BABY GUIDE
AWARD-WINNING OBSTETRICS, NICU AND MATERNAL CARE
When you choose to have your baby at Williamson Medical Center, you can feel confident you’ll be getting the best care possible for both you and your baby.
ESTABLISHED IN 1993 nashvilleparent.com
PUBLISHER
STEWART DAY
EDITOR IN CHIEF
SUSAN SWINDELL DAY
MANAGING EDITOR
MICHAEL W. ALDRICH
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
TIM HENARD
ADVERTISING STRATEGISTS
ALEXANDRA DAY
NOAH DAY
SALLY GARRARD
CHRISTINA MOODY
DISTRIBUTION
KEVIN MUTZ
ACCOUNTING
JILL RIFFEL
BABY GUIDE is published by Day Communications, Inc. The phone number is 615-475-5220; mailing address is 1229 Lakeview Drive. STE A, Franklin, TN 37067. Although every precaution has been taken to ensure the accuracy of published material, BABY GUIDE cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. BABY GUIDE is copyright © 2024 by Day Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
COUNCIL
BABY GUIDE
Prenatal visit tips; pregnancy support.
8
New Gear for Little Ones
Tried-and-true products new parents love.
13 Breastfeeding Success
Arm yourself with knowledge and mindfulness.
18
New Parents: This, That and The Other Thing
A smattering of key info about babies.
29 Local Hospital Services
Charting Middle Tennessee birthing facilities.
21
BABY WORLD
Support, classes, resources & more for new parents
Because preparing yourself for a little one is oh-so important!
Baby bits
Tips for Your OB/GYN Appointments
TALL VISITS:
Weight, blood pressure, urine sample
FIRST TRIMESTER (10 - 14 wks.)
Above plus baby heartbeat check via doppler.
SECOND TRIMESTER (14 - 26 wks.)
Above plus tracking fetal growth and movement; glucose testing and additional testing if requested or required; learning the gender or not.
THIRD TRIMESTER (26 - 40 wks.)
Above plus monitoring labor symptoms; pelvic exam to check Baby’s position; check for issues.
here’s a lot to do over the nine months as you prepare to bring your baby into the world. Most important is your prenatal care. You can expect to become a regular at your provider’s office with appointments beginning a few weeks into pregnancy all the way up to your due date.
For a healthy pregnancy, your doctor will want to see you:
• Weeks 4 - 28: Once every four weeks.
• Weeks 28 - 36: Once every two weeks.
• Weeks 36 - 40: One visit every week.
To make the most of each visit with your ob/gyn, jot down these suggestions from The Smart Mother ’s Guide to a Better Pregnancy (Red Flags; 2008) by Linda Burke-Galloway, M.D.
Bring your concerns to each visit. Be honest about your past pregnancy history.
Always bring your insurance info, list of medications you’re taking and info on your health history.
Only accept medical advice from your physician, midwife or nurse practitioner.
Bring your partner or a friend along for support and discussion.
Jot down what you discuss with your doctor.
Never leave a visit without knowing what your blood pressure is.
Baby bits
Pregnancy Prep for Partners
Hands-on partners are the norm these days and as such, a little pregnancy prep is in order for them, too.
“It’s critical that you understand what your partner is going through and when,” says Armin Brott, author of the best-selling book, The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be (Abbeville Press; 2015). Brott’s book is an excellent pregnancy resource book for men (or women), offering a month-by-month detailed account of everything to expect. Here’s a look at what’s happening as the months go by as detailed in Brott’s book:
MONTH ONE
Great excitement over the sonogram in month four is accompanied by an increased dependency on the pregnant mama’s partner.
MONTH FIVE
Physical: May feel the baby’s movements, breast growth, hormonal issues causing brittle nails, splotchy skin. Emotional: Increased sexual desire and dependency, jealousy, overwhelmed by advice.
MONTH SIX
Physical: Morning sickness, dizziness, irritability, sore breasts, fatigue. Emotional: Excitement and apprehension; mood swings and a heightened sense of closeness to you.
MONTH TWO
Physical: Morning sickness, dizziness, irritability, sore breasts, fatigue. Emotional: Elation or ambivalence; distractedness, fear that she’s unattractive, fear of miscarriage.
MONTH THREE
Physical: Same as prior weeks; early pregnancy symptoms beginning to wane. Emotional: Heightened sense of reality after hearing Baby’s heartbeat; frustration with a thickening waistline.
MONTH FOUR
Physical: Morning sickness may end; she may feel slight baby movements, she may start to show. Emotional: Great excitement over the sonogram, forgetfulness. Increased dependency on you that you are there for her.
Physical: Rapid weight gain, sweating, swelling, fatigue, cravings. Emotional: Decreasing moodiness and dependence on you; questioning her parenting ability; bonding with Baby.
MONTH SEVEN
Physical: Fetal activity, increasing discomfort, heartburn, gas, false contractions, itchy belly, puffiness. Emotional: Feeling energized OR completely overwhelmed by all there is to do. Concerns about labor and delivery.
MONTH EIGHT
Physical: Strong fetal activity, vaginal discharge, sleeplessness, swelling, frequent false contractions. Emotional: Feeling special that people are helping her; relieved the baby would survive if born now; worry that her water will break in public.
MONTH NINE
Physical: Slight change in fetal activity, increased cramping and pressure, backache, swelling, little to no interest in sex. Emotional: Very dependent on you, impatient, short tempered, fear of labor, creating endless lists, preoccupation with the baby.
Gear up!
Products that new parents are clamoring for.
It’s not easy sorting through the glut of baby products when you’re preparing for a new arrival. What do you REALLY need? The following items receive top-notch reviews from parents who use them, so you can be sure you’re not just plunking down cash on non-essentials.
WINTER TOILE WRAP sollybaby.com $84
Keep Baby snug and close with the buttery soft and breathable Solly Wrap. For babies eight to 25 pounds, the universal fit is certified “Hip Healthy” by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. Enjoy hands-free wearing, increased connection and a satisfied babe.
TURN2ME 3-IN-1 ROTATING CAR SEAT gracobaby.com $349
This convenient car seat lets you get Baby in and out of the car with ease; simply click it in or unclick and swivel it out. It features three modes of use to grow with your child up to 100 pounds and everything’s about easy!
SAFE & SWADDLED
lovetodream.com
$34.95
Swaddling makes sense for so many babies — and the Swaddle Up lets Baby rest with the hands-up position they enjoy. Gentle on skin, a double zipper makes for easy diaper changes.
STOKKE X-LARGE FLEXI BATH
stokke.com
THE LOOKER PLAY KIT lovevery.com
$80
Newborns don’t play with toys, but they LOVE stimulation and they can make out black and white. This kit includes all you need to provide Baby a little brain connective activity and/or sensorial touch.
THE TOUR V2 zoebaby.com
$259
Compact, lightweight and easily folded with one hand, this highly rated, sturdy and well-designed stroller moves from birth all the way through the stroller stage. Available in five different shades, you can add-on accessories like a rain cover, organizer, carrying straps or more.
$75
No tub at your place? This large, foldable bathtub is lightweight, portable and a great solution for baby’s bath time. The innovative design makes it simple to use. A heat-sensitive draining plug changes colors as the water warms and the non-slip base keeps it in place. Large enough for your baby and toddler, functionality reigns!
by Kiera Ashford
Breastfeeding Success
“With his small head pillowed against your breast and your milk warming his insides, your baby knows a special closeness to you. He is gaining a firm foundation in an important area of life — he is learning about love.”
— The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, 1954
For months you’ve gone back and forth about whether or not you want to breastfeed your coming baby. There’s no law, there’s no set rule, and as long as Baby gets fed, you’re all good. But if you want to breastfeed, there is plenty of helpful support all around you. It will take time, and sometimes tears will be rolling down your cheeks. But one day you will arrive at that moment where it all comes together.
First, it’s all about relaxation and yet, it’s hard for new mamas to relax amid all of the new tasks that come with caring for an infant. That’s why it’s so important to learn as much as possible before your newborn arrives.
“I always encourage my
patients and their support persons to educate themselves about breastfeeding,” says Beth Bleecker, M.D., OB/GYN at TriStar Centennial Women’s Hospital. Bleecker says it’s super important to read from reliable resources, attend breast-feeding classes and to familiarize yourself with lactation support before you leave the hospital where your baby is born.
“Moms put a lot of pressure on themselves to be ‘perfect’ at breastfeeding,” says Bleecker. “This really can take away from the whole experience, and can in fact decrease supply, making for more stress!”
“Every mom and baby is unique and a good base of information can help moms start with confidence,” adds Bleecker.
If Baby has a typical birth, they will be brought to you as soon as possible for skinto-skin contact and suckling. While your milk doesn’t actually “come in” for up to
(please turn the page)
five days or even longer after Baby’s birth, your newborn can latch on to get the colostrum that comes first.
Latching on is the all-important first step — it should feel like a gentle tug or pulling sensation and it shouldn’t hurt. The baby instinctively grabs the areola with their gums and is able to press with their tongue to suck.
“A new baby has inborn reflexes that help jump start feeding,” says Kate Cropp, APRN, IBCLC, nurse practitioner and IBCLC with Nashville Birth & Babies.
“During the first one to two hours after birth, a healthy baby is alert and ready to eat, and we shouldn’t miss this window of opportunity.”
BABY’S EARLY CUES
“In the beginning, skin-to-skin time is the first step, and then the first feeding as the baby shows interest,” says Bleecker. “Many times, but not always, the newborn will show hunger cues with mouth movements, moving toward the breast or beginning suckling motions.”
After that very first feeding, you can learn to be alert to your baby’s signals.
“Newborns show levels of hunger cues,” says Taylor King, RN, IBCLC, a lactation cunsultant with Blessed Beginnings, a lactation support group providing services throughout Middle Tennessee. “Early cues are when babies begin to stir or wake up. Mid cues are rooting, smacking lips and sucking on hands; the ideal time to feed Baby is during early to mid cues,” King says.
Other feeding cues may include stretching and physical stirring says Bleecker. “Those are the next signs, before moving onto late cues such as crying and agitation.”
If you’re nursing during later cues, you may feel frustration, and Baby may not latch properly. King says it may be best to calm Baby with some skin-to-skin before trying to latch.
ELIMINATE STRESS
Breastfeeding requires that you take care of yourself fully — eating well, sleeping when you’re able to, practicing mindfulness techniques. Small endeavors like getting out of the house for a walk in the sun makes for a good start. If you’re stressed, you’ll have a more difficult time responding to your baby’s feeding cues says Cropp.
“With fewer feeding sessions, milk supply drops. If you receive appropriate help though, things will typically return to normal,” she adds.
When you’re in a calm, positive environment, breastfeeding is more enjoyable and a bit easier. “Moms put a lot of pressure on themselves to be ‘perfect’ at breastfeeding,” says Bleecker. “This really can take away from the whole experience, and can in fact decrease supply, making for more stress.”
UNDERSTAND SUPPLY & DEMAND
Your body makes as much milk as it needs to fulfill Baby’s hunger. Breastfeeding is a supply-and-demand process and early skin-to-skin contact and latching gets things going.
Plenty of women feel they may be “lacking” supply at the start. This causes them to lose confidence and to give up early. Don’t assume you really are lacking. It’s time to reach out to a certified lactation consultant to help you get on the right path.
“Low milk supply can have many root causes, but one common cause is inadequate removal of milk,” says King. “The body is stimulated to increase milk supply by emptying the breasts. If there is milk left in the breasts after feeding, the body will begin to get the message that it can slow down milk production,” she adds.
“I cannot stress enough how helpful lactation consultants can be in those first few weeks of breastfeeding,” says Bleecker. “Even as a professional who takes care of breastfeeding moms daily, I saw a lactation consultant for each of my kids for different reasons. It can be hard to trust yourself and your body to be doing the right thing for your baby … but most of the time your instincts are correct,” she adds.
“Low milk supply can be more complicated,” King says. “And some things make mothers at risk for low supply, such as difficulty getting pregnant, thyroid conditions, diabetes, etc. The best way to prepare is to have a prental consult with a skilled lactation consultant to review medical history and identify potential risk factors so that a plan can be made,” she adds.
Maybe it’s a support group that you need. Sharing your experiences with other mothers and hearing what they have to say is helpful. Whatever the case, know that you’re not alone. With thorough preparation, lactation support and mindful attention to your needs and your baby’s, you will be on the road to breastfeeding success!
Kiera Ashford is a local mom of three.
by Susan Day
The New Parent Guide to This, That & The Other Thing
The baby’s coming! Here are several tips — culled from Reddit — that other new parents think you will benefit by.
No matter how many books you absorb, parenting forums you attend or articles you read, the truth is, nothing can completely prepare you for bringing a baby into your home. Meanwhile, millions of parents have been there before you. Here’s great advice from parents who have learned from their first-time newborn experiences — keeping in mind that one of the most important elements to parenting is trusting your instincts and intuition. According to Psychology Today, motherly intuition has research to back it up. The clear, unconscious sense that something is right — or wrong — is a natural internal alert within you regarding the wellness of your baby. This will grow and develop as your baby grows and you should trust it. Here is more to know ... in no particular order.
• YOUR CHILD’S BEST ROAD MAP TO GROWING UP HEALTHY IS THEIR PARENTS
Every time you say or do something, your baby
will observe your behavior. From infancy, children gain language and other skills from you. Your challenge is to provide positive examples: show respect to others and yourself; keep a positive outlook; value health; limit anger; practice positive communication skills.
• TEACH A CHILD TO SLEEP
During Baby’s first year of life, you will work at establishing his sleep. But no matter what your baby’s age is, establishing a consistent bedtime routine will encourage good sleep habits. It will take time. Practice the A-B-Cs of safe sleep (Alone, on the Back and in a Crib); no blankets or toys in the crib. Learn more at the American Academy of Pediatrics at aap.org (search “safe sleep.”).
• BABIES GIVE READINESS CUES
From weaning to feeding solids to potty training to learning to ride a bike, your child will give you cues as to when they are ready. Be a parent who
tunes into your child’s development.
• YOU ARE FOREVER CHANGED WHEN YOU HAVE A BABY
Adjusting to life with a newborn is adjusting to a new normal. Prepare in advance as much as possible for the changes coming; reach out to create your support network and seek advice from your pediatrician when you have a health or development concern about your baby.
• NARRATE THE DAY FOR YOUR INFANT
Talk to your newborn from the start, describing what you’re doing as you care for them and responding when your baby makes sounds. This is the beginning of good communication and a strong relationship.
• YELLING AT BABIES AND CHILDREN IS HARMFUL
A study in The Journal of Child Development says yelling at children produces results similar to physical punishment. Yelling produces anxiety, stress and depression, so guard against it and seek help if it’s an issue.
• YOU DON’T NEED TO MAKE A HAPPY BABY HAPPIER
If they’re happy playing with a wooden spoon for 10 minutes, leave them alone!
• EVERYTHING IS A PHASE
“Cluster feeding?” a phase. “Contact napping?” a phase. The hard times will pass, and soon, your newborn will grow into a tiny person who will climb into your lap, and find ways to make you laugh.
• GET TO KNOW YOUR BABY
This human in front of you is not a schedule/plan/ program. Do what feels right in terms of your day -to-day life and follow your Baby’s lead.
• SLEEP WHEN THE BABY SLEEPS IN THE EARLY DAYS
It must be said. Once your baby is more established with predictable naps, you can use that time for household chores.
• SOMETIMES THE FLOOR IS SAFEST
A baby can’t roll off the floor. A baby CAN roll off a bed, changing table, chair, couch, etc. It’s why so many people say you can skip the diaper changing table.
• NOTHING LASTS FOREVER
This is good, mental check advice. There will be good days and days when you get nothing done but caring for the baby. It won’t always be this way and it helps to keep it in mind.
• SUPPORT YOUR PARTNER AND ALLOW THEM TO DO BABY THEIR WAY
As long as your partner keeps safety in mind, there’s no need to correct or undermine your partner who is also the other half of the equation!
• WALK AWAY AND BREATHE FOR FIVE MINUTES
If you are feeling overly stressed or fatigued and sort of at the end of your nerves, take five. It’s OK to put the baby down in their crib to walk away and breathe. Leave the room, take five then go back.
• ONLY GIVE GROWING TOTS THE CHOICES YOU WANT THEM TO HAVE Use commands over “yes” or “no” questions, but give them a choice. As in, “Choose a toy to bring with you in the car.”
Susan Day is editor of this publication and a mom of four.
Good New Parent Reads
CRIBSHEET (Penguin; 2019) by Emily Oster
Evidence-based parenting info from the best-selling author of Expecting Better
GOOD INSIDE (HarperWave; 2022) by Becky Kennedy
The popular parenting expert shares groundbreaking approaches to raising kids.
HUNT, GATHER, PARENT (Avid Reader/Simon & Schuster; 2021) by Michaeleen Doucleff
The book’s subtitle says it all: “What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans.”
THE NURTURE REVOLUTION (Balance; 2023) by Greer Kirshenbaum
Nurturing is the preventative medicine against mental health issues. This book shows you how to let it inform your parenting.
PARENTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT (TarcherPerigree; 2013) by Daniel Siegel and Mary Hartzell
A child psychiatrist and early childhood expert link how we are raised in childhood to how we will parent — and what to do if you want things to be different.
PRECIOUS LITTLE SLEEP (Lomhara Press; 2020) by Alex Dubief
Help for getting your baby (and yourselves) the sleep you need.
BabyWorld
prenatal services
group prenatal care
Expect With Me at Vanderbilt Centers for Women’s Health
719 Thompson Lane, Ste. 27100 Nashville • 615-343-5700 522 Northcrest Drive Springfield • 615-382-2619 expectwithme.org
Prenatal care in a group setting features 10 two-hour sessions. Includes a social networking feature.
Meharry Medical College
1005 Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Blvd., Nashville
615-321-2692 • mmc.edu/about/ community1/ prenatalcare/index.html
Women in this program meet in small groups and spend up to two hours in each session.
prenatal yoga classes
Hot Yoga - open with social distancing
807 Main St., Nashville 615-678-8079 hotyogaofeastnashville.com
Kundalini Rising Yoga/ Bethany Joy Yoga 1218 Wedgewood Ave., Nashville 615-473-3467 • bethanyjoy.net
Nurture Nashville Yoga West: 992 Davidson Drive, Ste. 102, Nashville East: 1000 Fatherland St., Ste. 201, Nashville nurturenashville.com
new parent servicess
birth photography
Alurawayne Photography 865-548-4746 • alurawayne.com
Christie Lynn Photography 615-405-3595 • christielynnphotography.com
Karen Halbert Photography 615-394-5970 • karenhalbertphotography.com
NOVA Birth Services
615-669-6399 • mynovabirth.com
Rylan’s Riches Photography rylansrichesphotography.com
White Stork & Co.
615-753-1889 • whitestorkandco. com
breastfeeding, childbirth & newborn services
American College of Nurse-Midwives
240-485-1800 • midwife.org
Locate local nurse-midwives and midwifery info.
Blessed Beginnings
615-673-4688
blessedbeginningsteam.com
In-home lactation consultations; CPR classes; craniosacral fascial therapy & infant massage courses.
Bradley Method Childbirth Educators
800-422-4784 • bradleybirth.com
Natural, husband-coached childbirth classes focusing on breathing and relaxation. Online classes.
CBR by CooperSurgical coopersurgical.com
Access newborn stem cells by preserving your baby’s cord blood.
Children’s Medical Group 615-883-2200 childmedgroup.com
Comprehensive, high quality and compassionate pediatric care.
Children’s Clinic of Nashville
615-297-9541
4322 Harding Pike, Nashville
Breastfeeding consultations; primary care visits and more.
Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics Murfreesboro
615-494-5437
nashvillechildbirth.com
An atmosphere designed to stimulate and entertain children to make them feel comfortable.
Evergreen Therapy Nashville
877-243-4021
evergreentherapynashville.com
Perinatal mental health, family of origin trauma, adoption and parenting support services.
Mamaya Health
615-212-9548
mamayahealth.com/tennessee
Supporting moms, moms-to-be and women dealing with infertility.
Murfreesboro Medical ClinicOB/GYN
615-893-4480 • mmclinic.com
Offering expert and compassionate care in Murfreesboro. From well woman care to fertility treatments, and more.
Murfreesboro Medical ClinicPediatrics
615-893-4480 • mmclinic.com
Best of Parenting award winner for pediatric services.
Nashville 4D Baby
nashville4dbaby.com
4D/HD ultrasound experiences combining cutting-edge technology with a spa & theater environment.
Nashville Birth and Babies
855-905-2229
nashvillebirthandbabies.com
Certified birth doulas, breastfeeding education, lactation consultants and post-partum doulas.
Nashville Breastfeeding Coalition
nashvillebreastfeeding.org
Education for women about breastfeeding prior to delivery; removing hospital obstacles; and helping moms for the first few days at home and more.
Nashville Breastfeeding Support
615-880-2185
Metro Public Health Department’s program.
Old Harding Pediatric Associates
615-352-2990 • ohpa.com
High quality and compassionate care, a night clinic for sick patients and an in-house dispensary for
quick prescription pickup.
Rutherford Breastfeeding Support
Murfreesboro • 615-898-7880
Smyrna • 615-355-6175
A full-time lactation consultant available through the Rutherford County Department of Health.
Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates
snodgrassking.com
Providing orthodontics and family dental care in Franklin, Murfreesboro, Mt. Juliet and Spring Hill.
Southern School for Moms
615-651-0949
thesouthernschoolformoms.com
Prenatal and mommy & me classes.
Tennessee Breastfeeding Hotline
855-423-6667
tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/fhw/bf/breastfeeding-hotline. html
A free helpline offering breastfeeding support 24/7.
Tennessee Doulas Association
615-625-2243
tennesseedoulasassociation.org
Information on doula care to improve pregnancy, birth and postpartum outcomes.
Tennessee Family Doulas
615-944-9390
tennesseefamilydoulas.com
Labor support, postpartum doula support, childbirth education and placenta encapsulation.
Williamson Health
615-435-5000
williamsonhealth.org
OB; NICU; Williamson County’s first and only dedicated pediatric inpatient unit and ER at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital Vanderbilt at Williamson Medical Center.
parent groups
Child and Family Therapy Collective childfamilytherapycollective.com A growing practice providing mental health services to children and families in Nashville.
Middle Tennessee Moms of Multiples
Facebook group.
MOMS Club (Moms Offering Moms Support) momsclub.org Stay-at-home mothers offering connectivity throughout Middle Tennessee.
Naturally Minded Moms of Tennessee
facebook.com/ groups/612207638792487
Moms raising their families with a natural mindset.
Parents of East Nashville facebook.com/ groups/1588890631391486
Playdates, conversation and idea sharing.
The Family Center familycentertn.org
Get information, support, skill building and personalized parenting insights in Murfreesboro.
miscellaneous
Attachment Parenting International
615-828-9115 or 615-210-2143 attachmentparenting.org/group/ nashvill
BUMP CITY Nashville
615-630-4126 • bumpcitynash.com
Nashville’s only in-person maternity shop.
ICAN of Nashville
icanofnashville.webs.com
Free monthly support and educational meetings.
Junior League Family Resource Center
615-936-2558
vanderbiltchildrens.com/frc Support to families of children with disabilities.
March of Dimes Tennessee Chapter
615-399-3200 • marchofdimes.org Premature baby support.
My Dreamy Sleeper
615-418-2628
mydreamysleeper.com
Works with sleep deprived parents, teaching them how to get their baby or child sleeping peacefully
Postpartum Support International
800-944-4773 • postpartum.net Provides local resource information for women with perinatal mood disorders.
Tennessee Office of Vital Records
615-741-1763
tn.gov/health/article/vr-certificate Keeps and provides birth records for the state.
baby safety
American Red Cross Cannon, Rutherford 615-893-4272
redcross.org/tn/murfreesboro Cheatham, Davidson, Robertson,
Sumner, Williamson, Wilson 615-250-4300 nashvilleredcross.org
Instruction in CPR, first aid and babysitting.
Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt 615-936-1000 childrenshospital.vanderbilt.org
Provides pediatric, family-centered care. Website includes safety information and car seat safety. Safe Kids of Cumberland Valley 615-936-8222 • safekids.org
The local affiliate of the national Safe Kids Campaign led by Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
The Children’s Hospital at TriStar Centennial 615-342-1000 thechildrenshospitalnashville. com
Pediatric ER, a neonatal intensive care unit and outpatient services.
Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital Vanderbilt at Williamson Medical Center 615-435-5000 williamsonmedicalcenter.org/kids
Comprehensive inpatient pediatric, emergency care.
storytimes
Gallatin Public Library 123 E Main St., Gallatin 615-452-1722 • youseemore.com/ gallatinPL
John P. Holt Brentwood Library 8109 Concord Road, Brentwood 615-371-0090 • brentwoodtn.gov/ departments/library
Hendersonville Public Library
140 Saundersville Road, Hendersonville
615-824-0656 hendersonvillelibrary.org
La Vergne Public Library
5063 Murfreesboro Road, La Vergne 615-793-7303 • lavergnetn.gov
Linebaugh Public Library 105 W Vine St., Murfreesboro 615-893-4131 • rclstn.org
MGL Memorial Library
521 Mercury Blvd., Murfreesboro 615-907-3429 • rclstn.org
Nashville Public Library library.nashville.org
Bellevue: 615-862-5854
720 Baugh Road, Nashville Bordeaux: 615-862-5856
4000 Clarksville Pike, Nashville Donelson: 615-862-5859
2315 Lebanon Pike, Nashville East: 615-862-5860
206 Gallatin Ave, Nashville Edmondson Pike: 615-880-3957
5501 Edmondson Pike, Nashville Green Hills: 615-862-5863
3701 Benham Ave., Nashville Hermitage: 615-880-3951
3700 James Kay Lane, Hermitage Inglewood: 615-862-5866
4312 Gallatin Pike, Nashville Madison: 615-862-5868
610 Gallatin Pike S, Madison Main: 615-862-5800
615 Church St., Nashville
Old Hickory: 615-862-5869
1010 Jones St., Old Hickory Southeast: 615-862-5871
5260 Hickory Hollow Pkwy #201, Antioch Thompson Lane: 615-862-5873
380 Thompson Ln, Nashville
Smyrna Public Library
400 Enon Springs Road, Smyrna 615-459-4884 • rclstn.org
Williamson County Public Library
1314 Columbia Ave., Franklin 615-794-3105 • wcpltn.org
mommy & me fun for baby
art & theater
Little Art House (Nashville) 615-933-9644
littlearthousenashville.com
Mini Makers classes and Creative Play for little ones and parents starting at 10 months.
The Snuggery at Nashville Children’s Theatre (NCT) 615-252-4675 • nashvillect.org
Nashville Children’s Theatre’s professional performances for children 0 - 5 and their grown-ups. fitness
Harpeth Gymnastics Mommy & Me
615-790-7825 • harpethgym.com A stimulating class for moms, dads and babies ages 18 to 36 months.
Let It Shine (Franklin) 615-369-3547 • lisgym.com
Parent-and-child movement classes for 6 months-walking; 12 – 23 months and 24 – 36 months.
My Gym (Brentwood) 615-371-5437
mygym.com/brentwood Tiny Tykes class for ages 4 – 22 months.
Nashville Gymnastics Training Center 615-298-2264 • nashvillegtc.com
Ages 9 -18 months build strength, coordination. music & movement
Barfield School of Dance (Murfreesboro) 615-615-896-3118
barfieldschoolofdance.com
Kindermusik classes for newborns to toddlers.
Music Together (Brentwood, Franklin, Nashville, Nolensville & Spring Hill) musictogether.com
International research-based early childhood music and movement program for newborns and older.
Nurture Nashville Yoga studio@nurturenashville.com nurturenashville.com
BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby) for classes everyday.
School of Nashville Ballet 3630 Redmon Street, Nashville 615-297-2966
nashvilleballet.com
Children’s classes for ages 2 – 7.
Sound Start Early Childhood
Music (Brentwood, Mt. Juliet & Nashville) 615-777-9314
soundstartnashville.com
Singing, dancing, movement, and instrument play.
Vanderbilt Kindermusik blair.vanderbilt.edu/blair-academy/ kindermusik.php
Music, movement and early socialization classes for newborns and older.
ASCENSION ST. THOMAS HOSPITAL MIDTOWN
2000 Church St., Nashville
615-284-2229 healthcareascension.org
ASCENSION ST. THOMAS RUTHERFORD
1700 Medical Center Pkwy. Murfreesboro
615-396-4577 or 615-396-5376 healthcareascension.org
middle tennessee BIRTHING GUIDE
Level IIIObstetric care & Neonatology Services
Level III-Obstetric care & NICU care for 27 weeks gestation & greater
Accommodations in all labor rooms, including an in-house birthing center. Emergency department with 24 hour provider coverage. Full complement of childbirth classes and a breastfeeding clinic with free consultative services. Many amenities available.
State-of-the-art facility with labor and delivery suites and postpartum rooms with a view. Advanced maternal/infant services. Jacuzzi tubs for labor comfort. Flexible rooming-in options. NICU cameras. Lactation consultants. Extensive childbirth and breastfeeding classes. Breastfeeding clinic. Free tours.
HIGHPOINT HEALTH — SUMNER WITH ASCENSION SAINT THOMAS
555 Hartsville Pike, Gallatin 615-328-8888 mysumnermedical.com
MAURY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 1224 Trotwood Ave., Columbia 931-381-1111 mauryregional.com
NASHVILLE GENERAL HOSPITAL AT MEHARRY 1818 Albion St., Nashville 615-341-4000 nashvillegeneral.org
TRISTAR CENTENNIAL WOMEN’S HOSPITAL
2221 Murphy Ave., Nashville 615-342-5661 tristarhealth.com
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Ser vices Key:
Level I: Facility provides basic care for uncomplicated maternity and neonatal patients who are low risk.
Level II-Obstetric: Facility provides a broad range of maternal-fetal services for normal patients and for those with mild or moderate obstetric illnesses or complications.
Level II-Neonatal: Facility provides specialty services for infants born at or beyond 32 weeks who have problems that are expected
to resolve rapidly and are not anticipated to need subspecialty care on an urgent basis. These units provide care for babies convalescing after intensive care.
Level III-Obstetric: A broad range of maternal-fetal services for normal patients and those in need of intensive care. Can handle deliveries for all gestational ages.
Level III-Neonatal: Provides care for infants born less than 32 weeks or with complex
Free childbirth and breastfeeding classes taught by certified childbirth educators and certified lactation consultants. Birthing and peanut balls available. Outpatient lactation clinic.
Family and patient-centered care for patients in labor and delivery and the NICU. Families can choose pediatricians who promote rooming-in. Free childbirth, newborn classes and tours of the childbirth area available.
Family-centered care. Free childbirth and breastfeeding classes. Ambulatory labor monitoring available. Birthing ball support. Analgesia/anesthesia available 24/7. High-risk pregnancy care. Recently renovated labor and delivery unit. Tennessee's first Breastmilk Depot.
Dedicated women’s hospital with 24/7 OB/ GYN ER. Customized birthing plans offering traditional and non-traditional options, including peanut balls and midwifery. Family-centered care. Skin-to-skin at all births including C-sections. Mother/infant couplet care. Dedicated high-risk unit. Web-streaming NICU cameras. Childbirth education.
medical conditions. These units have the means to provide life support for as long as needed.
Level IV-Neonatal: Has capabilities of Level III units with additional functions and considerable experience in the care of the most complex and critically ill newborns. Pediatric medical and surgical specialty consultants are on site 24 hours per day. Can provide surgeries for complex conditions.
FEATURES
TRISTAR HENDERSONVILLE MEDICAL CENTER
355 New Shackle Island Road, Hendersonville 615-338-1000
tristarhealth.com
TRISTAR HORIZON MEDICAL CENTER
111 Hwy 70 E., Dickson
615-446-0446
tristarhealth.com
TRISTAR NORTHCREST MEDICAL CENTER
100 NorthCrest Drive Springfield 615-698-3000 northcrest.com
TRISTAR
MEDICAL CENTER
200 StoneCrest Blvd., Smyrna 615-768-2000 tristarhealth.com
TRISTAR SUMMIT MEDICAL CENTER
5655 Frist Blvd., Hermitage 615-316-3000 tristarhealth.com
VANDERBILT BIRTH CENTER 3212 West End Ave., Ste. 100 Nashville 615-647-8220
vanderbilthealth.com/birthcenter
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER 1221 22nd Ave. S., Nashville 615-343-5700 vumc.org
VANDERBILT WILSON COUNTY HOSPITAL 1411 Baddour Pkwy., Lebanon 615-444-8262 vanderbilthealth.com
WILLIAMSON
4321 Carothers Pkwy., Franklin 615-435-5000 williamsonmedicalcenter.org
III-Obstetric & Neonatal
The Birth Center includes LDRPs for both high- and low-risk pregnancies. Maternal-fetal monitoring & anesthesia available 24/7. Lactation boutique with specialized services + ongoing support. Immediate skin-to-skin support with all births. Natural childbirth supported. Private NICU suites with parental sleeping, individual breast pump & free meals. NICVIEW cameras allow parents and desired family to view their baby 24/7.
Nine private birthing suites. Dedicated 1:1 laboring nurses. Access to lactation consultants. Family refreshment center. NICVIEW cameras allow parents and desired family/friends from around the world to view their baby 24/7.
Family-centered deliveries in labor and delivery suites. Care is provided 24/7 by a midwife and obstetric team. Find more at northcrest.com/ services/womens-services.
Family-centered environment with labor rooms offering a home-like atmosphere equipped with birthing balls, aromatherapy and nitrous oxide for a customized experience. Board-certified OB/ GYN care with remote fetal monitoring and 24/7 neonatology coverage. NICVIEW cameras offer families 24/7 live viewing of their NICU baby. On-staff lactation consultants. Breastmilk Depot and the only Baby Café in Tennessee.
Family-centered unit providing care for low- and high-risk pregnancies. Dedicated OB emergency department staffed 24/7 by an OB Hospitalist. Wide variety of education classes available. Supportive of individualized birth plans. NICVIEW cameras provide live streaming video allowing parents, family and friends the ability to see the baby remotely.
Complete care before, during and after pregnancy. Board-certified nurse midwives, health coaches and educators collaborate with physicians to provide clinical care. Education classes. Birth (in center or hospital). Lifestyle + wellness workshops. Support groups. Community events. Insurance accepted.
Family-centered care. Flexible rooming-in options. Childbirth and breastfeeding education. Midwife, obstetrician and maternal fetal specialist team coverage available 24/7. Largest midwifery team in Tennessee. Highest level neonatal ICU Ease of access to pediatric specialists at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital.
Patient-centered services. Fetal monitoring. Infant hearing screening. Nurse anesthetist services. Pre and postpartum care. Private room for labor, delivery and recovery. Educational resources and support.
All staff trained in neonatal resuscitation. Classes include childbirth, breastfeeding and sibling. Tours provided. 24-hour staffed newborn nursery and in-house NNP neonatology coverage available. Rooming-in, family-centered care, room service, daily certified lactation staff and professional photography available.
