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The Birthing Center at OSF St.
Joseph Medical Center is committed to giving expectant parents the
best and latest information. We want to do all we can to make your
birthing experience and transition into parenthood as smooth as
possible. We know you have lots of questions, and our Birthing
Center staff can help you through this important time in your life.
-Sarah Musselman, RN, IBCLC,
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant |
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Introduction & Overview
The birth of a baby is an exciting event
and The Birthing Center staff at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center believes
you should be able to choose how you experience it. We offer a
comprehensive range of services and ensure individualized care for you
and your family. Whether you are expecting, are considering having a
baby, or are just curious, we’re here to answer your questions. To
arrange a tour, call 309-665-4704.
Birthing
Center Pre-Admission Information
For Your Family
The Birthing Center at OSF St. Joseph
Medical Center offers a warm, comfortable setting for labor, delivery
and recovery; with the latest technology tucked away and available at a
moment’s notice.
For your peace of mind, The Birthing Center has a sophisticated security
system to ensure the safety of you and your baby during your stay. For
the convenience of your support person, The Birthing Center includes a
pantry that is open 24 hours a day and is stocked with light snacks and
drinks.
Your support person may be with you at all times during labor and
delivery. Other family members are encouraged to wait nearby in our
comfortable lounge.
Arriving on Your
Special Day
When the big day arrives, enter OSF St. Joseph Medical Center through
the Emergency Department and you will be escorted promptly to The
Birthing Center. We strongly encourage you to call 309-665-4704 during
your pregnancy for information on our pre-admission program.
Creating a Personalized Birth Experience
OSF St. Joseph Medical Center offers you many options before, during and
after your baby’s birth. We encourage you to discuss your preferences
with your physician or with the Birthing Center staff.
We also encourage you to:
- Attend childbirth education classes
- Tour The Birthing Center
- Enroll your children in our “Siblings
101” class
- Help determine your own need for
medication, including epidural anesthesia
- Discuss labor relaxation and labor
management techniques, such as the birthing ball and the hydrotherapy
tub
- Discuss your options for delivering
your baby vaginally if you’ve previously had a Cesarean section
- Discuss financial and other needs with
medical center staff
- Call the Birthing Center anytime to
answer questions about you or your baby – even after you go home
- Consult with our staff to help you
plan and to answer questions regarding your baby’s birth
- View the Educational Channel, rent
videotapes or check out books from the Center for Healthy Lifestyles
- Enjoy educational information, browse
the Internet, play on-line games, or watch popular on-demand movies on
the GetWell Network™
- Take advantage of our
pre-admission process so there are fewer details
to attend to when you come to the hospital
Special Care
The Birthing Center has facilities for the care of pre-term and
high-risk mothers experiencing problems during their pregnancy. In
addition, our nursery has equipment for stabilizing infants who are
critically ill. If necessary, those babies can be transferred to our
sister hospital, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, which is
equipped for a more advanced level of care.
After Delivery
Following your baby’s birth, you’ll stay in one of our private rooms.
Your baby may stay in your room around the clock, with your
pediatrician’s permission.
Each postpartum room is equipment with internet access, a keyboard and
monitor. Room service from the hospital’s kitchen is available for moms
between 7am and 7pm daily and is included in the room charge. Room
service is also available for support persons for a small charge.
We encourage family interaction; your spouse or support person and the
baby’s grandparents and siblings are welcome in the room with you. Or,
if you prefer, you may see visitors in the lounge. When your baby is not
with you, he or she will be cared for in the newborn nursery.
The Birthing Center will provide you with a souvenir copy of your baby’s
birth certificate. With your permission, we can place a photo and
announcement of your baby’s arrival on our website for viewing by
friends and family.
Going Home
Before you leave, you will receive special instructions from the nurses,
your physician and your baby’s pediatrician, as well as literature on
child care and development, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, nutrition for
mother, and baby’s immunizations. We know that the first few days and
weeks at home can be overwhelming, so we welcome your calls at any time
for help and advice on caring for yourself and your baby.
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