New Parent Guide - Deaconess Health System

the place for all your life
New Parent Guide
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING
The Women’s Hospital
Women have special and unique health care needs at every stage in their lives. The
Women’s Hospital was created to care for women through a lifetime of changing health
and wellness needs — physical and emotional — in one convenient, peaceful, healing
place. At The Women’s Hospital, we make every effort to anticipate and exceed the
health care needs of women and infants in the Tri-State.
We are devoted to providing world-class healthcare, from our family to yours, one
exceptional experience at a time.
Spirit of Women is a national network of leading hospitals dedicated to
improving women’s lives with innovative health and community programs.
Spirit of Women Hospitals touch the lives of millions of women each year
through the presentation of educational events, consumer membership
programs, annual conferences, marketing communications and grass roots
efforts to improve the health and well-being of women everywhere. The
Women’s Hospital is the Tri-State’s only Spirit of Women hospital.
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A Wide Range of Services for Every Stage of
CHILDBEARING
Life
women _____________________________
Family-Centered Care
Advanced technology is nestled in a home-like
environment. The Women’s Hospital offers singleroom maternity care, allowing families to remain in
one room from delivery to discharge. To promote
family bonding, and parent learning about newborn
behaviors such as feeding cues, separation of the
mother and her full term, healthy baby is avoided.
This is accomplished by providing care and support
of the new family in the mother’s room. Current
research proves many benefits of mothers and
babies remaining together such as better feeding
and sleeping cycles. This time also allows families to
bond and get to know each other.
Anesthesia
We offer 24-hour, in-house obstetrical anesthesia.
Our physicians are readily available for labor pain
management, cesarean sections and emergency
situations.
education from registered nurses with advanced
training and certification in breastfeeding.
Lactation consultants meet with all breastfeeding
mothers while they are in the hospital and support
breastfeeding in newborn intensive care. They also
provide follow-up telephone calls after discharge
to provide ongoing support to mothers.
Our lactation boutique, Great Beginnings, is
located in the main lobby of The Women’s Hospital
and offers a wide variety of breastfeeding supplies.
The shop is staffed by a lactation consultant who
can assist with questions related to supplies or
provide outpatient consultation for moms or
babies experiencing difficulty with breastfeeding.
There is a baby weigh station in Great Beginnings
where moms can bring their baby in and check
weight gain. For more information on lactation
services, please call 812-842-4525.
Tri-State Perinatology
For up to date information and to connect with
other breastfeeding moms and professionals,
follow our blog at www.deaconess.com/
breastfeedingconnection.
When your care provider recommends a highrisk pregnancy specialist, ask about Tri-State
Perinatology at The Women’s Hospital. Our team
consists of highly skilled clinicians who work
together to provide individualized care for you.
OB/GYN Emergency Department
The Tri-State Perinatology program includes:
• State-of-the-art outpatient facility with highly
trained staff delivering advanced care for highrisk pregnancies
• Dedicated high-risk antepartum inpatient unit
• 24-hour obstetric ultrasound
Dr. Brennan Fitzpatrick, Dr. Karenrose Contreras
and the Tri-State Perinatology team provide
comprehensive high-risk care around the clock. If
you need state-of-the-art care for your high-risk
pregnancy, choose Tri-State Perinatology at The
Women’s Hospital.
The Women’s Hospital is excited to provide the first
emergency department in Indiana dedicated solely
to obstetric and gynecologic care. Each patient who
enters the emergency department at The Women’s
Hospital will be seen by a physician who specializes
in obstetrics and gynecology. Board-certified OB/
GYN hospitalist physicians are on staff 24-hours
a day and will work with your primary OB/GYN
provider to give immediate care and make decisions
for hospital admission or discharge with follow-up
plans. Immediate assessment and intervention is
provided for women experiencing urgent obstetric
and gynecologic conditions such as:
• Pain and bleeding in early pregnancy
• Pre-term labor
• Conditions related to high-risk pregnancy
• Post-operative GYN surgery complications
Lactation Services
The Women’s Hospital Lactation Program offers
comprehensive breastfeeding support and
For more information or to contact our OB/GYN
Emergency Department, please call 812-842-4309.
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A Wide Range of Services for Every Stage of
newborn CARE
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Level III Neonatal Intensive
Care Unit (NICU)
The Women’s Hospital provides high-quality
care through its Level III Neonatal Intensive Care
Unit (NICU). Many babies need special care due
to prematurity or other conditions after birth.
The Women’s Hospital NICU staff focuses on
key aspects of developmental care, including
kangaroo (skin-to-skin) care, the SONICU system
that protects babies from bright lights and
loud sounds, an NICU environment that mimics
mother’s womb, and evaluation and treatment
performed by occupational, physical and speech
therapists.
On staff at The Women’s Hospital, board-certified
neonatologists work with neonatal nurse
practitioners, registered nurses, respiratory
therapists and a number of other health care
professionals to provide comprehensive, state-ofthe-art care for your baby.
NICU Resource Center
The NICU Resource Center, located across
the hall from the NICU, provides up-to-date
information and resources supported by the
March of Dimes. Printed materials and internet
access to March of Dimes information and
support groups are available. The NICU Resource
Center is also a quiet place for caretakers to take
children to wait while parents are visiting the
baby. Children can have difficulty coping with
their new sibling being in the NICU. Because
this can be a very stressful time for siblings,
The Women’s Hospital implemented a program
that allows children a voice in expressing their
emotions in creative ways and assists them in
bonding with the new baby.
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Life
Watch Me Grow
The Women’s Hospital’s Watch Me Grow program
is available free of charge to families of infants
in the NICU. A photo of your baby is taken each
week and can be viewed on our secure Watch Me
Grow page on The Women’s Hospital’s web site.
You provide family members and friends with
your own private password, which allows them to
see your baby’s progress.
Web Cam
The Women’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care
Unit offers a web cam service that provides an
Internet “virtual window” into the NICU. This
gives family members the opportunity to keep
in contact with their baby and watch the baby’s
growth and development during their NICU stay. Transport Services
A neonatal transport team is available to travel to
outlying communities and transport babies from
those facilities to The Women’s Hospital.
Baby Lounges
The Women’s Hospital has two full-service
nurseries staffed with skilled, compassionate
registered nurses and patient care associates.
Newborns may stay in the mother’s room with
the family; however, a baby lounge is available 24
hours a day.
NUTRITION
services
The Women’s Hospital is proud to offer a variety
of food options to our patients and their loved
ones. Our Nutrition Services Department can
accommodate special diets and food allergies. To
better serve you during your stay, it’s best if you
notify us prior to your expected delivery/surgery
date. You can either let the pre-admission nurse
know or call our main number at 812-842-4200 and
ask to speak to one of our registered dietitians.
Dining Options for Patients:
• Room Service
Our nutrition services team provides a full
menu available for room service. Menus are in
the patient rooms, and it’s as simple as calling
the number when you are hungry. Place your
order, and within 30 minutes your order will be
delivered.
• Pantries
If you are able to eat and want a snack or drink
between meals, our staff can get you a snack
from our pantry at your request. Common
pantry items include cheese and crackers,
granola bars, applesauce and juice.
Additional Dining Options:
• Room Service for Guests
Family and guests of patients can order from
the room service menu for an additional fee. A
guest and children’s menu is included with the
patient menu, and prices are listed. Cash for
guest meals must be presented at the time the
order is delivered.
• Generations Café
Generations Café offers freshly prepared hot
meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. We
also have a variety of sandwiches, desserts,
drinks, snacks and pastries. We are located on
the first floor near the back of the hospital.
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• Coffee Shop
The Coffee Shop is located at the hospital’s
south entrance near our Obstetrical Emergency
waiting area. We offer a variety of coffees, teas,
specialty drinks, breakfast pastries, specialty
sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts.
• Vending Areas
Snack and beverage vending areas are
located in the hall to the left near the hospital
lobby and in the hallway before you reach
the entrance of Generations Café. Vending
machines are available 24 hours/day.
family-centered CARE
Flexible Visiting Hours
Visiting hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.,
but we can make special arrangements if a family
has particular needs.
Smoke-Free Environment
To improve the health of our patients, visitors and
employees, The Women’s Hospital is a smoke-free
campus. Smoking is prohibited on The Women’s
Hospital grounds.
The Boutique
The Boutique, located in the lobby of The
Women’s Hospital, is a wonderful resource for
patients and visitors alike. Here you can purchase
beautiful gifts, floral arrangements, fine jewelry,
seasonal/holiday items, over-the-counter
medications, snacks and much more. Stop by and
pick out a gift or send a gift online. Browse our
online catalog to choose a special gift to brighten
someone’s day or welcome a bundle of joy.
Billing and Insurance
Information
To help you prepare for your stay, please read the
following information and complete the patient
registration form online at www.deaconess.com/
registration. We will confirm this information
when you arrive.
We will make every effort to provide the type
of accommodations you expect from a premier
health care provider. Our charges include nursing
care, meals, state-of-the-art medical equipment
and numerous support services. You may receive
additional charges from your doctor for services
(such as lab tests or x-rays) requested by him or
her. Physician charges are billed to you separately.
Due to changes by insurance companies,
procedures and services once covered in full may
now be partially covered, covered only under
certain circumstances, or in some cases not
covered at all. It’s important that you understand
your insurance coverage, co-pay and deductible
requirements. Please check your insurance
coverage before returning this form.
INSURANCE
If an insurance card is provided, and validated, we
will bill your insurance company on your behalf.
Before discharge, you will be expected to pay any
co-payments, deductibles and other charges that
your insurance may not cover. Although we bill
your insurance company, please understand that
you are responsible for payment of services.
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If your insurance is through one of the Medicaid
programs, please be sure we have a copy of
your Medicaid card so we may bill Medicaid
directly. The Women’s Hospital staff can help
you apply for Medicaid if you need assistance.
Patients without health insurance will be asked to
prepay an estimated bill or make other payment
arrangements in advance. Any unpaid balance
will be due at the time of discharge. Payments
may be made by cash, check or major credit card.
Please contact our financial counselor at 812842-4240 to discuss payment options or to learn
more about our financial assistance programs.
Advance DIRECTIVES
You will be asked if you have an advance
directive. This is a document you can complete
to indicate your wishes about your medical
treatment in advance should you become unable
to make those decisions. Examples of an advance
directive include: Health Care Directive, LifeProlonging Procedures Declaration or Health Care
Representative. If you have such a document,
please bring a copy with you to the hospital.
If you have questions about any of this
information, please contact a patient account
representative at 812-842-4240.
What You
Should Bring to the Hospital
Four weeks before the baby’s due date, you should make sure you have the items listed below.
Pack as many as you can beforehand. Use the following checklist as a guide to getting
organized for the big event.
FOR MOM
 Nightgown and bathrobe
 Slippers
 Bra, nursing bra and breast pads
 Socks (several pair)
 Underwear (several pair)
 Hair ties
 Toiletries:
 Comfortable and loose-fitting
clothing to wear home
 Extra pillows
 Comfort items for labor:
Massagers, CD/iPod/MP3 player, focal point,
Bible, books/magazines, scented lotions
or oils, other items of your choosing
Toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, lip balm, lotion,
deodorant, contact case and solution, glasses
FOR BABY
 Going-home outfit for baby
 Receiving blanket
 Warm clothing to wear home/heavy
bunting or blanket (if cold weather)
 Baby socks
 Baby hat (especially for cold weather)
 Baby car seat
 Nail file
 Pacifier
FOR DAD / LOVED ONE
 Stopwatch or watch with a second
hand for timing contractions
 Phone list and associated items:
Phone list of contacts to announce birth to
friends and family; phone card, calling card
or change for calls, cell phone charger
 Pillow
 Toiletries and comfortable layered clothing
 Camera and extra batteries
 Snacks
FOR HOSPITAL STAFF
 Health plan insurance card
 Pre-registration form
 Pregnancy medical file; over-the-counter
and prescription medication information
 Birth plan signed by your doctor/mid-wife
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Educational
Opportunities
The Women’s Hospital offers a variety of classes
to help you prepare for baby’s arrival. Register for
classes early in your pregnancy so you have more
options. This guarantees you a spot in the class that
works best with your schedule. Call 812-450-BABY or
visit us online at ww.deaconess.com/healthybaby.
Pediatric CPR for Family & Friends
It is best to complete all of your classes by the eighth
month. This gives you time to attend every class even
if baby comes early, practice what was learned in
class, and discuss what you learned in class with your
care provider.
Breastfeeding Simplified
All-In-One: Epidural Birth, Baby
Care, and Breastfeeding
This comprehensive course discusses the labor
process, epidurals, baby care and breastfeeding. A
hospital tour is included.
Lamaze: Birth, Baby Care
and Breastfeeding
Explore all the ways that women find strength
and comfort during labor and birth. Healthy birth
practices and evidence based information is
discussed and a hospital tour is included.
Multiples Mania
Expecting multiple blessings? This class is taught by
our childbirth educator who is a labor and delivery
nurse and also a veteran mother of triplets. Attend
before 24 weeks and take this course in conjunction
with the All-In-One or Lamaze class. In this course,
you will learn the differences between a multiple
pregnancy vs. singleton, how to manage bedrest,
tips for birth, nutrition guidelines, breastfeeding
for multiples, practical tips for home and musthaves for multiples. A hospital tour is included.
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In this class, you will learn the latest techniques
endorsed by the American Heart Association. This is
a non-certification class designed for anyone caring
for a child. Class size is limited so register early.
Learn why breast milk is the ultimate source in infant
nutrition, practice basic skills and learn how to avoid
common problems. Fathers are strongly encouraged
to attend. Also available is an online class for those
unable to attend class in-person.
Pumping with Success
Bring your new baby to the class and learn how to pump
and store breast milk. This is the perfect class to attend if
you are returning to work or school.
Big Brother/Big Sister
This construction-themed class helps young children
prepare for their new role. The class geared towards
children ages 3-5 focuses on hand washing, gentle
touch and loud vs. quiet voice. The class geared
towards children ages 6-10 focuses on all of the above
plus diapering, swaddling and burping. A tour of the
hospital is included.
Programs and
Support Groups
Parent-to-Parent (P2P)
Information Resource Group
The P2P group consists of both parents and
professionals and provides support to families
with a baby in the neonatal intensive care unit. For
more information, call 812-455-8075.
MOMS Club® of Evansville
This group supports at-home or working-parttime mothers and their children through monthly
meetings and other fun activities. Meets on the
first Friday each month. For more information, call
812-250-9030 or email momsclubev@yahoo.com.
Tri-State Mothers of Multiples
Network with other moms of multiples.
Meets the second Tuesday of each
month. For more information, visit
www.evansvillemomsofmultiples.com.
S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome
Meet other families who have children with Down
Syndrome and enjoy fun, family interaction.
Typically meets every other month. For more
information and meeting dates, please visit
www.smileondownsyndrome.org.
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Support group information is subject to change.
Car Seat Fitting
Schedule your baby’s car seat fitting by calling
812-842-4655. This is done by a certified car
seat technician and by appointment only. This
appointment is not required prior to discharge but
strongly encouraged to ensure proper usage of
the car seat.
Spirit of Women Membership Program
Register to become a member of The Women’s
Hospital Spirit Membership Program, and you’ll
become part of a support system for women of all
ages. As a member, you will receive newsletters
and invitations to The Women’s Hospital
programs, special offers at designated areas
within the hospital (The Boutique Gift Shop, Great
Beginnings Lactation Boutique, the coffee shop)
and discounts at many local businesses, such as
hair salons, specialty shops, wellness facilities,
restaurants and more.
Lifetime membership is free of charge. For more
information, please call 812-842-4571.
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Choosing a
Pediatrician
By the last trimester, you should choose a medical
caregiver for your baby-to-be. If this is your first
baby, you need to understand the importance of
this decision. A good pediatrician is more than
a person to call when your baby has a fever. It’s
someone who will chart your child’s development,
address your concerns and answer your questions
about your child’s health. It’s someone you will
see regularly for both sick and well checkups. The
best place to begin looking for a pediatrician is
with your family physician, obstetrician, family or
friends, or contact Deaconess Clinic Pediatrics at
812-450-4400. Ask them for recommendations
and start gathering a list of names. After you
collect a few numbers, write up some questions
and call to set up interviews.
Online
Services
LET US BE YOUR
ONLINE RESOURCE FOR
WOMEN’S HEALTH
By visiting www.deaconess.com/twh, you can:
• learn of all of the services offered by The
Women’s Hospital.
• find healthcare articles and resources.
• register for classes, screenings, and other
community events.
• learn about available support groups.
• find a doctor.
• request an appointment or consultation.
• view a photo gallery of The Women’s Hospital.
When you interview a physician,
you should take into account:
• register for an upcoming hospital stay.
• pay your bill online.
• log in to our web nursery.
• Professional qualifications and reputation
(the American Academy of Pediatrics can
provide you with a list of board-certified
pediatricians).
• Health care viewpoints on various issues such
as proactive/preventive medicine, nutrition, etc.
• Office hours (weekend appointments,
evenings, emergencies)
• Doctor cross-coverage (who are the other
doctors covering when your doctor is
unavailable?)
• Location—More than one office?
• Office environment and general feel and
personalities of doctors and staff
• After hours—Answering service/returned
phone calls
• Triage system
• Health coverage issues—HMO/PPO, delay of
reimbursement, etc.
Gynecological
Surgical Services
Services
The Women’s Hospital offers a wide range of
gynecological services, including inpatient
and outpatient surgical procedures. Inpatients
receive care in a private room from highly skilled
medicalsurgical nursing staff.
Our minimally invasive surgery program at
The Women’s Hospital has been recognized as
the first Surgical Center of Excellence by the
American Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery
(AIMIS) in Indiana.
Additionally, The Women’s Hospital was the first to
bring robotic assisted surgical technology to the
region, providing a less invasive and more precise
approach to women’s gynecological surgery.
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Baby Friendly
The Baby Friendly Initiative is an international program sponsored by the World Health Organization
and the United Nations Children’s Fund. The Initiative was initially introduced as an effort to reduce
infant mortality. The goal of Baby Friendly is to help mothers reach their infant nutrition goals. The Baby
Friendly Hospital Initiative also follows evidence-based maternity care practices for infant nutrition and
mother/baby bonding. The Women’s Hospital is currently seeking Baby Friendly designation with help
from a grant from the Welborn Baptist Foundation. By following the 10 Steps to achieving Baby Friendly,
a hospital is removing barriers to breastfeeding within the health care setting and in turn supporting both
mom and baby. For more information on this initiative, visit www.deaconess.com/babyfriendly.
Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding:
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Have a written breastfeeding policy that is
routinely communicated to all healthcare
staff.
Train all health care staff in the skills
necessary to implement this policy.
Inform all pregnant women about
the benefits and management of
breastfeeding.
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Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within an
hour after birth.
Show mothers how to breastfeed and how to
maintain lactation even if they are separated
from their infants.
Give newborn infants no food or drink other
than breast milk unless medically indicated.
Practice rooming-in; allow mother and infants
to stay together 24 hours a day.
Encourage breastfeeding on demand.
Give no artificial nipples or pacifiers to
breastfeeding infants.
Foster the establishment of breastfeeding
support groups and refer mothers to them on
discharge from the hospital.
Quick
New Parent
Guide
Reference List
For more information on our services, visit the websites or call the
numbers listed below:
Educational Opportunities - Building a Healthy Baby Classes
Dates, times and more detailed information about our classes can be found on the website at www.deaconess.com/
healthybaby or by calling 812-450-BABY.
Patient Registration Form
To help you prepare for your upcoming stay, please complete the online patient registration form. This will ensure
that we have your contact and insurance information up to date. For more information, contact the financial
counselor at 812-842-4240 or visit www.deaconess.com/registration.
Pre-Admission Appointment
This appointment allows us to gather information for your medical chart and sign consents before you come in
to the hospital to deliver your baby. This service is by appointment only and is free of charge. To schedule your
appointment, call 812-842-4170 or visit www.deaconess.com/preadmission.
Lactation Services
For more breastfeeding information and to receive a free gift, stop by The Women’s Hospital Great Beginnings
Lactation Boutique. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., and Saturday and
Sunday, Noon - 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 812-842-4525 or visit www.deaconess.com/lactation.
Car Seat Fitting
Make an appointment to ensure you know how to properly install your baby’s car seat. Certified car seat
technicians are available every Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., by appointment only. To schedule your
appointment, call 812-842-4655.
Spirit Membership Program
Sign up today, for free, to enjoy a lifetime of benefits. Enjoy specials offers and discounts at local businesses
including: The Women’s Hospital Boutique, The Women’s Hospital Great Beginnings, The Women’s Hospital Coffee
Shop and Massage for Women’s Health. For more information, call 812-842-4571 or visit www.deaconess.com/spirit.
Breastfeeding Connection Blog
Stay up to date on the latest breastfeeding information. Follow our Breastfeeding Connection Blog at www.
deaconess.com/breastfeedingconnection.
Connect with us!
Visit www.facebook.com/deaconesswomenshospital, follow us on twitter
@DeaconessWomens or look us up on Pinterest: Deaconess Health System.
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NOTES
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4199 Gateway Boulevard, Newburgh, IN 47630
812.842.4200 • www.deaconess.com