Having a Baby at UPMC Bedford Memorial

Thank you for choosing UPMC Bedford Memorial. Childbirth is one of life’s most intimate and rewarding experiences, and our staff is poised to create the most joyous and memorable experience possible as you and your family welcome your new arrival into the world.

We are proud to have Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC as a partner in our commitment to provide the best care available to mothers and their babies.

Our Facility

The maternity unit is located on the second floor. To get to the unit, take the elevator up one floor.

Patient rooms Our rooms are designed as labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum (LDRP) rooms, which offer advanced medical technology with a homelike setting. If you are having a traditional delivery, you will deliver your baby in one of our LDRP rooms. After your delivery and recovery, you may remain in the LDRP room or move to a postpartum room in the same unit.
Visitors As a new mother, you will likely have many visitors during your stay at UPMC Bedford Memorial. Your support person may visit at any time. Other visitors are also welcome. We suggest you allow adequate time to recover, relax, and bond with your new baby. Please ask all visitors to wash their hands before they touch or hold your baby. A waiting room is available for your visitors on the unit.
Gifts and flowers Your visitors may purchase gifts at the UPMC Bedford Auxiliary gift shop on the first floor.

What to Expect

What to bring
When packing for your hospital stay, you may want to consider bringing the following items:
  • Several pairs of pajamas or nightgowns
  • A robe and slippers
  • Toiletry items (soap, shampoo, makeup, etc.)
  • Eyeglasses and contact lens supplies
  • Ponytail holders (if you have long hair)
  • A comfortable outfit to wear home
  • Lip balm to keep your lips moist during labor
  • A small, battery-operated fan to keep you cool during labor
  • Your favorite pillow
  • A weather-appropriate outfit for the baby to wear home
  • Snacks for your support person
  • A camera

Please leave all jewelry and other valuables at home. The hospital is not responsible for anything that may be lost or stolen.

Admissions When you come to the hospital, check in at the main desk. Then proceed to the second floor Obstetric Unit, where you will be evaluated.
Caring for your newborn Within the first hour of birth, your baby will receive a vitamin K injection and antibiotic ointment in the eyes to prevent infection. Your baby also will receive a hearing test, a metabolic screening, and will be checked for jaundice.

As long as your baby is healthy, he or she may remain with you in your room throughout your stay. At your request, your baby may be returned to the nursery at any time.

A pediatrician will examine your baby within 24 hours of birth and every day through your day of discharge.

Our nurses will educate you about feeding your baby, whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle feed. Our nurses also will provide demonstrations on how to diaper and bathe your baby.
Newborn pictures Soon after birth a security photo will be taken of your baby. You will receive information about our newborn picture program and how you can order pictures. The nurse will take a picture of your baby in an outfit you have chosen. You will then have the opportunity to order the photos and view them online. UPMC Bedford Memorial partners with Our 365 - Share More website for your baby’s first pictures.
Going home You will remain in the hospital for approximately two to three days, depending on whether you had a traditional delivery or a Cesarean section. Your physician or midwife will determine when you are physically ready to go home.

All babies must leave the hospital in approved infant car seats. Please bring your car seat in on the day of discharge.

Your baby should also have a weather-appropriate outfit to wear at time of discharge.

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