Q:
Is there any paperwork I need to complete prior to coming to the hospital for the birth of my baby?
A:
Anytime during your pregnancy, you can come to Acorn Pediatrics or go to the Labor and Delivery Department of Bozeman Deaconess Hospital and pick up a packet to fill out prior to the birth of your baby. This packet includes consent forms for the care of your newborn. After completing the forms, you can either bring them to your obstetrician or family practitioner at your next prenatal appointment or you can bring it with you when you come to the hospital for the birth of your baby. There is no other pre-registration necessary.
Q:
Where do I go at the hospital when I feel it’s time for the birth of my baby?
A:
When you feel it is time to come to the hospital for the birth of your baby, call your obstetrician or family practitioner. If your doctor agrees that it is time, you may go directly to the Labor and Delivery Department on the second floor of Bozeman Deaconess Hospital.
Q:
What can I expect to happen during my baby’s delivery?
A:
Many families have specific ideas of how they would like their birthing experience to go. If you make those wishes known, the people assisting you with the delivery of your baby will do their best to carry out your wishes. Sometimes, however, not all of your desires can be met. Rest assured that everyone will always have the same goal – helping you have a healthy baby.
Q:
How about after delivery?
A:
After your baby is delivered, your baby will be cleaned and warmed under some warming lights. Your baby will then be swaddled in a blanket. Then you will likely have the opportunity to nurse your baby if you so choose. The nurse will check your baby’s weight and height. A lactation consultant will work with you if you are breastfeeding. Bottles and formula will be provided if you are bottle feeding. Diapers and wipes are also provided.
Throughout your baby’s stay in the hospital, you can have your baby in your room with you as much as you’d like, or you can have the nurses watch your baby in the nursery so you can get some rest. A pediatrician will also check on your baby everyday that you are in the hospital.
Before your baby is discharged from the hospital, the nurses will check the baby's hearing. A small amount of blood will be obtained from your baby's heel to test for a variety of inherited conditions (PKU, thyroid disease, and many others). The first hepatitis B vaccine is given routinely. If your baby is a boy, he can be circumcised if you so choose..
Q:
When do I need to have the pediatrician see my baby in the clinic?
A:
Typically you will be asked to bring your baby to the pediatrician 2-3 days after you leave the hospital. The next visit with the pediatrician will be when your baby is 3 weeks old. Immunizations are next given when your baby is 2 months old.
