OBSTETRICS/MATERNITY:

Immediately Following Delivery

Babies go through a transition stage as they adjust to their new world after delivery. Some babies need more time than others before they can maintain their temperature and breathe well on their own.

Immediately following delivery, babies are weighed and measured. Skilled nurses will perform a physical and gestational age exam and will administer eye treatment and vitamin K to the baby.

State law mandates that every baby receive eye medication within two hours of birth to prevent serious eye infections. An injection of Vitamin K is also given to aid in blood clotting.

Prior to discharge from Saint John’s Health Center, all babies will have a blood sample drawn for the newborn screening tests for phenylketonuria (PKU), hyperthyroidism, galactosemia, sickle cell disease and other hemoglobin diseases. The baby’s pediatrician will have the test results in two to three weeks.

Irene Dunne Guild Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Should a newborn require extra medical attention, the Irene Dunne Guild Level II NICU offers clinically advanced care in a warm, supportive environment.
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Maternity Services

Saint John’s maternity floor houses Labor and Delivery, the Mother-Baby Unit, the NICU and more.
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For New Mothers

Is there any way to truly be prepared for motherhood? Doing research and being educated can help, which is why the health professionals at Saint John’s have put together a "New Mother" guide.
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