Frequently Asked Questions

• When are visiting hours?
• Will I stay in this room for my entire stay?
• How many people can I have with me for delivery?
• Are my children allowed to stay?
• May I walk during labor?
• How long will I be in the hospital?
• How long will I be in labor?
• Can I eat or drink?

Q: When are visiting hours?

A: For security reasons, access to Women’s Services is restricted. This includes Labor and Delivery (L&D), Antepartum Unit (AOU), Mother/ Baby and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). NICU visitation will be explained on an as needed basis. For the other Women’s Service areas, the following apply:

• No visitors under 12 years of age, except baby’s siblings
• Visitors must show proof of identification (ID) – preferably a driver’s license and give this ID to the security guard located in The Women’s Center lobby
• Visitors will be given a laminated “Visitor Pass” to wear during visiting
• The visitor’s ID will be returned when the Visitor Pass is returned to the security guard
• Visitors may be asked to limit their visits based on mom’s condition
• Only two visitors allowed in L&D and AOU; four will be allowed on the Mother/Baby unit.
• The pregnant patient’s significant other will be given an armband that enables them to visit throughout the patient’s stay – this band should not be removed. Special sibling armbands will be given to siblings of the expectant newborn to enable them to visit after delivery and in the AOU.

Q: Will I stay in this room for my entire stay?

A: Our Baby Suites are where you will labor, deliver and spends a one to two hour recovery period in the room. She is then transferred to our Mother/Baby Suites for the rest of her stay.

Q: How many people can I have with me for delivery?

A: You are allowed to have three support people with you for your labor and delivery in our Baby Suites. If you have a cesarean section delivery, you are allowed to have one support person with you.

Q: Are my children allowed to stay?

A: Children are not allowed in the Baby Suites during labor unless they are older and are designated labor support people. If the child is less than 12 years old, an adult must be present in the waiting room to be responsible for the child. Healthy siblings of the new baby will be allowed to briefly visit in the Baby Suites room after delivery. They are also allowed to visit during visiting hours in the Mother/Baby Suites, but may not spend the night.

Q: May I walk during labor?

A: Walking is permitted during spontaneous labor at the discretion of your physician and labor nurse.

Q: How long will I be in the hospital?

A: The average stay for uncomplicated vaginal deliveries is 36 hours after the time of delivery. Mothers who deliver by cesarean section usually stay 48 to 72 hours.

Q: How long will I be in labor?

A: The length of labor is different for every pregnancy. It is hard to determine just how long it will last, but it rarely lasts more than 24 hours. Most labors last approximately 10 to 14 hours.

Q: Can I eat or drink?

A: This depends on what stage of labor you are in and your physician's orders. After you are admitted and are in active labor, you will be allowed ice chips only. This is mainly because the digestive system slows down during labor and having food and liquids in the stomach will cause nausea and vomiting.