Your Care After the Baby's Birth

Mothers and their newborns are cared for on the Mother-Baby unit.  The Mother-Baby unit has single rooms with a private bathroom including a whirlpool tub and shower.  The rooms also have double beds, refrigerators, and DVD/CD players.

Who will take care of my baby and me?

Mother-Baby nurses are educated to care for the needs of new mothers and their babies.  The nurses caring for you will also be caring for your baby.  They will help as you learn to know your baby so you will feel comfortable caring for him/her by the time you go home.

Can the baby stay in my room?

The national trend in health care is toward a family-centered approach which encourages unlimited contact between parents and their newborn baby.  Where newborn babies were once immediately whisked away to the nursery, we now know that well newborns may remain with their parents.  The Mother-Baby Unit practices couplet care; this means you may have your baby in your room with you, including during the night.  If you are breastfeeding, we encourage you to nurse your baby during the night.  This can help increase your milk supply and prevent any possible confusion that some babies may have if they are given a bottle before breastfeeding is well established (usually in about two weeks).  Whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding, couplet care is a good way for you to get to know your baby.  It can also help you to feel more comfortable taking your baby home.

Sometimes newborns require closer observation and care due to early delivery or illnesses.  These babies are cared for in the NICU.  You may visit your baby at anytime while they are in these units.

Medications for your baby.

Within the first hours of birth, your baby’s nurse will give your baby the following medications:

Erythromycin ointment – this is an antibiotic ointment placed in both eyes to help prevent infection that may occur after birth.

Vitamin K – this is given as an injection to assist with blood clotting.

Hepatitis B vaccine – this injection is safe and provides protection against serious and life-threatening liver diseases.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all infants should receive the first dose of Hepatitis B vaccine soon after birth.  Hepatitis B is given as a series of three shots, one at birth, one at two months, and one at six months.

Peer Review Status: Internally
Peer Review Date: 2004