When packing for your hospital stay, you may want to consider bringing the following items:
When you are ready to come to the hospital, call your physician to let him know you are on your way to the hospital. Report directly to the Family Birthing Center when you come to the hospital. The staff will be waiting for you.
Immediately after delivery, you and your baby, along with a support person of your choice, will remain in the labor and delivery room, where you will be monitored closely for approximately one to two hours. You will then be transferred to a postpartum room on the same unit.
Your baby may remain with you throughout your stay as long as he or she is healthy.
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. If you have not already chosen your baby’s pediatrician, the pediatrician on call will perform the examinations.
Our nurses will educate you about feeding your baby, whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle feed. A certified lactation consultant is available to educate and assist you with breastfeeding. Our nurses also will provide live demonstrations on how to diaper and bathe your baby.
Newborn pictures are optional. You will receive information regarding prices and packets after the delivery of your baby. Pictures typically are taken on the day of discharge.
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 into the unit before discharge so our nurses can check it for safety.
Your baby should also have a weather-appropriate outfit to wear at time of discharge.
Your health information, right at your fingertips. Select MyUPMC to access your UPMC health information. For patients of UPMC-affiliated doctors in Central Pa, select UPMC Central Pa Portal. Patients of UPMC Cole should select the UPMC Cole Connect Patient Portal.
The portal for all UPMC patients EXCEPT those in Central Pa.
The portal for UPMC patients in Central Pa.
The portal for UPMC Cole patients receiving inpatient care.
