The Birth Experience

Now more than ever, expectant parents want more choices when considering their birthing options. That's why Covenant HealthCare offers a full range of family-centered services. We encourage participation among family members during this special and exciting time. Covenant HealthCare provides family-centered maternity care with modern, comfortably furnished labor, delivery and recovery rooms (LDR's) and private mother-baby rooms. State-of-the-art equipment is available to handle special needs such as Cesarean births. Nurses and staff are specially trained in the latest obstetrical techniques, yet they take time to hold a hand, give a word of support or answer a question. Our dedicated, professional staff bridges the gap between sophisticated technology and a family-centered birthing environment.

LDR's
Covenant HealthCare has 14 LDR's available, private rooms where you go through labor, delivery and recovery. Each room is equipped with everything needed for your baby's birth. Designed to provide a warm, home-like atmosphere, each LDR is furnished with a color TV/VCR, private bathroom and comfortable furnishings. Medical equipment is concealed behind special panels and cabinets for immediate access. Rooms are large and can easily accommodate staff, equipment and one or two support people during labor and delivery.

Cesarean Section
Covenant HealthCare offers state-of-the-art Cesarean Delivery suites conveniently located near the LDR's. Following your Cesarean birth, you will be moved to a recovery room for observation and then to your private mother-baby room.

OB Special Care/High Risk Delivery
Covenant HealthCare is proud to provide special OB care for patients experiencing medical complications related to their pregnancy. Rooms are equipped with Color TV's, telephone and private shower.

Our OB Special Care program serves pregnant patients with various health needs, including but not limited to:

• Diabetes
• Hyperemesis (Excessive vomiting during pregnancy)
• Multiple gestations (twins, triplets, quadruplets)
• Postoperative recovery
• Pre-eclampsia 
• Preterm rupture of membranes (bag of waters)
• Preterm labor

Obstetricians, family physicians, nurse midwives and nurses are part of the medical team for OB Special Care patients. Additional health care team members include social workers, pastoral care, dietitians, respiratory, physical and occupational therapists, lactation consultants, pharmacists, case managers, clinical nurse specialists and childbirth educators. Neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners from the RNICU are available to assist families with information regarding babies with special needs.

Preparation for Childbirth
Learning what to expect during labor and delivery can calm many of the anxieties you and your support person may have. Covenant HealthCare offers childbirth preparation classes that explore topics such as stages of labor, pain relief options, (including types of medications that can be used) and how to care for your infant following birth. Reading books, magazine articles and pamphlets on childbirth can also help. Remember each birth is unique. Regardless of your expectations, be flexible and do what is best for you and your baby.

Rooming-In
In the past, many hospitals returned babies to the nursery at night to let the new mothers rest. However, research studies have shown that mothers who keep their babies in the room sleep better and longer than moms whose babies are in the nursery. Other studies have shown that babies who stay in the room with their moms cry less, sleep better and breastfeed better.

We encourage family participation in caring for your baby and yourself. We believe in involving you and other family in the learning process after the birth. Your nurse is available to answer your questions. For more information, read “You, Your Baby and Covenant”, page V.1.

After birth, your baby will spend time with you and your family. The first hour is the best time to begin breastfeeding. Your baby will be weighed, measured and keepsake footprints will be taken if you wish. You, your support person and your baby will receive matching identification bracelets. Your baby is bathed and will remain with you during your stay. T-shirts, blankets, diapers and supplies will be provided for you during your hospital stay.