Your support person may spend the night• No sibling visitation at this time.

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MOTHER-BABY: QUIET TIME

• Held daily from 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.• A time for bonding with your baby

and resting• Our staff will make every attempt

not to enter your room unless requested during this time

• Use this time to work with lactation consultants if needed

• Visitors are still welcome during this time

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GOING HOME: BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT

• Our Lactation “Warm Line” 404-501-5787– Phone advice from a lactation consultant

• Our free breastfeeding support group “Baby Talk”– Thursdays @ 11:00, 3040 Classroom

• Other local support– La Leche League– Baby Café USA– WIC Peer Counselors

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GOING HOME: POST-BIRTH WARNING SIGNS

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THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING EMORY DECATUR HOSPITAL

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8YH6JVY

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