| LABOR/DELIVERY/RECOVERY SUITE
Welcome to Brookdale's new obstetrical program at The Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, your baby's arrival is treated as cause for celebration. Brookdale's team of medical, nursing and support staff is trained to provide care in an atmosphere of respect and friendliness.
Brookdale's obstetricians and midwives deliver thousands of babies yearly and this experience is at work for you, from the informative way your questions are answered during pregnancy, to the support nurses offer during labor and delivery, to the welcome you and your baby receive on the maternity suite. Brookdale believes in an approach to childbirth that includes your family as part of the celebration. Fathers are invited to participate in the actual delivery and various courtesies, such as extended visiting hours, are granted to fathers, grandparents and siblings throughout your Brookdale experience. All this takes place in our beautifully renovated maternity suite. In Labor and Delivery, and later on the maternity floor, you'll find yourself surrounded by warm pastel colors, soft lighting and floral fabrics. If you have any questions or want to see for yourself why having a Brookdale baby will be a memorable experience, give us a call at (718) 240-5583 to arrange a tour of the maternity facilities.
OUR MIDWIVES INVITE YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASSES
Nothing builds confidence more than preparation. That's why the Midwives at Brookdale offer state of the art Childbirth Education Classes. This program will familiarize you with all the stages of pregnancy, labor and delivery; will prepare you for the first few weeks of life with your new baby.
Your coach should accompany you to all class sessions and can be your husband, friend or another person you feel will be able to provide you with support during this time.
The class consists of four two-hour sessions, each with a lecture, discussion and activities. Physical and psychological changes during pregnancy, fetal development, nutrition, the stages of labor and delivery, breathing and relaxation techniques, the labor coach's role, cesarean sections, postpartum care, and newborn care are all covered in the sessions. A tour of the hospital's maternity services is also included in the program.
All Childbirth Education Classes are taught in the classrooms at Brookdale's University Hospital. We meet for our first class in the main lobby @ 5:45 pm. Call (718) 240-6278 to register and for more information.
PRENATAL TESTING
Brookdale offers a full range of preventive care services. Ultrasound amniocentesis, Doppler, color flow mapping, antepartum fetal heart rate testing, non-stress tests, oxytocin challenge tests, biophysical profiles, and genetic testing and counseling are all available. Call (718) 240-5975.
HIGH-RISK ANTEPARTUM UNIT
Problems in pregnancy can develop that require careful observation; with expert intervention, there can be happy outcomes with both mother and baby staying in good health. Brookdale has designated an entire unit for such special prenatal testing and monitoring. Here, your doctor will have access to the latest equipment to deal with conditions such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. The staff is specially educated to provide you with the help you need to keep you and your baby well.
PRE-REGISTRATION
To make your arrival at Brookdale smoother we request that you preregister. You can either come in person to Brookdale's Admitting Office or preregister through the mail (ask your physician for the appropriate forms).
WHAT TO PACK
You will need:
- Personal toiletries (such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, comb and brush). The hospital provides soap, sanitary pads and belts, and tissues, but you may bring your own if you prefer.
- Robe, slippers, several pair or underwear. The hospital provides hospital gowns, but you may prefer your own nightgowns.
- A good support bra; if you are going to breastfeed, you will need two well-fitting nursing bra's.
- Street clothes for discharge.
- An outfit appropriate to the season for your newborn to go home in.
You may want –
- Lamaze items recommended in childbirth preparation class.
- Phone/address book, pen/pencils, birth announcements.
- A good book on newborn care with sections on breastfeeding.
LABOR AND DELIVERY ADMISSION PROCESS
When you come to The Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, your support person can park the car in one of two courtesy 30-minute "drop-off" spaces in front of the hospital's main entrance on Linden Boulevard. You will be directed to the Labor and Delivery Suite located behind the main information desk and you will be examined to determine your health status and whether you are ready to be admitted. Once you are settled in and admitted, your partner can find reasonably-priced, secure parking in our 950-space garage behind the hospital on Amboy Street.
LDR Rooms-Labor Deliver, Recovery
Expectant mothers are able to go through labor, delivery and recovery all in one bed without being moved. Each of our seven LDR rooms has a birthing bed that allows you more freedom of positions during labor and delivery. These rooms allow a relaxed and comfortable setting with the necessary technology for a safe delivery. There are also two delivery rooms for those patients who require cesarean sections or other special circumstances. We also have a birthing room specially equipped with a rocking chair, television, microwave oven and refrigerator.
All modern methods of pain relief, including analgesics and epidurals, are available in any of the LDRs or delivery rooms.
EXPERT SUPPORT
Along with your obstetrician or midwife, your care is backed by an experienced team of professionals. The Labor and Delivery Suite has 24-hour coverage by an attending obstetrician, an anesthesiologist and a neonatologist. Throughout labor, you'll have the additional support of a labor nurse who can provide expert advice and coping techniques to help you deal with the physical and emotional demands of labor. Brookdale's staff is prepared to handle whatever your birthing experience requires by way of medical assistance.
BONDING WITH YOUR BABY
Immediately after birth a few important procedures are performed on your baby. The staff will remove the mucus from your baby's nose, warm your baby, and conduct a physical assessment. After these brief steps are taken, you, your support person and your baby are free to spend ample time together in the LDR room immediately after birth. Mothers who choose to breastfeed are encouraged to begin at this point. Once you are ready to be admitted to your room, your baby will be taken to the nursery.
Family Waiting Room
Relatives who will not be joining you during labor and delivery are welcome to wait for word of your progress in our newly renovated family waiting room.
Taking Photographs
You are not allowed to videotape anywhere in the Labor and Delivery Suite, but you may take photos with a camera, if approved by your physician.
AFTER YOUR BABY IS BORN
POSTPARTUM CARE
You will spend the rest of your postpartum time (typically two days after a vaginal birth, and four days after a cesarean section), on our completely refurnished maternity suite.
Brookdale provides a variety of room choices from semi-private accommodations to private, single rooms. Whichever you choose, our nurses are available to respond to your needs and the needs of your baby. Our warm and caring staff will help you with your postpartum care, as well as help and instruct you in the care of your baby, including changing, feeding, bathing, and umbilical cord and circumcision care. Additionally, educational programs
are available on Brookdale's Channel 6. Throughout your stay, a pediatrician will check your baby periodically and will answer your questions.
MOTHER-BABY UNIT
As a mother in the hospital with a new baby you probably have a million questions about the baby, and a million more about your own care. Wouldn't it be nice to get all the answers from one person? We think so. In fact, The Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center has created a "Mother-Baby Unit," where one nurse takes care of the mother-baby pair and will answer any of your questions about your well-being or that of your baby. This unit was created to give women, babies and families the most comfortable, comforting and satisfying care.
ROOMING-IN
Rooming-in is available in all accommodations, and you are invited to keep your baby with up to 24 hours, if you wish. While your baby is with you, you are encouraged to participate in the baby's care, including feeding and changing. Your baby may be brought to the nursery whenever you wish. Away from you, your baby is cared for in one of our two newborn nurseries. If you choose not to room in, your newborn will be brought to you for feedings at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
BREASTFEEDING
Brookdale encourages breastfeeding as the best way to provide for your baby's nutritional needs. All of our nurses are trained in breastfeeding techniques and can provide you with support and information. If you are having some difficulties adjusting to breastfeeding and require special consultation, you may request a visit from our lactation educator. If you bottle-feed, we will offer advice and free formula during your stay.
VISITING HOURS
No more than two visitors are allowed in your room at one time. General visiting hours are 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. For these hours, babies will be kept in the nursery. Brookdale offers special visiting hours for:
Fathers, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (babies may be in the room, except for general visiting hours).
Grandparents, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. (babies may be in the room).
Siblings and all other visitors from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. (babies must be in the nursery).
TELEPHONE
Telephone services can be activated by either purchasing a TeleHealth prepaid card or by using your credit card. Dial extension 7638 and follow the activation instructions. Once you do so, your telephone should be activated in approximately five minutes. Prepaid cards are available in the vending machine in the Admitting Office. If you require assistance, please dial ext. 5410 and a representative will come to your bedside between the hours of 12 to 8 p.m. The use of cell phones is permitted in the hospital except where signs are posted indicating otherwise
TELEVISION
Television service can be activated by following the prompts given to you on Channel 15. This service can be paid for either by purchasing a TeleHealth prepaid card or by using your credit card. You can purchase both the telephone and television at a package rate. Handheld or portable televisions are not permitted.
Out of consideration for others, please keep the volume low while watching TV. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping the noise level of televisions and radios to a minimum, especially after 10 p.m.
BIRTH CERTIFICATES
Before you leave the hospital, you will be given forms to fill out that include a place for your newborn baby's name. This must be completed and submitted to enable the Admitting Office to process the birth certificate and Social Security card forms.
MEALS
As a patient, you will be served three appetizing meals a day. Breakfast is served 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m., lunch at 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., and dinner at 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
COFFEE SHOP
The hospital coffee shop, located in the main lobby, is available to your family and visitors for snacks and full meals and is open 24 hours a day.
NO SMOKING
Brookdale Hospital is a smoke-free hospital. There are no designated areas for smoking anywhere in the hospital. We thank you for complying.
NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
In the event that your baby has a medical problem or needs special care, he or she will be moved to our state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where your baby will receive the most modern methods of care. The NICU is one of the most advanced of its kind in the city.
GOING HOME
DISCHARGE
Discharge time is 11 a.m. New York State requires that parents who are driving a car provide a car seat for their baby's ride home. You should also have an outfit for the baby to be discharged in, as well as basic care items such as formula and diapers.
SUPPORT CLASSES
Once you are discharged from the hospital, you may still feel the need to have the guidance of professionals and the support of other new parents. Brookdale offers some important classes for you to consider:
Breastfeeding Support Classes: A lactation consultant offers support and advice to breastfeeding mothers and their infants. Call (718) 240-5605.
Parents Group: Weekly support group for new parents, new fathers and for those parents with physically disabled children. Call (718) 240-6598.
Important Telephone Numbers
Admitting: (718) 240-5571
Breastfeeding Support Classes: (718) 240-5605
Garage: (718) 240-5700
General Hospital Information: (718) 240-5000
Parent's Support Groups: (718) 240-6598
Prenatal Testing: (718) 240-5975
Preparation for Parenthood Classes: (718) 240-5582
Tours : (718) 240-5583
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