Mother - Baby Unit (4KL)

Call 953-4760 / 4785

Family Centered Care is featured on the Mother-Baby Unit as the new baby and parents have the opportunity to room together.  Teaching and information reach a high point at this time through the efforts of a multi-disciplinary team consisting of nursing services, obstetricians, pediatricians, clergy, a dietician, social worker, discharge planner and a lactation consultant.  We strongly recommend you tune your television to channel 20 to view the Newborn Channel for non-stop learning opportunities.  Our goal is to ensure that you have the information and support you need for successful parenting. Our unique services include:

Accommodations for Dad / Visitors

Dad or one designated adult may remain with you at all times. There is a fold out chair in each room to accommodate this person.  For safety reasons, children are not allowed to stay overnight.  Family and friends may visit at any time, however, we request that your visitors respect your family's need for rest and bonding with your new infant.  We do not allow visitors who are ill or have a disease or condition that can be spread to others.  Your newborn has an immature immune system and is at risk for infections.

*On rare occasions we may not have private rooms available when the patient census is high, thus overnight visitors cannot be accommodated.

Breastfeeding Support

Help with breastfeeding is always available during your stay.  We have certified lactation consultants who offer prenatal classes as well as bedside instruction.  We encourage you to attend these classes prior to the birth of your new baby.  Staff members have also received training to be able to assist you and your baby to learn this new skill.

Dietary Service

This joint effort between the Mother-Baby unit and the Dietary Department gives our patients freedom of choice about meals.   Choose your meal from the new mom's menu and place the order during the designated times.  A special celebratory meal is also offered to new parents, no charge to mom, but dad is charged the current government meal rate.

Infant Security

Your baby will wear a state of the art electronic transmitter on his or her ankle for security.  If your baby is taken beyond the entry hallway to the unit, alarms will sound and doors will automatically lock down.   Your baby's safety is our first concern!

Operation Stork-Cam

This collaboration between the Mother-Baby unit and the Public Affairs Office ensures that deployed dads get a picture of mom and baby within 2 days of the delivery. At the height of Operation Iraqi Freedom even new dads at the front received this happy news

What to bring to the Mother-Baby Unit

• Pajamas/night gown
• Bathrobe
• Slippers
• Panties
• Well fitting bras (nursing or regular)
• Bra Pads
• Baby clothes, especially socks and hand mittens
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Grooming aids & cosmetics (NMCP has soap, but you can bring your own)
• Mom' going home clothes (loose fitting)
• Baby's going home outfit (to include cap) and blankets
• Pacifier (if desired)
• Diaper Bag
• Infant car seat for day of discharge
  
  The Mother-Baby Unit will provide diapers and wipes while in the hospital.

Click here for a pdf version of this list

What To Expect The Day Of Discharge

The time you are discharged will depend on your Obstetrician and Pediatrician's orders, The average length of stay after delivery, without complications, is 48 hours, depending on the time of birth.  If there are no time constraints, you will probably be ready to go home around noon on the day of discharge. Before you can be discharged, there is a mandatory Shaken Baby Prevention Class all parents must attend (even if you have already been to the class prior to delivery). Discharge medications will be available in the pharmacy before you go home.   You or your spouse will be able to pick up the medications with a valid military ID card.  Active duty moms will need to go to the admissions office on the 1 st floor to initiate convalescent leave.  You must report to your command with your leave papers.  You will be allowed to walk off the unit if you feel comfortable, or a wheelchair can be provided to assist you off the unit.  Please bring your car seat to your room to transport the baby out of the hospital.

Newborn Care Clinic

This clinic is an innovative approach to follow-up care. Some babies need to be seen within a few days after discharge, before the routine follow-up appointments. This clinic fills that niche with help from our multi-disciplinary team.  Thanks to this clinic, many extended hospital stays can be avoided.

Need More Info?  Call 953-4760/4785