Bright Beginnings
Welcome to The Women’s Health Center at Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) and congratulations! We know that a new arrival in the family is a precious event. That is why we are committed to making sure you are fully prepared to meet the challenges and joys that your baby will bring. Our care is family-centered and we want to ensure that every member of the family is involved.
Hospital Operator Admission Department
(985) 873-4141 (985) 873-4009
Childbirth Educator
(985) 858-7173
Lactation Department
(985) 858-7279
Labor and Delivery
(985) 873-4141
www.tgmc.com
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Our family-centered comprehensive Women’s Health Center offers the latest in technology and procedures, private and spacious rooms, and the most experienced team of OB/GYN physicians in the region. Our team of healthcare professionals at TGMC is highly qualified and experienced in maternal and infant care. They are here to meet your needs from the beginning of your pregnancy, right through to the delivery of your baby.
Every mother has different ideas and expectations for her birth experience. With that in mind, TGMC offers quality care to each new mother, including individual choices related to your birth experience. Beginning a few months before your delivery, TGMC offers classes and information to help you on your way to the big day. Our classes are designed to meet the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the entire family. For high-risk pregnancy, TGMC has maternal-fetal medicine physicians who will work with your OB doctor to coordinate your plan of care. Our full-service radiology department offers a wide range of diagnostic procedures including 3D ultrasounds. Our level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is available for newborns needing intensive care. Prior to discharge, our knowledgeable staff will provide you with the necessary information to help you navigate your way through the first few months after delivery. We strive to ensure parents leave the hospital feeling prepared to care for themselves and their newborn. Our commitment to new moms and babies also extends through education and encouragement, emotional support and resources, safe birthing practices, skin-to-skin contact, and 24-hour rooming in. We hope you find the following contents helpful in preparation for your new arrival.
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TGMC
internationally
designated
BabyFriendly BIRTHING
FACILITY
The Baby Friendly Initiative is all about empowering mothers to make informed decisions about her baby’s care.
Our practices are supported by evidencebased guidelines in maternity care. Baby Friendly is a testament to our outstanding physicians, nurses, and staff at TGMC who are committed to delivering the best possible care to babies and families. With the implementation of the “10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding,” more mothers in our community successfully breastfeed for greater lengths of time. Our hospital has also been recognized on a national level by the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality (NICHQ) and National Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and prevention for achieving this impressive recognition.
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Preparing for your Baby’s Arrival After completing your patient information form at your doctor’s office, TGMC will contact you to set up an appointment to complete your pre-admission process. Your journey will begin at the hostess desk located on the 2nd floor in the lobby of the Women’s Health Center with your insurance card and picture ID. During this appointment, you will receive important information about your upcoming delivery and view an educational video. If you have a specific concern or would like to tour our unit, an appointment can be made to meet with a member of our staff.
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Classes Our Bight Beginnings program offers you and your family a variety of classes to prepare you for delivery and postpartum recovery. Our certified childbirth educators will provide you with the latest information in a professional and caring environment.
Prepared Childbirth Classes This series of five classes is designed
SIGN UP
EARLY FOR
MORE
OPTIONS
& FLEXIBILITY Get the class times you desire.
You can register online at
www.tgmc.com. For questions regarding our programs or to schedule a tour, please call our Childbirth Education department at (985) 858-7173.
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to educate the first-time mother and her family. It also serves as an excellent review for even the most experienced couples. Current information on pregnancy, childbirth options and baby care are presented in a manner designed to help the expectant mother and her family feel comfortable making all necessary decisions involved with a positive childbirth experience.
Teen Prepared Childbirth This one time, five-hour class is designed to educate the teenage mother and her family for the delivery and care of her baby. Information on pregnancy, childbirth and baby care will be discussed.
New Mother’s Support Group This one-hour meeting provides new mothers the opportunity to get out of the house, be around other women and their infants in the community, and get needed information on healthcare concerns during the first year of life. Please bring your baby and any siblings with you.
Sibling Class This one-hour class is designed to meet
Infant Massage Class
the needs for children ages 2-10 who
To help promote parent/infant bonding
will be becoming big brothers or sisters.
and the importance of touch in your
Relationship building, feeding, holding,
child’s development, we offer an Infant
and normal newborn care are included in
Massage Class to educate parents and
this informative and entertaining class.
caregivers on massage techniques.
A tour of the Women’s Health Center
Infant massage is a common practice
is included at the end of the class to
in many parts of the world and provides
familiarize your child with our facility.
numerous health benefits. This class meets once, and educates parents on
Breastfeeding Class This class is designed to prepare the expectant mother and family who are choosing to breastfeed, or to help those families uncertain of their
how massage could reduce stress, colic, and helps their babies to sleep. Bring your baby to class!
Infant CPR
feeding choice with the decision-making
This is a one-hour class designed to
process. Topics covered include breast
teach parents and family basic infant
changes during pregnancy, preparing
CPR skills and choking relief. Infant
to breastfeed, proper positioning,
CPR includes chest compressions and
latch techniques, common problems
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. With
and solutions, and returning to work
CPR training, you will learn how to assess
while maintaining your milk supply.
an infant (birth to a year) and perform
Plan to attend before delivery.
CPR. Classes are 5:30pm – 6:30pm.
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Women who attend
classes
learn how to cope with the
Managing your Labor Natural pain relief during labor Non-pharmacological methods of pain relief can be very effective during labor and childbirth. Techniques such as patterned breathing, relaxation, and visualization can increase the production of endorphins and relieve pain. Birth partner support, position changes, massage, emptying the bladder, and a relaxing
DISCOMFORTS
environment can be very beneficial by lessening
of
Childbirth Classes can help prepare you and
LABOR &
less often require
medication for pain relief
the sensation of labor contractions. Our Prepared your coach for a comfortable, natural delivery.
Pain relief options during labor There are several options for pain relief during labor. Systemic medications and regional anesthesia, including the epidural, are available upon request. Discuss your options for pain relief with your healthcare provider so you can make an informed choice in managing your labor. Our Labor and Delivery unit is staffed 24 hours a day with a member of our anesthesia team to meet your needs.
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Safe Birthing Practices If your pregnancy is healthy, it is best to allow labor to take a natural course. The last few weeks of pregnancy allow your baby’s brain and lungs to fully mature. Research indicates that early elective inductions could pose a significant health risk to infants including problems with breathing, temperature, and blood glucose levels.
Expert Guidelines The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists is a national organization of the doctors who deliver babies. The following guidelines are based on advice from ACOG. Your doctor will use these guidelines to make a safe decision about whether or not an elective induction is best for you and your baby.
Before electively inducing labor: • Your doctor must verify that you have not had an up and down scar on your uterus (classical incision) or major surgery on your uterus. • Your doctor must be sure of your due date so as not to start labor too early, before your baby is fully developed. • Doctor recommended guidelines consider weeks pregnant for elective induction. • Your cervix should be soft and ready to open (dilated). Your doctor can tell this by examining your cervix to find out if it’s ready for labor.
There are numerous medical reasons for inducing labor prior to your due date. It may be necessary for the health of the mother or the baby. Your doctor may consult a Perinatologist, who cares for high risk mothers and babies before birth, or a Neonatologist, who cares for high risk babies after birth. The risks and the benefits will be fully discussed with you by your doctor.
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Touch is one of your baby’s
most ADVANCED
SENSES at birth
Early skin-to-skin contact Skin-to-skin means your baby is placed belly-down, directly onto your chest right after he/she is born. The first hours after birth are a very important time for you and your baby to get to know each other. If you or your baby are medically unstable at delivery and require intensive care, immediate skin-to-skin contact may not be possible. You and your baby’s well-being is our priority. Benefits of Skin-To-Skin Include: • Baby is able to maintain a warmer body temperature • Baby is able to stabilize heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure faster • Your baby has higher blood sugar • Baby is less likely to cry
Skin-to-skin contact will help you bond with your baby. Research has shown that moms, who practice skin-to-skin at delivery and after, touch and cuddle their babies more. They are also better able to respond to their baby’s cues and needs.
Snuggling gives you and your baby the best start for breastfeeding. Research has shown that babies placed skin-to-skin after birth breastfeed better and longer. Keeping your baby close, especially during the first days after delivery makes it easier to know when and how often to feed.
Skin-to-skin is beneficial beyond delivery. It is best to keep cuddling your baby skin-to-skin even after you leave the hospital. Your baby will stay warm and comfortable on your chest and the benefits of bonding, soothing, and breastfeeding will likely continue well after birth.
Delayed Bathing It is best to wait at least 24 hours to give your baby a bath. If you are feeling up to it, you and your family can give the baby their first bath. Waiting helps protect your baby’s thin skin, helps fight germs and regulate their temperature.
Dads can snuggle too! Babies also benefit from skin-to-skin time with dad. Fathers and mothers who hold babies skin-to-skin help keep baby calm and content.
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New mothers are able to quickly respond to
their baby’s feeding cues
when they stay together.
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Rooming In / Safe Sleep Practices At TGMC, we believe strong family bonds start at birth. During your hospital stay, your baby will remain in your room with you at all times. This will allow you and your loved ones the opportunity to get to know the newest addition to your family. It will also help reduce interruptions of sleep and feedings.
Research has shown that keeping mothers and babies together during their hospital stay leads to better breastfeeding success and greatly improves an infant’s transition to life outside the womb. Keeping families together during these early important days helps moms and dads to adjust to parenthood and learn their new baby’s behaviors. Please be assured that our staff is available 24/7 and you will be given your nurse’s direct number if questions or needs arise. Our staff will also visit your room to check on you frequently. During your hospital stay, the safest place for your baby to sleep is in the baby crib in your room. Your hospital bed is designed for adults, not for babies, so there is a greater risk of falls when your baby sleeps in bed with you. We encourage you to practice skin-to-skin as often as possible during the early days; however, if you are feeling sleepy, are taking strong pain medication, or feel that you are too impaired to respond safely to your infant, please, let the staff know so that they can safely place your infant in the crib next to your bed. Many moms find it very helpful to have another family member stay with them while in the hospital to help with the baby so that they can nap frequently. New mothers and babies need time to heal and recover from birth. “Cuddle time” gives a new mother and her champion the special time they need to be alone with their baby. It is a time to bond and become a family and to catch up on needed rest. Visitors in the Women’s Health Center are asked to honor this time set aside for parents and their new baby daily from 2 – 4 pm. To help create a soothing environment, the lights are dimmed and staff will announce the beginning of Cuddle Time. We have a Neonatal Observation Unit where babies may be brought to be observed by medical and nursing staff in the event of emergencies and certain medical procedures that cannot be done at your bedside. All other routine procedures will be done in your room.
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Benefits of Breastfeeding There are many benefits of breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics, along with the World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life as scientific evidence shows breast milk provides all the nutrients needed for proper growth and development for most babies. During the first year of life, breast milk continues to provide your baby with nutrition, disease protection, and comfort while you slowly introduce solid foods. Breast milk is healthier than any other food or drink. Many mothers choose to continue breastfeeding beyond the first year. Research shows additional long term benefits are received the longer a baby is breastfed.
Benefits for baby:
Breast milk may protect against many health problems:
• Easily digested • Perfectly matched nutrition
• Asthma
• Protection against disease
• Bacterial meningitis
• Fewer allergies
• Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
• Protection against obesity
• Diarrhea
• Higher IQ scores
• Hodgkin’s disease • Inner ear infections • Stomach and intestinal problems • Infection in preterm infants • Leukemia and Lymphoma • Obesity • Respiratory tract infections • SIDS • Urinary tract infections
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Mothers and families also benefit from breastfeeding. Breast milk is always available and just the right temperature. Your baby won’t have to wait! Decreased cost on the family budget is another great benefit of breastfeeding. Expenses associated with a newborn can add up quickly. You can produce the most nutritious food for your baby for free!
Benefits for Mother and Families: • Convenient • Economical • Helps uterus to return to its normal size and decrease bleeding • Reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis • Reduced incidence of breast and ovarian cancers • Lowered risk of maternal postpartum depression • Helps moms to return to their pre-pregnancy weight • Contributes to a very special and loving relationship • A beautiful and intimate way for a mother to bond with her baby
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Preparing to Breastfeed Our Lactation Services offers a prenatal breastfeeding class designed to prepare the expectant family. We encourage all families planning to breastfeed or those who would like additional information in order to make an informed decision to attend this educational class. For expectant mothers who have specific concerns related to breastfeeding preparations, a private prenatal consult can be scheduled with our Lactation Consultant.
Lactation Services For mothers choosing to breastfeed their babies, TGMC offers the opportunity to meet with a Lactation Consultant during pregnancy and After delivery, you will receive a
following delivery. If you do not meet
Breastfeeding Journal. This journal
with the Lactation Consultant while you
is designed to help guide you through
are in the hospital, arrangements can be
the first week of breastfeeding.
made for a visit on an outpatient basis.
During this time, it is important to record each feeding, wet diaper, and
Our outstanding Lactation Services
bowel movements using the daily
drove the Baby Friendly Initiative.
chart. Information on what to expect
By having your baby in our Women’s
each day will guide you along the way.
Health Center, you can be confident
Bring your journal with you to your
that all of our practices will support
baby’s doctor appointments and
your decision to breastfeed and will be
lactation consultations.
based upon the most current evidenced based guidelines of maternity care.
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Early Initiation of Breastfeeding The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends newborns should begin breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth, preferably within the first hour. Newborns should be fed 8-12 times every 24 hours or whenever they show signs of hunger. The amount of time a feeding lasts is different for each baby. It could last 10 to 45 minutes. It is important to allow your baby to finish the feeding completely. Milk production is regulated by supply
TGMC was the
and demand. The more milk removed, the more milk being made. During the first few days, your baby will receive colostrum. It is very thick and high in protein, vitamins, minerals and immunoglobulins, which protect the baby from a variety of bacterial and viral illnesses. Although it may seem like your baby is not getting enough milk, colostrum is all a baby needs to meet the nutritional requirements for the first few days. As your baby continues to nurse, his/her stomach will begin to expand as the quantity and the composition of your breast milk changes. You can expect your mature milk to be present within four days after birth. As your baby grows, your milk will continue
GIFTfacility in the
region
GIFT certified hospitals use the best practice model to increase breastfeeding initiation, duration, and support.
to change to meet his/her specific needs.
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Positioning and Latch It is important to hold your baby close with your baby’s belly against your belly and his/her ears, shoulders and hips all in alignment. The cradle, cross-cradle,
Signs of a good latch-on: • All of the nipple and as much of the areola as possible is in your baby’s mouth
football and side lying are different positions you may want to use. Choose
• Lips flanged or turned out
which one works best for you and your baby. With his nose level with your nipple, you can gently tickle his/her upper lip, which will stimulate him to open his/ her mouth wide for nursing. When your baby’s mouth opens wide, press his/her chin to your breast. This will allow your baby to tip his head back so he can open his/her mouth wider. When his/her mouth is open, bring your baby to your breast. Your baby’s cheeks should look full and rounded as he nurses.
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• Tongue over the lower gum • Baby stays on the breast • Absence of pain • Seeing milk transfer or hearing swallowing
Baby-led Feeding It is important to be aware and respond to your baby’s feeding cues. Babies should feed whenever they show signs of hunger at least 8-12 times per 24 hours. Some babies nurse more often. Nursing your baby every time he/she shows signs of hunger will help to establish an adequate milk supply for your baby. You should not try to put your baby on a feeding schedule as ignoring feeding cues can lead to a lower milk supply and an unhappy baby.
Crying is usually the last indication that your baby is hungry. Keeping your baby close allows you to notice their cues before they get to the point of crying.
Feeding clues include: • Opening his/her mouth as though • Moving her eyes rapidly he/she were about to breastfeed • Becoming restless known as “rooting” • Putting his/her fingers in her mouth
When feeding your baby, allow his/her to nurse on the first breast until he/she releases or falls asleep. This allows your baby to get the foremilk, the watery portion which quenches his/her thirst, then the hind milk, the fattier milk which keeps him/her full longer. Burp your baby then offer the other breast to complete the feeding. He/she may not empty the second breast, so begin with this breast at the next feeding.
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Establishing Your Milk Supply During the first two weeks after delivery, your breasts begin developing milkmaking tissue. Frequent feedings help to increase the production of these tissues and the ability to produce enough milk in the future. After the first two weeks, your milk supply will be regulated by supply and demand. Your breasts will produce as much milk as your baby needs. Skipping feedings may result in a diminished supply. It may take several days of regular feedings or additional feedings to get your supply back to normal. During growth spurts, your baby will feed more frequent than normal. This will increase your supply to meet your baby’s new needs.
Pacifiers and artificial nipples for breastfeeding infants It is recommended that pacifiers and bottles should not be used during the first three to four weeks after birth. They require a different sucking skill than nursing does, which can cause nipple confusion when introduced before breastfeeding is well established. A pacifier may satisfy a baby’s urge to suck when he should be nursing. This can interfere with your milk supply.
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Our on-site lactation lounge is available for our employees and visitors.
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Babies Need Only Breast Milk for the First Six Months
When you feed your baby only breast milk for the first six months of life, you will be providing a powerful defense against disease. Since infants do not develop a mature immune system until they are six months old, the antibodies a baby receives exclusively from breast milk is important to fight off infection. This is especially important for babies who will be attending daycare. The benefits of breast milk can help babies adapt easily and parents are less likely to miss work to care for their sick baby.
Continuing to Provide Breast Milk After Introducing Solid Foods When you first start introducing solid foods, your baby will continue to get most of his nutrition from your milk. Most babies will have one solid meal at six months, two at seven months, three at eight months and three meals plus snacks at nine months. To keep your milk supply up, offer breast milk before meals and upon waking. The benefits of breastfeeding can extend long after the first year and should be continued as long as it is desired by both the mother and the child.
Optional Infant Feeding For mothers choosing to feed their baby infant formula, we will fully support your informed decision. Our knowledgeable staff will provide you with oneon-one instructions on safe formula handling and preparation. How much your baby eats and how often may vary. Remember to feed your baby when they show signs of hunger such as your baby beginning to move their head and mouth around or sucking on their fingers.
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Infant Security
We know newborn safety is always a concern of new parents. Be assured we have several systems in place to help maintain infant security. Immediately after birth, ID bands with matching numbers and delivery information are applied to both the mother and the baby. Baby’s footprints and a maternal fingerprint are also taken at this time. Your baby will also be monitored by a security system until discharge. A special bracelet with be placed on your baby’s ankle to assure your baby remains in our unit. All staff members working with your baby will have a pink badge with a set of footprints on their ID badge as an additional means of security.
Visitation Guidelines Our staff recognizes that family and friends are important to the birthing experience and we welcome them. However, for your safety and comfort, we do require that the following guidelines be adhered to throughout your stay. General visitation ends at 9 p.m.
Following your delivery, your family
The first floor doors are locked
will be able to visit and meet your new
between the hours of 9 p.m. – 5 a.m.
baby. We stress good hand washing.
Entry at this time is only available
Following a cesarean section, you
through the Emergency Department.
may have your newborn and one visitor with you during the recovery
During labor and delivery, your main support person and up to four adults, may be in the labor room with you. Your main support person will be given a bracelet to wear allowing access to the unit. You will also be given four Labor and Delivery passes to distribute to the visitors of your choice. Visitors must show a pass when entering the Labor and Delivery Unit. Siblings may visit when accompanied by an adult.
period. Once the recovery period has ended, general visitation will resume. To assist you, two adult guests may stay overnight. All other guests and siblings will be asked to leave once the visitation time ends. The Women’s Health Center has multiple areas available for your guest’s comfort, and we encourage them to utilize the waiting areas. The hallways by the patient rooms must be kept clear.
Three adult visitors are allowed to stay during a normal delivery and two adult
With the exception of the post-
visitors during a cesarean delivery.
partal rooms, food and drink are
Please be aware that your health is our
not permitted on the second floor
main priority and guests may be asked
of the Women’s Health Center.
to leave at any time. Also, be reminded
Guests may bring food items to
that visitors during a delivery can
the first floor Bistro, where multiple
be exposed to blood and bodily
vending machines and dining space
fluids. Personal protective equipment
are available. TGMC is a tobacco-
is available.
free campus.
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Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) As skilled neonatal providers, we offer your baby the quality of a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With a Level III NICU, TGMC is able to care for babies born prematurely or those requiring focused care resulting from complications during the newborn period. A board-certified neonatologist and pediatrician service the Level III NICU, along with a team of nurse practitioners and nurses. Using telemedicine, we are able to consult with regional NICU’s and neonatal cardiac specialists. Our patients can now receive the highest level of care available close to home.
Kangaroo Care We encourage Kangaroo Care also known as skin-to-skin as soon as your NICU baby is clinically stable. It can enhance the bonding between infant and parent. Kangaroo Care can also lower the infant’s oxygen requirements, improve feeding tolerance, improve milk production in breastfeeding mothers, improve weight gain and shorten their length of stay. As parents, only you can provide this intimate care to improve your baby’s health and wellbeing.
Providing your NICU Baby with Breast Milk
The Terrebonne House Hotel TGMC recognizes that NICU hospital
Breast milk is especially beneficial to
visits are usually not planned and
premature or sick babies. Many NICU
can often times be hard on the
babies are not ready to feed from the
guests who want to stay with the
breast right away and it is important
patient. For those guests who live
to begin pumping to provide your
out of town and do not have easy
baby with breast milk and establish a
access to go home and return,
good milk supply. Our NICU “pumping
TGMC offers on campus rooms
program” will give you the education
in the Terrebonne House Hotel.
and supplies necessary to get started.
Please call (985) 873-4141 for more information.
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Patient Services Every patient at TGMC deserves
Infant Photography and Announcements
the highest quality of care available.
A photographer will visit you in your
For that reason, we have a Patient
room to take your baby’s picture
Experience Coordinator ready to
before discharge. You will be given
assist you with any needs you may have.
the opportunity to choose your favorite
The Patient Experience Coordinator,
photos or announcements. Your pictures
along with your team of professionals
will be available for viewing at tgmc.com
taking care of you, helps to ensure that
under Online Nursery.
your stay is everything you expect and deserve. Please do not hesitate
You will also have the opportunity to
to contact the Patient Experience
complete a form to request your baby’s
Coordinator at (985) 873-3588,
first name, date of birth, weight, length and
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
picture be displayed on TGMC’s baby billboard
On weekends, holidays and after
on Martin Luther King Boulevard in front
hours, you can dial “0” and ask to
of Sam’s Club. In addition, you will receive
speak to the House Supervisor.
a release of information form to complete if you would like your baby’s name to be
Social Services
released to the local newspaper.
TGMC’s Social Services Department
The Main Essentials Gift Shop
plays an important role on our Bright Beginnings team. There are times when you might require assistance for a variety of reasons. Our team of experienced social workers is available to help you with insurance questions, financial planning, counseling and many other needs and they are just
The Main Essentials Gift Shop is located at the main entrance of the medical center lobby. In addition to a wide-array of baby gift items, you can purchase breastfeeding supplies and rent breast pumps.
a call away at (985) 873-4104.
Gift Shop Hours of Operation: Mon. – Fri. 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
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Thank you for choosing TGMC The arrival of a new baby is always memorable. Therefore, we hope this information will prepare you for your stay at the TGMC Women’s Health Center. Thank you for sharing this precious time with us, and we look forward to making you new beginning a bright beginning.
8166 Main St. Houma, LA 70360 www.tgmc.org