Rest and Recovery

Maternal-Child Unit

Once your baby is born, you will both move to our Maternal-Child Unit, designed for the special needs of new mothers and their babies. Our family-centered approach encourages baby "rooming in" so you and your newborn can get to know each other, and there are separate in-room accommodations for fathers or support persons. Our new Couplet Care program allows mothers and babies to receive their care from the same nurse during each shift.  Teaming with one nurse has been shown to improve mother/infant bonding and promote breastfeeding. Each private room is equipped with showers and other amenities to provide a home-like setting.  For your little one's safety, HCGH has a security system which you will learn about upon admission. As long as you are healthy, mother and baby will remain in the same room during most of their hospital stay.  However, infants may go to the nursery for short periods of time for procedures such as daily weights, blood tests, hearing screenings, circumcisions or assessment and monitoring.  Visiting hours are 9:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m. and siblings are allowed to visit.  For the safety of the mothers and new babies, we do ask that you refrain from visiting if you are sick.

Your newborn's health is important to us. During the first few hours after your baby's birth, specially trained caregivers perform a thorough examination, called a Newborn Assessment. Your baby will be examined from head to toe. We will monitor your baby's temperature and check vital signs such as heart and respiratory rates. We'll also give your baby his or her first sponge bath. In addition, you can take comfort in knowing that pediatricians and neonatologists are available around the clock.

Our nurses will teach you how to care for your newborn. You'll learn about feeding, bathing and changing diapers. We'll teach you umbilical cord care, how to take a temperature and even how to use a nasal aspirator when your baby's nose is congested. If you've chosen circumcision for your baby, we will teach you how to care for that as well. You'll have an opportunity to ask questions about your baby so that you are better prepared once you return home. If you choose to breastfeed, all of our nurses are trained in lactation and mothers can get answers to questions about nursing during their hospital stay.  If needed, our lactation consultants (breastfeeding experts) are available to help identify and solve problems.  For more information please call (410) 740-7830.

Read about taking your baby home.