What will happen during your hospital stay
Your nurse will be constantly assessing the baby's overall status, and your baby's doctor will examine your baby, including a full physical and an assessment of the baby's feeding and elimination patterns.
The nurse will examine your breasts, uterus, and bladder and will check your blood flow, blood pressure, and physical signs.
You will be seen by your doctor and a lactation consultant (a registered nurse with special expertise in assisting nursing mothers and babies) if needed or upon your request.
Blood will be drawn from your baby's heel for state-mandated newborn screening tests (see below).
Upon your request, your baby boy will be circumcised.
You may be taking medication for discomfort.
If indicated, you will be given Rhogam and rubella immunizations.
Your nurse will show you how to breastfeed your baby lying down so you can rest and feed your baby at the same time. You will also be shown how to recognize your baby's feeding patterns and what to expect in terms of wet diapers and bowel movements. You will learn how to care for the umbilical cord, skin, and circumcision, and how to take your baby's temperature.
Let your body guide your eating patterns. If you are hungry, eat. If you are thirsty, drink.
Let your body dictate your activity level. To get the necessary rest and take advantage of the nursing care, you might want to limit the number of visitors.
Your nurse — in consultation with your doctor — will let you know when you can expect to return home. You will want to complete your baby's birth certificate.
Your doctor and your baby's doctor will tell you before you leave the hospital when to make office visits for you and your baby.
Things You Should Bring to the Hospital
For Mom
- Robe, nightgown
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste for you and your partner
- Socks, slippers
- Nursing bra (if breastfeeding)
- Personal grooming items
- Maternity clothes to wear home
- Change of clothes for partner
- ChapStick®
- Address book, phone list
- Camera, film, flash
- Video camera
- CDs, tapes, iPod
- Physical therapy ball (also called a birthing ball)
- Pictures of family (to be used as focal point during labor)
- Ice pack — blue ice for back labor
- Tennis ball, massager
For Baby
- Car seat
- Several diapers
- Undershirt
- Booties, hat
- Gown, stretch suit, or other clothing for baby to wear home
- Two receiving blankets
- Bunting or heavy blanket (depending on the season)
Newborn Screening Tests
California state law requires that your baby be tested for several disorders before you leave the hospital. The simple test requires a small amount of blood being drawn from your baby's heel. The blood is sent to a state approved lab for testing.
You can only refuse the test on religious grounds, and you must sign a special form releasing the hospital, doctor, and staff from any liability should your baby develop any of these disorders:
- PKU (Phenylketonuria) — Babies born with this disorder have difficulty eating foods high in protein. Without treatment, mental retardation and other health problems may develop.
- Galactosemia — Babies born with this disorder have difficulty processing some sugars. Without treatment, the baby's eyes, liver, and brain can suffer damage.
- Hypothyroidism — Babies born with this disorder don't produce enough thyroid hormone. Without treatment, mental retardation can develop.
- Sickle Cell Disease and other Hemoglobin Disorders — Babies born with any of these disorders have aberrations in their red blood cells. Without treatment, babies can become sick and even die from common infections.
If Your Baby Has Special Needs
If your baby has special needs following delivery, he or she may be cared for in the Infant Intensive Care Nursery (IICN) by specially trained staff. You may visit your baby while he or she is in the IICN as often as you wish. Once your pediatrician releases your baby from the IICN, he or she can join you in your room.