The BirthPlace Your Birth. Your Design. from Mayo Clinic Health System
Positive. Personal. Precious. The experience you want. The safe care you and your baby need. New moms often describe the birth of a baby as an experience of unimagined joy and wonder. At Mayo Clinic Health System, we know it s a very special and personal time in your life so we put you and your growing family at the heart of this extraordinary experience. We consider it a privilege to be able to care for you during the birth of your baby. We will work with you to tailor your experience to your personal preferences while always being guided by what is medically safe for you and your baby. From family involvement during labor to pain management to breast-feeding and more, please ask questions and share your ideas with your health care provider. We also have many amenities, services and educational opportunities to help enhance your overall experience and support you as you prepare to welcome and care for your new baby. We offer support for other members of your family too whether its for dad, birthing support person, siblings or grandparents. We re looking forward to caring for you during this special time. Thank you for choosing The BirthPlace. 1
The BirthPlace The BirthPlace at Mayo Clinic Health System in Red Wing is designed to create an overall comforting experience for you and your baby throughout your stay. Located on the third floor of the medical center The BirthPlace offers a safe and home-like environment for you and your family. For a virtual tour of The BirthPlace, visit www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/redwingbirthplace. Spacious Suites The BirthPlace has six birthing suites. The suites allow for labor, delivery, recovery and post-partum care to all occur in the comfort of your own private room. One suite is designed specifically to care for moms that have had a Cesarean birth. Keeping in mind the importance of comfort and relaxation during your stay, the suites are all decorated in warm, comforting tones and have views overlooking the Mississippi River bluffs. There is also a fold-out sofa for your birthing partner and a recliner and rocking chair to meet your comfort needs while laboring or while you are rocking your newborn to sleep. 2
The rooms also feature whirlpool bathtubs that can be used for comfort while laboring or for relaxation during your post-partum care. Spa amenities, such as scented lotions, bath gels and hair products are also available to you throughout your stay. Our family waiting area is always available to your visitors along with our main lobby, chapel, sun room or patio. Nutrition During your stay, you will be offered catered meals from a full menu of healthy choices developed by a registered dietician specifically for new moms. Our room service menu is available to both patients and guests between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Guests will be charged separately for their order and must be paid upon delivery. There is also a snack cart available to you and your birthing partner at any time during your stay. The cart is supplied with homemade baked goods, fruit, candy bars and beverages. Safe and Personalized Care Safety is one of our top priorities. Our specialized team of physicians, nurses and operating room staff are trained to provide you with the right care at the right time. In the event that your baby is born with complications, our connection with Mayo Clinic allows our providers to communicate with neonatologists in Rochester. A video connection is established between the neonatologist in Rochester to a tablet in the delivery room in Red Wing to allow for the specialty guidance and observation of the baby. We also feel that by providing you with a high level of personalized care your overall birthing experience will be a positive one. Focusing on family-centered care, you will have the opportunity to hold your baby as soon as possible to start the bonding process. Known as skin-to-skin care, evidence shows that this form of bonding allows newborns to tolerate lab tests and other procedures best on their mommy s tummy after birth. Some babies even choose to start breastfeeding during this time. 3
Individualized Birth Plan We encourage and fully support moms to have a birth plan in place, however, we also want you to realize that every delivery is different and your birth plan may change at any given moment. We recommend you share your ideas and plans, if any, with your health care providers during your prenatal visits. Pain Management Every mom has a different plan when it comes to pain management. Some moms choose not to have any intervention during their labor and delivery experience, while others like to be comfortable and relaxed throughout. We have many different pain management options to help fit your needs. For moms that want the more classic pain intervention we offer an epidural, a procedure that injects medicine into your spinal fluid to temporarily relieve pain from the waist down. Moms wanting more of an alternative option for a more comfortable birth experience may consider aromatherapy or utilizing our Healing Arts therapies. For those that choose aromatherapy, there are two different scents used during the process. One is to help you through the labor process and the other is to help you through the pushing phase. Other resources that moms have found soothing while laboring are the birthing ball and being immersed into the jetted bathtub. The birthing ball is a tool used to create a natural rhythm which encourages natural, easier breathing. The movement also stretches your body and moves the baby into a good position for birth. Our telemetry monitoring allows you the freedom to be mobile during your labor. We are able to monitor your baby without having you stationary in bed. 4
Healing Arts Therapy for Pregnancy For years, Healing Arts therapies have been used to help create balance and healing during pregnancies and throughout the labor and delivery process. The BirthPlace offers a variety of Healing Arts therapies which can be integrated into your birthing experience. Members of our staff have been trained in performing various modalities:» Guided imagery uses your mind to direct changes in your moods, feelings and body functions.» Essential oils can help with any pain or anxiety.» Healing music can help reduce stress, anxiety or pain by providing a healing purpose.» Healing touch uses gentle touch to help balance your body, mind, spirit and emotions. It works with your energy field to support your natural ability to heal. This may help relieve stress, anxiety, depression, pain, nausea and problems sleeping. The Healing Touch practitioner may gently touch your body or will hold his or her hands slightly over and above your body» Massage therapy helps relax, relieve pain, release tight muscles, improve blood flow, increase range of motion and strengthen the immune system.» Reflexology uses pressure points on the hands or feet that correspond to other areas of the body to improve the flow of energy, relieve pain and promote balance within the body.» Yoga therapy supports health and healing on the physical, mental and emotional levels. Cesarean Delivery If you are scheduled for a Cesarean delivery, or are in need of an emergency Cesarean, we have trained staff on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can perform a Cesarean at any time. The operating room is conveniently located in the same facility as The BirthPlace. For scheduled Cesareans, we now have the capability to perform a gentle Cesarean which really focuses on you and your newborn. With the curtain being lowered at the time of birth, you are able to witness your baby actually being born. Skin-to-skin care is also encouraged while you are still in the operating room. 5
Nursery We encourage moms to spend the first few days bonding with their newborn, but if you are in need of a break a nursery is available only steps away from each of the birthing suites. The nursery is monitored by nursing staff around-the-clock to provide the safest environment for your baby. Lactation support Our Lactation Consultants are available to you at any time during your stay. They will check in with you on a daily basis to ensure that your baby is feeding properly and help you work through any feeding difficulties. Once you are discharged, our Lactation Consultants will do a follow-up call within 24-48 hours to get an update on how your transition home is going. Safety and Security The BirthPlace has layers of security in place to help provide a safe and secure environment for you and your newborn. All BirthPlace staff will have identifiers on their uniforms so you know that it is safe to release your baby in their care for any procedure. Your baby will also be wearing an electronic security tag that will set off an alarm if the tag was being tampered with or if your baby gets too close to the exit. We also ask that all visitors sign in at the nurses station prior to entering a birthing suite. 6
Visitors and Hours We welcome family and friends to visit the new baby and support the new parents. However, moms are exhausted and find themselves torn between wanting to entertain visitors and needing time to get their much needed rest. New moms are often uncomfortable turning away visitors. To help our moms get the rest they need, we have established a quiet time between 1 and 3 p.m. every day. Moms are also encouraged to let the nurses know at any time if they are wishing for no visitors for any reason. Check out time for moms and newborns is typically around 11 a.m. Caring Hands program We have a group of trained volunteers available to provide gentle, non-therapeutic hand massage to new moms and their family members. It is our goal to make everyone as comfortable as possible during their stay with us. 7
Caring for you during your pregnancy Having the right match between you and your health care provider is an essential part of your pregnancy and baby s birth. That s why we are proud to offer new parents options of providers, in a variety of locations. Obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) physicians specialize in women s health, caring for both low- and high-risk pregnancies. The OB/GYNs offer pre-conception planning, prenatal care and counseling. They deliver babies and provide care after childbirth. OB/GYNs also provide medical and surgical management of reproductive disorders and diseases. Many women appreciate knowing that if a normal pregnancy should change to high-risk or if a Cesarean delivery would be needed, the OB/GYN is trained to handle high-risk situations. The OB/GYNs rotate through call for deliveries and are available for women who have questions or concerns during non-clinic hours. They also assist, as needed with deliveries done by Family Medicine physicians and nurse midwives. Obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) certified nurse practitioners are registered nurses with additional education and training who specialize in women s health. Our OB/GYN physicians team up with certified nurse practitioners to provide care during your pregnancy. You will see a certified nurse practitioner for some of your clinic visits and your 6-week follow up visit after delivery. An OB/GYN will deliver your baby. Family Medicine physicians are trained to care for people of all ages. Women can choose a Family Medicine physician who offers obstetrics services for their preconception planning, prenatal care and counseling, postnatal care, newborn care and beyond. Some family medicine physicians also offer delivery services. Family Medicine physicians do take care of the medical needs of infants after delivery. They can care for the entire family. Many women appreciate the continuity of care Family Medicine physicians offer throughout the pregnancy and after. 8
Family Medicine certified nurse practitioners are registered nurses with additional education and training. They can diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions and offer preventive care for people of all ages. They work closely with Family Medicine physicians. Family Medicine physicians who offer obstetrics care team up with certified nurse practitioners during your pregnancy. You will see a certified nurse practitioner for some of your clinic visits. Your Family Medicine physician or an OB/GYN will deliver your baby and provide follow up care. Certified nurse midwives are registered nurses with an advanced education in women s health. They care for healthy women during pregnancy. They offer pre-conception planning, prenatal care and consultation, childbirth services and postpartum care. Certified nurse midwives focus on the importance of patient participation, patient and family education, commitment to low intervention and highly supportive care. Family Medicine physicians or OB/GYNs are available for support and consultation. Some midwives team up with our OB/GYNs to deliver the baby. Working Together with Mayo Clinic Women who have high-risk pregnancies involving obstetric, medical, surgical or genetic complications might need special monitoring or care during pregnancy. Our OB/GYN physicians are trained in caring for these types of high-risk pregnancies. If a situation arises that needs further specialized care, our partners from Mayo Clinic are available to assist. These specialists complement obstetrical care providers, and can co-manage complex conditions before or during pregnancy. They may assist in pre-conception care and counseling, genetic testing, diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, obstetric ultrasound, integrated care for chronic conditions during pregnancy, obstetric complications and targeted imaging for babies at risk for certain conditions. 9
OB Shared Care Program The OB Shared Care Program is an integrated health care model. Your Family Medicine physican in partnership with obstetricians/gynecologists (OB/GYN) within Mayo Clinic Health System work together to deliver the best care to you during your pregnancy and delivery. You will receive the majority of your prenatal and postpartum care from your Family Medicine physicians, continuing to have easy access to the same provider before and after delivering your baby. The BirthPlace in Red Wing has been designated as the birthing center for those participating in the OB Shared Care Program. The following clinics have Family Medicine physicians participating in the program: Cannon Falls Ellsworth Lake City Red Wing Wabasha Zumbrota Plainview After the arrival of your new baby, a Family Medicine physician or pediatrician from Mayo Clinic Health System will provide care while in the hospital. Upon discharge, your care will be transitioned to your Family Medicine physician. 10
Postpartum and newborn care The BirthPlace staff is more than happy to help you in arranging your follow-up postpartum and newborn care. Please share with staff the name of your Family Medicine physician. Staff will assist you in scheduling follow-up appointments and continued care at your primary care clinic. 11
FREE Childbirth Education Classes Preparing for your little miracle begins months before you arrive at the hospital to have your baby. Our education series and support services will help prepare you for the birth of your baby and assist you in your parenting role. We offer professional instruction, guidance and support in helping you make choices regarding pregnancy, labor, birth, parenting and wellness. We also offer an online program. The program is an option for those parents who cannot attend conventional prenatal classes or would like home-based education. It may also be used as a refresher course or to reinforce what you learned in class. For a complete list of the classes we offer, please reference your Childbirth Education handout or visit our website at mayoclinichealthsystem.org\redwing. Register early. Class size is limited and classes fill quickly. During your hospital stay During the hospital stay after the birth of your baby, our staff continues to answer any questions you may have. We are committed to helping you increase your enjoyment and confidence as a new parent. Our staff continues to offer individualized education in infant cares, feeding and behavior, car seat safety, maternal care, nutrition and family adjustments. 12
Our caring goes on and on Your questions don t end once your baby is born. Ongoing support and education are available for you, for whatever you need. Our team of Childbirth Educators and Lactation Consultants meet with mothers and their babies on Mondays and Thursdays from 2 to 3 p.m. During those times, we will address feeding issues, weigh your baby, check for jaundice or skin issues, and healing of the umbilical cord and circumcision. On the first and third Thursday of each month, time is set aside for mothers to share and learn from one another about the particular needs of infants at different stages of the newborn period and your role as a new parent. You are invited to attend as many classes as you would like up until the baby is three months of age. Sibling care is provided to allow time to ask questions about mom and baby as you transition to feeding and caring for your newborn at home. Dads and grandparents are also welcome to come along and ask questions to provide the best support for you and your baby. 13
Choosing a provider for your new baby Where do you start to find the perfect health care provider for your precious new baby? Consider your own communication style. As a new parent, you should be able to ask anything, no matter how trivial, and get the information you need. It s important you feel comfortable with your choice of provider. By thinking about this during your pregnancy, you can make a decision by the time your baby has arrived. To learn about the many qualified providers who are available to care for your baby and which clinic locations are convenient to your home or work, call 651-267-5000. A provider directory is also available for your reference. If you d like a copy, please ask for one when you call. 14
When you ve narrowed it down to a couple of choices, you can also set up a free interview with each provider. Call the department where that provider is located, ask for a prenatal interview, and the reception staff will arrange the visit. If possible, both parents should be present at the interview. Prepare a set of questions for your session. Your baby s health care provider will be taking care of your baby for many years (perhaps as many as 18!). Mayo Clinic Health System offers a wide choice of providers for new parents and their babies including pediatricians, family physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants in a variety of locations. What is a pediatrician? A pediatrician is a specialist with a four-year medical school degree and three additional years of residency training solely in pediatrics. They have the skills to treat a broad range of childhood illness from the most serious of disease to everyday problems. Some pediatricians have also received further specialized training in a specific area such as allergy, neurology or developmental issues. Many people appreciate knowing that their baby s doctor has advanced training in childhood illnesses and development. What is a Family Medicine physician? A Family Medicine physician is a specialist with a four-year medical school degree with three additional years of residency training in family medicine, which encompasses all major medical areas. Family Medicine physicians focus on whole-family relationships and caring for people of all ages. Many people appreciate knowing that their family doctor can also care for their new baby and everyone else in the family and has a complete picture of unique needs and family situation. If you are seeing a family doctor for your pregnancy, discuss this with him or her early in your pregnancy if you d like to continue this relationship with your new child. What is an advanced care provider? An advanced care provider could be an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner or a Physician Assistant. While each of these training programs is different, an advanced care provider has received advanced, detailed training in the care of infants and children. They provide primary care for children, can order and interpret diagnostic and lab tests and prescribe medication. Their focus is often on holistic care tailored to individuals. As with family physicians, advanced care providers also focus on whole-family relationships. Mayo Clinic Health System offers highly qualified advanced care providers in the regional area. 15
Notes