Maternity Services at Northwest Medical Center

You are about to experience one of life's greatest joys! At Northwest Medical Center we understand that for a newborn baby, first impressions are everything. That's why we are dedicated to providing the most caring and comfortable childbirth experience possible.

From the earliest stages of your pregnancy we're here for you every step of the way to answer your questions, address your concerns and share your excitement.

When the big day arrives, our private Labor-Delivery-Recovery (LDR) rooms offer comfort and luxury along with the latest medical technology and a highly skilled medical team.

We look forward to sharing this magical time with you, and we encourage you to schedule a tour so that you may see the beautiful amenities we have to offer. If you have any questions before or after your baby is born, you may speak with a member of our staff by calling (954) 978-4350

Special Classes for You and Your Family

At Northwest Medical Center, a first-class childbirth experience begins with classes first. Whether you are a first-time mom or not, we offer a variety of classes to answer your questions about pregnancy, nutrition, exercise, childbirth and infant care. Topics covered include:

• Childbirth Preparation
• Breastfeeding Support
• Baby Care
• Sibling Class

For a current schedule of classes, please call 1-866-4HCA-DOCS (442-2362).

Download the Childbirth Class flier.

Pre-registration

One of the most important things you should take care of before your baby's birth is pre-registration. We offer this service as a convenience that enables you to experience the joy of your "big day" without the need for filling out excessive paperwork. To facilitate the process, we request that you pre-register prior to your fifth month of pregnancy.

A pre-registration form (PDF - 32KB) is included in this packet for your convenience. You can mail the completed form to us or register in person in the Admitting Office, Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 4:30 PM.

Once the enclosed form is completed, you will be asked to sign various consent forms. If you have any questions about pre-registration, feel free to call (954) 978-4040.

In addition, you are encouraged to notify your insurance carrier that you are pregnant. This gives you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with what your plan covers long before your baby is due.

What to Bring to the Hospital on Your Special Day

Because babies have a timetable of their own, we suggest you have an overnight bag packed and ready to go well in advance of your due date. Some of the items you may want to bring include:

• Nightgowns, underwear and nursing bras if you plan to nurse
• A comfortable robe and slippers
• Personal items like "that special pillow"
• Toiletries and cosmetics
• A comfortable going home outfit for you and your baby
• Important phone numbers and information such as your Social Security number
• An approved infant car seat

Birth Certificate and Social Security Number

A birth certificate must be completed and submitted to the Broward County Health Department and the Office of Vital Statistics for all newborns born in the hospital or newborns brought to the hospital immediately following birth.  We encourage you to provide all the information needed and complete the paternity affidavit (if necessary).  A representative from the Medical Records Department will visit you after your delivery to begin the process.

The social security number will be sent to you by mail within eight weeks.

Choose a Pediatrician

During admission you will be asked to provide the name and phone number of your chosen pediatrician. We will notify him or her as soon as your baby is born. If your pediatrician or family practice physician is not on staff at northwest medical Center, your new baby will be cared for by our in-house pediatrician during your stay.

If you need help selecting a doctor, we will be happy to provide you with a list of obstetricians and pediatricians who are on staff at Northwest Medical Center.

When it's Time to be Admitted

When you think you are in labor or your water breaks, call your obstetrician immediately. He or she will notify us to prepare for your arrival.

When you arrive at the hospital, you may use the main hospital entrance from Monday-Friday between 6:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M., or the Emergency Room entrance after hours. The Maternity Services Department is on the third floor. Upon your arrival our staff will greet you and escort you to a suite where your labor status will be assessed. It is best to discuss with your obstetrician in advance who you would like present during the delivery. During labor, other family and friends are welcome to wait in our comfortable waiting area.

Maternity Care in our Labor-Delivery-Recovery Rooms

With our one-room birthing procedure, your labor, delivery and recovery will be a coordinated series of events taking place within the same private, comfortable room.

Each Labor-Delivery-Recovery (LDR) room is equipped with the most sophisticated medical technology available and beautifully appointed with home-like décor. The LDR room provides a warm, loving environment where the family can relax and bond with the new arrival in comfort and safety.

Should your physician determine that a Cesarean Section is necessary, our state-of-the-art C-section and recovery rooms are located adjacent to the birthing suites.

Anesthesia Services

Long before delivery, you and your obstetrician should discuss the various anesthesia options available to you during childbirth. Complete anesthesia services are available to you 24-hours a day during your hospital stay.

Neonatology Services

Level II Neonatal Intensive Care services are available should your baby require specialized care. Our neonatologists are available around the clock.

Your Baby's First Lullaby

As part of our dedication to making your childbirth a memorable experience, we have introduced a system that acknowledges new births throughout the hospital with an 18-second unique lullaby.

Parents are invited to push a button that transmits the lullaby over the intercom system to spread the joy and happiness of the new birth to all corners of the hospital.

Photos and Videos

Please speak with your obstetrician to obtain his or her consent before making plans to photograph or record your baby's birth.

Mother and Baby Care

We encourage "rooming in." In keeping with our philosophy of family-centered maternity care, you may have your baby with you throughout your entire hospital stay. Our skilled maternity staff will be available to monitor and care for your newborn during those times that you prefer to rest. Our state-of-the-art nursery also includes an advanced infant security system.

Visiting Hours

Recognizing the importance of bonding with newborns, a support person of your choice is welcome to stay overnight.

Our maternity staff encourages family and close friends to visit. However, proper rest for both you and your baby is important so we ask that visitors come between 9 A.M. and 9 P.M. We recommend that healthy siblings be the only children visiting. Individuals with colds or other illnesses are strongly discouraged from visiting during your stay.

Going Home

Your obstetrician and pediatrician will determine when is the best time for you and your baby to go home. Once you have been discharged, your nurse will provide you with instructions and any assistance you need.

Please keep in mind that in the State of Florida, it is a law that you must provide an approved infant car seat for your baby's ride home from the hospital and all subsequent car trips.

As Your Baby Grows, so will Your Relationship with Us

Northwest Medical Center offers a full range of children's services to care for your child from birth through adolescence.

Our Department of Children's Services includes in-house pediatricians 24 hours a day who will see your child in the Emergency Department. They are also available to care for your child should hospitalization be necessary, providing your child with continuity of care throughout their hospital stay.

Our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for critically ill children of all ages.

The Children's Services nursing staff are all trained in Pediatric Advanced Life Support and will provide a warm, comforting, home-like environment for patients and their families. Cable TV, VCRs, a playroom, video games and a kitchen are all available. A child life specialist and a social worker are on staff to make your child's stay as comfortable as possible.

Our Children's Services also include pediatric subspecialists, pediatric surgery, general anesthesia and a pediatric-friendly Emergency Department with minimum waiting times.

We're Here for You

The Maternity Services staff at northwest Medical Center is committed to making your birthing experience a truly joyful and memorable one. If there is anything we can do, please give us a call. We are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We look forward to sharing the first impressions of your new baby with you and your family.

Congratulations once again!