Childbirth Education
Childbirth education classes are available free of charge to all mothers delivering at SMITH NorthView Hospital. The classes will discuss all areas of labor, delivery, postpartum, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and newborn care. You will need to pre-register for your delivery at the hospital. You can do this at your convenience Monday thru Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm. After you have pre-registered with the hospital, you may call 229-671-2070 to schedule your Childbirth education class. You will need to be at least 28 week gestation. You may bring a partner and a beverage/snack for yourself. Please call 671-2070 to schedule the dates for your childbirth class. These classes will be located in the hospital cafeteria.
Epidural Classes
You will be required to attend an epidural education class if you are requesting an epidural during your labor process. You will need to pre-register for your delivery at the hospital. You can do this at your convenience Monday thru Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm. After you have pre-registered with the hospital, you may call 229-671-2070 to schedule your epidural education class. All risks and benefits will be discussed in this class through an educational video as well as an opportunity to speak with an Anesthesiologist. You may begin signing up for the classes at your 28 week gestation. Please be advised, in order to obtain an epidural during your laboring process, you MUST have attended this class. These classes with be located in the hospital cafeteria.
Pain Management
Every labor is unique, and every woman experiences pain in a different way. We are concerned about your comfort while in labor. Pain management options are discussed in detail in prepared childbirth. Every labor is unique, and every woman experiences pain in a different way. We are concerned about your comfort while in labor. Pain management options are discussed in detail in prepared childbirth classes.
First Check-Up Appointment
Do not forget to make arrangements with a baby doctor prior to delivering. Ask friends and family who they use. Call the doctor’s office and complete the necessary paperwork or meet just to get acquainted with the doctor. After delivery, the staff of the Women’s Unit will schedule your first appointment. If problems occur sooner, call your physician, the Women’s unit, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Prevention of Infection
Always wash your hands thoroughly before feeding or handling your baby. Ask friends and family to do the same. We ask that all visitors are free from infections and/or sickness.
Rooming In
We strongly encourage rooming-in with your baby to promote the bonding process. Bonding is the early attachment which takes place between parents and infant within the first few hours and days after birth. It can be enhanced and reinforced by physical contact from both parents. The only time your baby will need to go to the nursery is for the pediatrician to examine him or her, for any test the pediatrician may order and for change of shift nursing assessments. Rooming-in is not mandatory however, and if you need time to rest, let your nurse take the infant to the nursery.