BY AMY BARBEE JUNE 2016
Getting ready for a baby is an exciting time, but it can also be a stressful one filled with many plans that must be made. One of the most important decisions you’ll make during this time is choosing where to deliver your baby. We want to help you make the most informed decision possible. To accomplish this, we have provided a list of hospitals, along with various birthing statistics that we feel every expecting parent should know.
It is important to schedule a hospital tour and attend a birthing class, as this will provide you with additional information on the policies and procedures specific to that hospital. It will also give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. We hope the information provided here will lead to the best delivery possible for you and your baby.
Coliseum Medical Center
Family Ties Birthing Center
350 Hospital Drive, Macon
Number of babies delivered in 2015: 1,100
Number of unplanned caesarian sections: N/A
Alternative birthing options. For example, water births, parental use of placenta, immediate breastfeeding, delayed removal of the vernix caseosa: We work with patients to meet their needs.
Private LDR: All our labor rooms are private.
Minimum required stay after delivery: Vaginal birth 24 hours. C-section 48 hours.
Midwives/doulas allowed: Yes. Certified midwives are an active part of a delivery; doulas are there as a support for moms during labor.
Number of people allowed in LDR: 3
Postpartum infection rate: N/A
Neonatal infection rate: 0%
Tours offered: Yes
How to schedule a tour: Call 478.746.464.6
Classes offered: Child birth and breastfeeding classes
How to schedule a class: Classes are free and can be scheduled through Consult-A-Nurse program at 478.746.4646, or by going to coliseumdelivers.com.
Houston Medical Center
The Women’s Center
1601 Watson Boulevard, Warner Robins
Number of babies delivered in 2015: 2,020
Number of unplanned caesarian sections: Approximately 250
Alternative birthing options. For example, water births, parental use of placenta, immediate breastfeeding, delayed removal of the vernix caseosa: We offer water birth. However, there are some restrictions, and education prior to delivery is required. We practice delayed infant bathing since evidence shows so many benefits related to it. We do offer parental use of placenta if they desire.
Private LDR: Yes, all rooms are private.
Minimum required stay after delivery: Vaginal birth 24 hours. C-section 48 hours.
Midwives/doulas allowed: We do allow the presence of doulas and midwives. Doulas are provided by the patient and are available to coach the patient through labor and delivery. We have midwives as part of our medical staff at Houston Medical Center. They participate in the prenatal care, labor, and delivery of the infant.
Number of people allowed in LDR: 3
Postpartum infection rate: Less than 1%
Neonatal infection rate: 0%
Tours Offered: Yes
How to schedule a tour: Tours of the Women’s Center can be scheduled on the hospital website at www.hhc.org/calendar. Tours are offered between the hours of 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday. Photo identification is required at the time of the tour to ensure the safety of our smallest patients.
Classes offered: Baby Care Boot Camp, Breastfeeding Class, Working and Breastfeeding Made Simple, Gestational Diabetes Education Program, Grandparenting 101, Great Expectations Prepared Childbirth Series, and Sibling Class. Most classes are free.
How to schedule a class: Through our EduCare department by calling 478.923.9771, or for more information, visit hhc.org.
The Medical Center, Navicent Health
Family Birth Center
777 Hemlock Street, Macon
Number of babies delivered in 2015: over 2,700
Number of unplanned caesarian sections: 1,062
Alternative birthing options. For example, water births, parental use of placenta, immediate breastfeeding, delayed removal of the vernix caseosa: At the Family Birth Center, we want each family’s experience to be personalized and memorable. We partner with expecting mothers to develop birth plans so that each birth is tailored to meet the desires of the family. We offer hydrotherapy, as well as immediate breastfeeding—referred to as “the Magic Hour.” Newborns are bathed within six hours unless otherwise requested, and we offer parental use of the placenta upon request.
Private LDR: Yes, all rooms are private.
Minimum required stay after delivery: Vaginal birth 24–48 hours. C-Section 48–72 hours.
Midwives/doulas allowed: Yes, both doulas and midwives are welcome in partnership with physicians and are active in the Family Birth Center. Again, we strive to tailor each experience for the family in order to meet their desires. If the mother prefers to partner with a doula or a midwife, they are welcome!
Number of people allowed in LDR: 3
Postpartum infection rate: Data not available at time of publication
Neonatal infection rate: Data not available at time of publication
Tours Offered: Yes
How to schedule a tour: Group tours of the Family Birth Center are offered each Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Please contact us at 478.633.BABY to register for a tour.
Classes offered: Prepared Childbirth—for first time expectant mothers, their coaches, and supporters; Prepared Childbirth Refresher—for expectant mothers who have delivered before, as well as their coaches and supporters; Baby Care Basics; Breastfeeding; Car Seat Safety; Infant CPR; Sibling Classes—for children ages 3–10 expecting a baby brother or sister. There is a nominal fee for our Prepared Childbirth Class. All other classes are offered at no charge.
How to schedule a class: Register by calling 478.633.BABY, or visitingnavicenthealth.org/beginnings.