WOMEN'S CENTER
Special Notice as of 06.28.24 — Due to the increase in laboring patients, scheduled cesarean sections or elective inductions may need to be rescheduled or postponed. In this event, someone from the HMC Women's Center Labor and Delivery Department will call you the night before or the morning of the procedure. All efforts will be made to accommodate you and reschedule as soon as possible.
At the Women's Center at HMC, you are an essential care team member. Our staff will work closely with you to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible.
The Maternity Experience
Three private, comfortable labor, delivery, and recovery rooms are located in the Women's Center within the Labor and Delivery Department. Our highly experienced nursing staff will provide you with individualized care and attention. If a Cesarean Section (C-Section) is needed, the Operating Room (OR) Suite is conveniently located steps away. We support mom's choice of natural or anesthesia-assisted childbirth and look forward to playing Brahms Lullaby throughout the hospital to celebrate your little one's arrival.
The Golden Hour
The Golden Hour is the first time parents and baby spend time together as a family, getting to know each other. It is a once-in-a-lifetime bonding experience. We encourage skin-to-skin contact during the Golden Hour and the days to follow.
Postpartum Care
You will then transition to the Postpartum Unit, a modern, eight-bed wing where family-centered nursing care continues. "Rooming in" with your new baby promotes bonding and is encouraged.
Your room also features a comfortable sleeping recliner for your birth partner, delightful decor, a flat-panel television, and Wi-Fi access to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Staff will assist you in learning to care for your baby's wants and needs. Family bonding time is offered daily from noon until 2 pm to ensure your new family has quiet time together without interruption. We do have a dedicated fully-staffed nursery if the need arises.
Pain Management
Birth happens round-the-clock, and our experienced obstetric anesthesia specialists are here for you. A wide range of pain management techniques is available to make your labor, delivery, and postpartum experience as comfortable as possible.
Safety
The Women's Center at HMC has a state-of-the-art locked-down security system to protect you and your baby.
Visitation
Two visitors may accompany you during labor. Visitors must be at least 14 years of age. Once you are in the postpartum area, you may have friends and family visits. (Infants under one-year-old are not allowed to visit the postpartum side to protect against illness). Visitation policy may vary due to unforeseen circumstances. Check with the nursing staff for guidance.
Lactation Specialist for Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is natural but not always easy. Our nurses are specially trained lactation specialists who are always on hand to provide support and guidance to mothers who choose to breastfeed. Before your baby's birth, you can participate in our HMC Perinatal Education Program to learn more about breastfeeding.
Planning for the Birthday
Pre-admission in the Admitting Department is recommended for mothers after the fifth month of pregnancy. Doing so allows for immediate check-in when it's time for delivery.
It's Time to Go to the Hospital
You must go to the Hardin Medical Center Emergency Department admissions window. Your identification and information will be collected, and you will then be admitted to Labor and Delivery in the Women's Center at HMC.
Inductions and Cesarean Sections
If your labor induction is at 5 am or 6 am, you may eat a very light breakfast (e.g., toast).
If you have a scheduled C-section, do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before delivery, including ice, water, mints, candy, etc.
What to Bring
While in the hospital, your baby is provided with gowns and blankets (this is for security and to ensure no allergic reaction to clothing). You may bring your baby additional clothing, such as hats, socks, and mittens. You will also need an outfit for your baby's going home.
Additional Services
If you and your healthcare provider have agreed on a tubal ligation after the birth of your baby, please remember to bring your paperwork.
Well Baby Services
Family-centered care means pediatricians provide care for well newborns during their hospital stay. The healthcare providers will assess your baby's health daily and provide medical care if needed.
Safe Sleep for Babies
The Women's Center at HMC proudly pledges to support and promotes the ABCs of Safe Sleep for babies. Babies should sleep alone, on their backs, and in a crib. For more education on this topic, scan the QR code or ask your nurse.
Cribs for Kids Partner
The Women's Center at HMC also partners with Cribs for Kids to promote safe sleep guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
