HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND BIRTHING CENTER
Thank you for choosing Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Congratulations! The birth of your child is one of the most significant events in your life. Whether you are starting or adding to your family, this is an exciting time. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital embraces the love and support of your family with a focus on family-centered care. Childbirth is a miraculous event for the entire family, and family-centered care means keeping families together as they joyously welcome their newest members.
Welcome
HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND BIRTHING CENTER
Dear Mom, You want a supportive, caring environment to welcome your baby into the world, and we want to be that place for you. Our Birthing Center is a full-service childbirth facility providing prenatal, labor, delivery, postpartum and neonatal care. More so, our Birthing Center is where you can rest assured that our first priority is the health of you and your baby while providing a positive, memorable experience for you and your family. You will take comfort in a home-like setting with a top-quality staff of experienced nurses and a wide range of specialists, including obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, anesthesiologists, neonatologists and pediatricians. Our caring doctors and staff offer mothers and newborns full, on-site medical support 24 hours a day. Best wishes, The Physicians and Staff at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Birthing Center 1
Getting Ready HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND BIRTHING CENTER
Another New Member of the Family Before you are ready to meet your little one, there’s another new member of the family you must get to know — your OB/GYN. Apart from credentials and hospital privileges, it’s important to choose a doctor with whom you are comfortable. Don’t be afraid to ask a potential physician for the chance to meet face-to-face and talk about his or her practice and priorities.
PRENATAL TESTING Will you have a girl or a boy? Will the baby inherit your partner’s extrovert personality or your bashfulness? Pregnancy is an exciting time, full of anticipation. However, you may come across moments of nervousness, too. Take comfort in the fact that with prenatal testing you can gain valuable information about your baby’s development and overall health. These tests are optional and may include chorionic villus sampling, maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP), amniocentesis and/or an ultrasound. Your doctor will discuss each of these tests with you. Some questions to consider and discuss at length include:
• What do the test results determine or diagnose? • How accurate are the results? • How will the information affect my prenatal care? • What are my risks?
BIRTHING CENTER TOURS Fridays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 5 p.m. Sweetwater Pavilion Atrium Registration required. To register, please call 281.274.7500.
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DON’T FORGET TO CHOOSE YOUR BABY’S PEDIATRICIAN! To see Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s list of doctors and for more tips on choosing the right obstetrician and pediatrician for you, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or call 281.274.7500 for a physician referral.
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Registration
HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND BIRTHING CENTER
MATERNITY PREREGISTRATION Plan ahead and preregister for your stay with us at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. The best time to preregister is by the fifth month or about 20 weeks into your pregnancy. Just stop by and see us. Registration is conducted in the Patient Access Services office located in the Sweetwater Pavilion just off the atrium area. See the map on the back cover of this brochure. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information about registration, call 281.276.8562.
CHILDBIRTH CLASS REGISTRATION As an expectant parent, you probably have a lot of questions. If you are already a parent, you may be wondering about your growing family. Fortunately, childbirth educators and lactation consultants at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital are here to help, before and after delivery. Our childbirth classes for parents and family include breastfeeding, baby care and an optional tour of our Birthing Center.
• For information on our childbirth classes, please call 281.274.7500.
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Checklist
Admission
HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND BIRTHING CENTER
HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND BIRTHING CENTER
“DON’T FORGET” CHECKLIST Pack your bags at least one month prior to your expected delivery. Remember to bring:
YOUR ARRIVAL AND ADMISSION
FOR MOM:
Once you are settled in one of our comfortable birthing suites, your vital signs and the baby’s
o Nightgowns, nursing bras, robe and slippers
heartbeat will be monitored. All necessary admission information will be collected at this time.
o Toiletries and cosmetics o Lamaze-recommended items o Cell phone and charger FOR DAD: o Electronics and chargers
It’s time! Contact your doctor and he or she will let you know when you should come to the Birthing Center. Come directly to the Sweetwater Pavilion entrance and take the elevator to the third floor (see map on back cover).
To help make the experience as special as possible, we recommend that at least one support person is present during labor and delivery.
BIRTHING NURSES There are experienced and dedicated nurses. Then, there are experienced and dedicated nurses with a love for newborns. That’s where our Birthing Center’s nursing staff fits in. We understand the impact a caring nurse can have on a mother’s birthing experience, which is
o Change of clothes
why each mother is assigned a devoted nurse to care for her throughout her labor and
o Camera (Photos can be taken in the
delivery. A neonatal nurse, who brings a specialized level of training, is also present at every
birthing suites, but videos can only be
filmed in the nursery and postpartum units.)
delivery, just in case there are any unexpected complications. Our nursing team is dedicated to the health, safety and comfort for you and your baby before, during and after delivery.
o Toiletries
BIRTHING SUITES
o Snacks
Our birthing suites allow mothers to labor, deliver and recover with their newborns in the same
o List of family and friends to call or
suite. After the baby is born, parents and baby will remain in the labor and delivery room to bond
before moving to a postpartum suite. This can be a special time for bonding, and new mothers
text when baby arrives
FOR THE BABY: o Car seat (Please bring an age-appropriate
are encouraged to initiate breast feeding during this time. Fathers are invited to be present in both the labor and delivery suite and Cesarean birthing suite.
car seat to the hospital on the day the
We want to make your stay a family-friendly bonding experience by allowing siblings and
baby goes home.)
immediate family to stay with mom. We do ask that another adult be present to help care
o Receiving blankets and mittens
for any children.
o Clothes for departure (Make sure your
AMENITIES
• •
baby’s attire is appropriate for the weather.)
o Baby book
Private rooms and bathrooms Baby nursery — staffed by
registered nurses
•
Cable television, including a
patient channel for newborn education
• •
DVD player Large, comfortable couches
that pull out for overnight guests
• • •
Room service Specially prepared meals Location near the newborn nursery
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Labor & Delivery HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND BIRTHING CENTER
PAIN RELIEF OPTIONS Every woman’s labor is unique; the level of pain endured will vary with each woman. Our goal is to ensure our patients the safest and most pleasant birthing experience possible. Based on your personal wishes and your physician’s recommendations, anesthesia may be an option. In-house anesthesiologists, who are available 24/7, are committed to providing you with safe and effective pain management during your labor and delivery. Epidural anesthesia is the most common type, as it allows the mother to remain alert and involved in the delivery process. Your doctor will discuss these options with you at length.
CESAREAN BIRTH Cesarean sections, or C-sections, are sometimes planned in advance because of an existing medical condition or because more than two babies will be birthed. In other instances, a C-section is performed when difficulties in labor create concern about the health of the baby or the mother. In the event that you need to have a C-section, anesthesia will keep you comfortable. In most cases, mothers remain awake during the procedure and spouses or support persons are invited to be present. Due to a longer recovery time, your hospital stay may be extended a few days. However, with the help of a nurse, you should be up and out of bed within 24 hours. Mothers who have had a Cesarean delivery should arrange for extra assistance at home to help take care of you and your household so you can recover and bond with your baby.
POSTPARTUM Your baby is born. Happiness, amazement and relief will overcome you as your baby enters the world. Once you have had time to recover, you and your family will be moved to your private suite on the postpartum wing for time to bond with your newborn during the first hours of his/her life. During the remainder of your stay, you and your baby will be cared for by nurses who specialize in mother-baby care. Lactation support is available to help you learn the best technique for feeding your baby, which is encouraged during this time. In keeping with our quality care, babies are weighed, given preventative eye infection treatment and an injection of vitamin K. Your chosen pediatrician will check your baby’s vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate. 6
Labor & Delivery HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND BIRTHING CENTER
NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (NICU) In this special moment, rely on us to be ready should anything unusual arise. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is prepared for those newborns that need extra care. Our level II NICU, located next to the maternity unit, is staffed by highly-trained nurses and Texas Children’s Hospital neonatologists who monitor our high-risk and premature babies 24 hours a day on site at Houston Methodist Sugar Land. Babies who are less than 30 weeks gestation or need a higher level of care in a level III NICU are stabilized and transported to Texas Children’s Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. Safe and quick transfer is provided by Texas Children’s Hospital’s Kangaroo Crew. This is just one more assurance that your baby is receiving the best care.
NEWBORN SCREENINGS The purpose of these tests is to detect 26 different newborn conditions that can be corrected if caught early. This is a state-mandated blood test required at 2 and 14 days of age. The first test is given at the hospital; the second will be performed at your pediatrician’s office. Houston M ethodist Sugar Land Hospital, in compliance with Texas state law, provides a hearing screening by a certified hearing professional prior to discharge.
BABY’S FIRST PHOTO Houston Methodist Sugar Land offers you the opportunity to capture your baby’s first photo in the privacy of your room. Ask our staff about having your newborn’s portrait taken during your stay with us.
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Visitation
HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND BIRTHING CENTER
VISITOR POLICY AND HOURS Fathers and immediate family are welcome to visit mom and the newborn at any time. Other visitors are welcome seven days a week between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. The health and safety of our mothers and newborns are our first priority. All visitors must first check in at the front desk of the Birthing Center prior to proceeding to the patient’s room. Visitation for the family is unrestricted during labor, delivery and recovery, and we encourage supportive members of your family to spend the night. Siblings, when healthy, are always welcome, with the exception of the nursery and surgical areas. The family waiting area is specifically designed to comfortably accommodate your visitors. We recommend limiting the number of visitors during your stay so you can rest and bond with your child. For those who do visit, we ask that they be free of illness, including colds and flu, and practice good hand hygiene. For a Cesarean delivery, only one person is allowed in the operating room as patient stability allows. Although family and visitors are encouraged to visit, hallway waiting is strongly discouraged so that safe and confidential care can be provided to our patients. The hospital staff will direct families and visitors to the waiting area where they can be notified as soon as they are permitted back into the patient rooms.
FOR THE HEALTH OF MOTHER AND BABY • Anyone handling the baby should wash their hands first. • Any visitor with possible infectious or communicable illness should not visit. • Family and visitors are to check with hospital staff prior to bringing any food for the patient so that physician dietary orders are followed.
FOOD SERVICES • Guest meal trays are available for an additional $12 and can be ordered via room service by calling 281.274.8360. • The Garden Café, located in the Main Pavilion, is open Monday through Friday for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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The Garden Café is also open Saturday and Sunday for brunch from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• •
The Starbucks, located on the first floor of the Sweetwater Pavilion, is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
See map on back cover of brochure.
The Starbucks, located on the second floor of the Main Pavilion, is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Security
HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND BIRTHING CENTER
SECURITY Just as important as your baby’s health is your baby’s security. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Infant Security System ensures the safety of both you and your baby, so you can relax during this joyous time. Please familiarize yourself with the following security procedures established for your family’s protection. At the Birthing Center: To ensure proper identification, ID bands are placed on the baby, the mother and one other person of the mother’s choice immediately upon delivery.
• Babies will only be given to someone with a matching ID band.
• ID bands will be checked before discharge and one will be kept for hospital records. The second ID band should remain on the baby until you reach home, and can then be removed and put in your baby book, if you wish. Nurses will also attach a security transponder, called a “Hug,” to the baby’s ankle. A “Kiss,” the matching transponder, will be attached to the mother. The “Hug” and “Kiss” will be tied to both baby and mom until discharge.
• The “Hug” sensor is designed to remain in contact with the baby’s skin. If contact is lost, if the band is tampered with or if your baby is taken beyond designated boundaries, the sensor will set off an alarm and lock all Birthing Center exits.
• Staff will be alerted if a “Kiss” tag is too close to a mismatching “Hug” tag. • Family members should not try to loosen the “Hug” bands, as this will generate a “code pink” (infant abduction) alarm. Either nursing staff or parent(s) and family will supervise infants at all times. If you choose to keep the baby with you during the night, please keep the door to your room closed and place the infant’s crib away from the door and in your direct line-of-sight. For added security, cameras are in place throughout the birthing center as well as at all exits of the Birthing Center. All Birthing Center staff members have a Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital ID badge with their picture against a pink background. Do not give your baby to anyone without this badge. If any questionable person enters your room and/or asks to relieve you of the baby, immediately press your call light and ask for the nurse in charge of your care. At Home: irth announcements should never include the family’s home address and should be limited to the parents’ surname(s). • B
• Refrain from using lawn ornaments to announce your baby’s arrival, as they call attention to the presence of a new infant in the home. • Be cautious about allowing visitors whom you have only recently met during your pregnancy or since giving birth. Previous cases suggest potential abductors can be met anywhere from a health care setting to shopping mall before subsequently taking the infant from the family home.
• Never let someone you don’t know pick up or hold your infant. • Never leave your child alone in a vehicle or shopping cart.
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Going Home HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND BIRTHING CENTER
PLANNING FOR DISCHARGE Having a baby is a family event and we find that most moms and babies are eager to go home as soon as possible. We recommend moms stay 24 hours after giving vaginal birth and 72 hours after Cesarean birth, in order to maintain the following:
• We want to make sure your baby is ready for the outside world (stable vital signs, temperature and ability to eat/nurse adequately). • The state requires certain tests be performed when the baby is 24 hours old. The State of Texas requires that all infants be transported in a car seat when going home. Plan for transportation in advance with your family. Discharge time is 11 a.m. daily. Please bring an age-appropriate car seat to the hospital on the day the baby goes home.
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION It is common for new mothers to experience postpartum depression, so it’s important to know the facts. If you feel depressed, or if your emotions interfere with your ability to care for your baby, we encourage you to tell your spouse or a family member and contact your physician right away. There are resources to help you. You are not alone.
BREASTFEEDING EDUCATION Breastfeeding is a special time between mother and baby, and it is a bond that can take time for you and your baby to establish. Houston Methodist Sugar Land encourages breastfeeding as the preferred method of feeding newborns and infants. Lactation support is available to breastfeeding mothers. Our nursing staff is well trained to assist mothers with breastfeeding decisions to ensure you are comfortable feeding your baby during your stay with us and at home.
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Vital Information HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND BIRTHING CENTER
BIRTH CERTIFICATES AND SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS Upon preadmission to the Birthing Center, you will receive application forms for a birth certificate and Social Security number (also located in the back pocket of this brochure). Prior to discharge, the birth registrar will review these forms and submit them for you.0 You will then receive a “Birth Facts Sheet,” which can be used to add your baby to your insurance. Your newborn’s Social Security card will be sent directly to your home. The birth certificate may be obtained from the Texas Vital Statistics office upon your request.
• “How do I get a copy of my baby’s birth certificate?” You can purchase a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate from the local registrar’s office located in the city or county where the birth occurred, or you can request it from the Texas Vital Statistics office located in Austin, Texas. Birth certificates can also be ordered online at Texas.gov. Either way, there is a 3-4 week waiting period after discharge.
• “When will I receive my baby’s Social Security card?” If you answered “Yes” to the question, “Apply for Baby’s Social Security Number?” on the Mother’s Worksheet for Child’s Birth Certificate (located in the back pocket of this brochure), the birth information will be forwarded to the Social Security Administration as soon as the Texas Vital Statistics office receives the data from the hospital. The Social Security Administration then requires 2-3 weeks to process the information. A Social Security card will be mailed to the mother’s mailing address as provided on the Mother’s Worksheet. The entire process usually takes 4-6 weeks to complete.
• “When will I receive my baby’s Medicaid number?” If you provided answers to the questions “Mother’s Medicaid Name?” and “Mother’s Medicaid Number?” on the Mother’s Worksheet for Child’s Birth Certificate (located in the back pocket of this brochure), the information will be forwarded to Medicaid upon arrival at the Texas Vital Statistics office. Medicaid then requires 2-3 weeks to process the information. The Infant Medicaid card will be mailed to the mother’s mailing address, as provided on the Mother’s Worksheet. The entire process usually takes 4-6 weeks to complete. See the inside front cover for important contact information and phone numbers regarding birth certificates and Social Security cards in Texas.
Thank you for allowing Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital to be a part of this special event. Congratulations! 11
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Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Birthing Center IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Hospital – Main Number 281.274.7000 Labor & Delivery 281.274.7080 Nursery 281.274.8082 Level II NICU Nursery 281.274.8320 Lactation Support 281.274.7080 Childbirth and Breastfeeding Class Registration (M–F 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) 281.274.7500
Childbirth Preparation To-Do List 3-5 MONTHS
8-9 MONTHS
• Register for childbirth classes Call 281.274.7500
• Pack your bag for the hospital. Consider bringing a robe, nursing bras, slippers, toiletries, Lamaze recommended items, camera and video camera.
5-6 MONTHS • Preregister for the Birthing Center: • Call 281.276.8562 • In person: Houston Methodist Sugar Land Sweetwater Pavilion M-F 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.
6-7 MONTHS • Attend your childbirth class • Tour the Birthing Center • Call 281.274.7500 to schedule your tour • Choose a pediatrician and schedule an appointment to meet your pediatrician and staff. • The Physician Referral Line can assist you in finding a pediatrician. Call 281.274.7500
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Pack the baby’s bag. Bring receiving blankets, mittens and a going home outfit that is appropriate for the weather.
• Install child safety seat in vehicle. An age-appropriate car seat is mandatory to bring the infant home. • The City of Sugar Land Police Department provides training on the proper installation of child safety seats. Call 281.275.2580 or 281.275.2956 for more information. M-F 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Physician Referral and Health Information Line 281.274.7500 Tours 281.274.7500 Houston Methodist Sugar Land Birth Registrar Information 281.274.0104 Social Security Administration 1.800.772.1213 State of Texas Medicaid 1.800.252.8263 TO OBTAIN A COPY OF BIRTH CERTIFICATE In person: Fort Bend Bureau of Vital Statistics 301 Jackson St. Richmond, TX 77469 281.341.8652 Online: Texas Vital Statistics 1.888.963.7111 www.dshs.state.tx.us/vs
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For the health of our patients and visitors, this entire campus is tobacco free.
Patients: For directions, please call 281.274.7000. Physician Offices: To order additional maps, email SLForms@HoustonMethodist.org. *All parking is free. Complementary valet parking is available at the Main Pavilion entrance.
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital 16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 Birthing Center: 281.274.7080 Main: 281.274.7000 houstonmethodist.org/sugarland