About Your Room
Your room contains a special bed that is controlled by push buttons. Your nurse will show you where these buttons are located and how to use them. The TV controls and nurse call light are also located on the bedside rails. When you activate the nurse call light a nurse or nurse assistant will come to your room or talk to you through the intercom system.

You will be given a package of supplies which includes sanitary pads, disposable briefs, peribottle, and waterproof pads for your bed. These supplies are included in your hospital bill. Clean linen and towels will be brought to your room each morning, or whenever necessary. Please ask for any additional linens, including more pillows and warm blankets, when you need them for comfort. A clothes closet is available for your convenience. A safe is available for valuables. We encourage you to bring just what you need for your stay. The hospital and the Family Birth Center are not responsible for your valuables or personal belongings.

Meals
Meals are served at approximately 8 a.m., 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Extra snacks and beverages are available at any time, as well as refrigerator space for keeping snacks from home. Other family members may bring meals and snacks from the cafeteria if they wish to join you for a meal. A candlelight dinner or lunch is also offered to you and whomever you choose to share it with. You may choose to have the nurses watch your baby during this time.

Visiting
Your family and visitors are welcome to be with you whenever you wish. Should you want more private time with your baby or time to sleep without being disturbed, there is a sign available at the nurses station that says “Please do not disturb.” You may also ask your nurse to hold all telephone calls and limit visitors. Formal health screening for colds or infections is not done by the hospital staff. Please be sure your visitors are healthy and that everyone washes their hands before touching the baby. We request that children under the age of 12 who are not brothers or sisters of the new baby have adult supervision. Here at Gritman Medical Center, we want to make sure that your visit with us is as comfortable as possible.

Rooming In
We believe that mothers rest and sleep more comfortably when their babies are close by them. So, we encourage you to keep your baby with you in your room. It is important to know that breastfeeding frequently and without long interruptions will help you to establish a good milk supply. It may also prevent engorgement and will encourage frequent bowel movements for your baby, which reduces the likelihood of jaundice. If you are having trouble settling your baby, your nurse will be happy to help you. Her suggestions will be very helpful after you’ve taken your baby home. If there is a time when you would like us to care for your infant, please let your nurse know.

Your Infant’s Safety
A unique feature of our Family Birth Center is our Infant Security System. The Family Birth Center wishes to provide a safe and healthy environment for you and your baby. In order to achieve this, the following measures are used. A security band will be place on your baby’s ankle, which allows the Family Birth Center staff to monitor if your baby gets close to an exit or if the band is removed. The band will alarm at the nurse's station and will notify the Family Birth Center staff of the baby’s name, room number and location. Two (2) numbered bracelets will be placed on your baby along with matching bracelets for the mother and father (or significant other chosen by the mother).

The safety and security of your baby is very important. Never leave your baby unattended. Close your room door while you shower or use the bathroom. Ask to see the identification of anyone who comes to take your baby for a test or procedure. Anyone visiting your baby in the nursery must be identified by you first. Please report any suspicious persons to your nurse immediately. We urge you to continue to be aware of your baby’s safety once you are at home.

Family Support
We promote family centered care, so for your convenience there is a sleeping couch in your room. This allows one person to rest or sleep during your labor and stay. Feel free to ask the nurses for anything that you or your family needs during your stay.

While each baby is a unique individual, there are certain characteristics and behaviors that are common to newborns. This section will describe some of the physical and behavioral traits you may notice in your baby during the first few weeks of life. If you or your family members have any questions, do not hesitate to ask the nursing staff.