Great Expectations A complete pregnancy guide for the expectant family.
Table of Contents Welcome to the World of Motherhood... 3 Family Matters... 4 Preparing for the Big Day... 5 Great Expectations Education Classes... 6 Labor and Delivery at the Children s Hospital of San Antonio....7 Additional Services, Close at Hand.... 8 Baby s Arrival, Your Stay, and Breastfeeding...9 Taking Your New Bundle of Joy Home... 10 Important Contacts and Notes...11
Welcome to the World of Motherhood This guide is provided by your friends at the Children s Hospital of San Antonio. We hope it will serve as a reliable reference to you as you prepare to bring a new life into this world. Our helpful advice and years of experience are at your disposal, and it is our sincere hope that we may help guide and reassure you throughout this exciting time in your life. We would like to extend our congratulations and offer our boundless, compassionate support to you and your new bundle of joy. We believe good health begins long before an infant s first glimpse of daylight. In addition to our neonatal services, new mothers can be assured that our physicians and staff offer the highest level of care available for every child, all in a home-like setting. With a dedicated Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), we re prepared to provide the highest level of newborn intensive care with every birth from the easiest of labors to high-risk newborns and complicated deliveries. Our history and mission began in 1869 when the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word San Antonio vowed to care for the children of San Antonio and put their health care needs first. It is our promise to continue that legacy of care initiated by our founding congregation more than 145 years ago. At the Children s Hospital of San Antonio, Our children will always be first. For more information about our programs or if you have further questions, please visit chofsa.org/maternity or call us at 210.704.2011. 3
Family Matters 4 The birth of a baby is one of the biggest events in a family s life. After nine months of careful planning and preparation, a brand new life is brought into this world, and it affects every family member. The first thing to do is relax, and remember you are not alone. By taking an active role in your pregnancy, you can feel more confident and better prepared to care for your new bundle of joy. For Mom Transparency and communication are crucial throughout your entire pregnancy, so remember your physician is your friend. You ll have countless questions throughout the process. Do not be afraid to ask them. Likewise, do not be afraid to voice any concerns you have about your health or that of your baby. Here are a few tips to help ensure as healthy a pregnancy as possible: Communicate openly and regularly with your physician Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly Get enough sleep at night and rest during the day DO NOT smoke, drink alcohol, or take illegal drugs Consult your doctor about any medications or herbal supplements Avoid stressful situations Be wary of dangerous or toxic chemicals around your house Avoid X-rays and other forms of radiation When in doubt about anything, contact our helpful medical staff For Dad Although much attention is focused on the health and wellness of mom and baby, dads have an important role to play, too. The support and confidence a father can lend will make the transition much easier. Being a part of the experience will do wonders for him as well. To best aid in the process, expecting dads should: Support mom by accompanying her to doctor visits and sonograms Attend special classes, either as a couple or by himself Help babyproof the home by removing hazardous objects and materials Familiarize himself with the Hospital and programs Help mom have a restful and stress-free environment Learn about caring for a newborn For Siblings Having a new baby brother or sister can be as stressful as it is exciting for any sibling. Help reduce this stress by answering their questions truthfully and help to assure them that they are still loved as much as the new addition. Teaching them how to help care for the baby is a great way to make them feel empowered and appreciated.
Preparing for the Big Day Expectant parents are encouraged to visit our Center for Maternity and Motherhood at the Children s Hospital of San Antonio. Here, you will be given a tour and an overview of the process from prenatal care and education through labor, delivery, and discharge. You will want to decide on an obstetrician, if you have not already done so. One of our experienced obstetricians will guide you throughout the experience, but you ll also need to decide on a pediatrician to attend to your child after he or she arrives. All babies must be examined by a pediatrician within 24 hours of delivery, and again before they can be taken home. As mentioned earlier, communication is key throughout the process; not only with your doctor or any specialists, but with your partner, parents, and your family. Make sure everyone is on the same page. This is also a great opportunity to talk to neighbors, friends, or other support groups of women who have experienced childbirth. They are likely to offer answers to questions you may have never dreamed to ask. A few weeks before your due date, it is good to have a plan in place so that everyone knows what to do when you go into labor. Have a bag packed with clothing, toiletries, and a few comfort items for yourself. This is also a good time to stock up on essentials like diapers, wipes, and infant clothing, It s also important that you take this time to properly install your baby s car seat. You will want to be ready to go when the big moment arrives! For more information on how to register to deliver at the Center for Maternity and Motherhood at the Children s Hospital of San Antonio, please visit chofsa.org/maternity. Physicians are independent contractors and not employees of the Children s Hospital of San Antonio. Some physicians may be employed by the Children s Hospital of San Antonio Physician Group. Did you remember to: Enroll in our classes? Select your doctors? Register for your stay? Discuss your pregnancy with your insurance provider? Arrange for transportation to and from the Children s Hospital of San Antonio? 5
Great Expectations Education Classes A number of classes are available to help guide you through and take the mystery out of the miracle of childbirth. A few examples are listed below. For a full updated schedule and to register for classes, please visit chofsa.org/maternity or call 1.877.250.DOCS (3627). Fathers, or other support persons, are strongly encouraged to attend these classes, too. Prepared Childbirth Class Face birth with confidence! This course discusses anatomy and physiology, stages of labor, warning signs, breathing and relaxation techniques, and pain management. A tour of the Hospital, as well as the basics of breastfeeding and recovering from birth, are also included. Register for this class during your second trimester. Call 1.877.250.DOCS (3627) to reserve your seat. Breastfeeding Education Breastfeeding is a learned art. The more you and your baby s father know about breastfeeding before birth, the easier it will be to get off to a good start. Topics include health benefits to baby and mother, positioning and latch, how to know if a baby is getting enough, dad s role in a breastfeeding family, and much more. Car Seat Safety for Everyone Transporting your child in a properly installed car seat is not only a great idea it s the law. But there s more to car seat safety than just strapping in any seat. In this class, you ll learn how to choose the right seat for your child as well as how and where to safely attach it inside your vehicle. For a full updated schedule and to register for classes, please visit chofsa.org/maternity or call 1.877.250.DOCS (3627). 6 Classes are FREE when you register to deliver at the Children s Hospital of San Antonio!
Labor and Delivery at the Children s Hospital of San Antonio Comfort, compassion, and experience will greet you when you choose to deliver at the Children s Hospital of San Antonio we look forward to having you and your new baby in our care. Our Center for Maternity and Motherhood is located on the fourth floor. New moms can expect to stay for two days following a vaginal birth or up to three days in the case of a Cesarean delivery. While you are here, you will enjoy: Complimentary valet service when you arrive All-private rooms for the comfort and privacy of mom and baby The skills of an on-site neonatologist, should the need arise, 24/7 Birth certificate registration services Information about adoption and paternity services, if required Help with Texas immunization records Newborn photography services To strengthen the mother and baby relationship, the most important thing you can do following the birth of your child is to spend time together. You will have unlimited access to your child during this getting to know you time. You are encouraged to keep your baby with you day and night. 7
Additional Services, Close at Hand We are the first and only freestanding children s hospital in San Antonio and are solely dedicated to providing world-class care to the children of South-Central Texas and beyond. We offer infants access to a full range of pediatric medical and surgical subspecialists, including but not limited to: Cardiology Gastroenterology General and Cardiothoracic Surgery Genetics Neurosurgery Opthamology Urology Neonatal Intensive Care Unit The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Children s Hospital of San Antonio is comprised of a 65-bed, Level IV neonatal intensive and intermediate care nursery providing the highest level of care to critically ill infants requiring medical and/or surgical intervention. The Children s Hospital of San Antonio is one of only four hospitals in Texas recognized by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization with the Excellence in Life Support Award. Our NICU is a full-service unit able to provide comprehensive, family-centered care, treatment, and therapies for infants with any diagnosis or need. Neonatal and Pediatric Emergency Transport Any baby born in South-Central Texas has quick access to state-of-the-art care at the Children s Hospital of San Antonio. Our team is available 24/7 to transport critical infants via air or ground. Each team consists of a registered nurse and a respiratory therapist. These dedicated teams transport more than 800 patients each year from a 90-county area and more than 50 local regional hospitals and clinics. Physicians can call 1.877.ALL.KIDZ (1.877.255.5439) to request a transport. 8
Baby s Arrival, Your Stay, and Breastfeeding Once your baby arrives, we want you to spend as much bonding time together as possible. There s no doubt that your family and other visitors will want to come see you both, but please make sure to take time to rest you ve had quite an experience! Dad, or another designated adult, may stay with you overnight in your private room as part of the healing process. When the time comes for family and friends to visit, we strive to make them feel welcome. Visiting Hours 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For the safety and comfort of everyone, we ask visitors to keep noise levels to a minimum and that guests wash their hands before and after handling your new bundle of joy. Children must be supervised at all times. Engaging Families Our skilled nurses involve families with the care of their newborn, including offering tips on how to feed, bathe, and change baby when possible. They are also happy to answer any specific questions you or your family may have. The nursing staff wants to involve moms and dads in the daily care for their baby as much as possible. We encourage family members to learn together. Specialized NICU Care Should your baby require specialized care and be admitted to our NICU, a nurse will be on hand to offer guidance and to answer your questions. We know that this may be a frightening and stressful time for everyone involved. We are committed to provide comfort, compassion, and answer any questions you may have along the way. We encourage families to be involved in their baby s treatment plan. Breastfeeding Support Our international board-certified lactation consultants are on hand to help all new moms, even if your baby is in the NICU. The benefits of breastfeeding are well proven, especially for premature or critically ill infants. Breastfeeding can seem difficult for a new mom, but even more so if baby is not strong enough to try to breastfeed. Our team of experienced lactation consultants is here to provide guidance, reliable information, and support. Most of all, this team is specially trained in the unique needs of fragile infants and their mothers. The Children s Hospital of San Antonio has received the Care Award from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. This award recognizes accomplishments as a facility that hires international board-certified lactation consultants with a dedicated lactation program, an initiative that protects, promotes, and supports breastfeeding. In addition, the Children s Hospital of San Antonio provides breastfeeding training for staff. 9
Taking Your New Bundle of Joy Home After a short stay, your pediatrician will clear you to take your baby home so that you may start your new life together. Here are the steps you need to take before heading out the door: Mom and baby must be cleared by their respective doctors, who will issue discharge orders. Your nurse will assist you in completing your discharge orders. The new baby s identification forms must be completed and signed by the mother. Notify your nurse when you are ready to depart. You will be escorted in a wheelchair to your waiting vehicle. It is against the law not to have an infant car seat properly installed in your vehicle. You will not be allowed to leave if the vehicle does not have a properly installed car seat. Once you get home, remember that you can always call us to answer your questions at 210.704.2011. Enjoy the brand new miracle in your life, and remember that CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System has facilities and programs for everyone in your family and for every stage of life. N 4 7 10 6 281 1604 35 3 410 2 151 5 1 410 10 35 37 10 1. Children s Hospital of San Antonio 333 North Santa Rosa Street San Antonio, Texas 78207 210.704.2011 chofsa.org 2. CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital Alamo Heights 403 Treeline Park San Antonio, Texas 78209 210.294.8000 christussantarosa.org/alamoheights 3. CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital Medical Center 2827 Babcock Road San Antonio, Texas 78229 210.705.6300 christussantarosa.org/medicalcenter 4. CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital New Braunfels 600 North Union Avenue New Braunfels, Texas 78130 830.606.9111 christussantarosa.org/newbraunfels 5. CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital Westover Hills 11212 State Highway 151 San Antonio, Texas 78251 210.703.8000 christussantarosa.org/westoverhills 6. CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Emergency Center Alon 11503 Northwest Military Highway Suite 122 San Antonio, Texas 78251 210.853.1500 christussantarosa.org/alon 7. CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Emergency Center Creekside 244 Creekside Crossing New Braunfels, Texas 78230 830.608.5600 christussantarosa.org/creekside
Important Contacts and Notes Name Address Obstetrician Pediatrician Peer Counselor or Lactation Consultant Hospital Emergency Contact Notes 11
The Children s Hospital of San Antonio is the first and only freestanding children s hospital in San Antonio and is solely dedicated to providing world-class care to the children and mothers of South-Central Texas and beyond. Our history and mission began in 1869 when the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word San Antonio vowed to care for the children of San Antonio and put their health care needs first. It is our promise to continue that legacy of care initiated by our founding congregation more than 145 years ago. At the Children s Hospital of San Antonio, Our children will always be first. We provide compassionate, patient-and-family-centered care to every child that comes through our doors. Our physicians, both in our Hospital and throughout the community, are among the top providers in pediatric medicine and are fully dedicated to providing the highest level of care to our patients and their families. Our commitment is evident through our academic and open staff model, where the best and brightest clinicians are driving pediatric excellence in our community. 10 N 35 West Martin Street 35 Pavilion North San Saba Street Parking Garage (For Physicians, Associates, and Volunteers) Patient/Visitor Parking Lot Goldsbury Center for Children and Families North Santa Rosa Street West Travis Street Children s Hospital of San Antonio 10 Rosa Verde Towers West Houston Street chofsa.org/maternity 333 North Santa Rosa Street San Antonio, Texas 78207