Lawrence General Hospital


	Please Give Me More Information Congratulations, your pregnancy test is positive! You're delighted, but maybe a little scared too. The staff members in the Birthing Center at Lawrence General know how special this time is for you and your family. We are committed to earning an A+ from you. We want your birthing experience to be better than you ever expected.

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	Sign Up for a Childbirth Class Never diapered a baby before? Not sure how to handle a slippery infant? Well surprise - you are hardly alone! We encourage you and your partner to join our Childbirth Classes, so you know what to expect during labor and delivery, and can look forward to the experience of parenting with confidence. Your instructor is a certified childbirth educator. Classes are informal - with plenty of time for questions and to laugh with other expectant parents! To register for a class, simply call 978-683-4000, extension 2015 Prepared Childbirth Class This five-week course will help you and your partner actively participate in labor and delivery. Breast-Feeding Class In three hours, youíll get all the information you need to decide if breast-feeding is for you. Infant and Child Safety and CPR Earn a course completion card in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation on children up to 8 years old. Childbirth Refresher If it's been a while since your last baby, this course will help you update your knowledge. Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Learn about the latest options for vaginal birth following a previous cesarean delivery. Sibling Class This class for big brothers and big sisters aged 3 to 7 will help them look forward to the new arrival. Expectant Grandparent Class This fun class offers suggestions on how excited grandparents can be helpful when baby comes. Back to Top
	Maternal Fetal Program for High Risk Pregnancy A pregnancy may be considered high risk when a woman is over 35 or carrying more than one baby. Genetic factors, or maternal health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can also require specialized care. Your physician can advise you if special care is needed. The Maternal Fetal Program can help with just such circumstances. A physician specializing in high risk pregnancy - a perinatologist - directs the program. Special checkups and tests such as amniocentesis and Level II ultrasound can be done at Lawrence General. Genetic counseling is also available on site. Diabetes and Pregnancy Program For women with diabetes or those who develop a particular kind of diabetes associated with pregnancy (called gestational diabetes), we offer the support of our Certified Diabetes Nurse Educator, who will work with you and your physician to help you manage your condition through diet and/or medication. Back to Top
	Labor, Delivery and Maternity Services A Personalized, Pampered Experience for Mom The experience of childbirth is different and intensely personal for every woman. Staff members understand your need for comfort and your desire for privacy. You want to get through labor, then rest and relax while you get acquainted with your newborn. Every aspect of our Birthing Center program is designed with your needs in mind. State-of-the-Art Birthing Suites One of our modern third floor suites will be yours alone as you progress through labor and delivery. Each spacious modern suite has its own shower and bath, tv and fridge. Private Rooms for Mother and Baby Our maternity rooms are freshly decorated in soft, soothing pastels and comfortable furnishings. Each room has a comfy rocking chair for cuddling up with baby and its own private bathroom and shower. Patient-Controlled Pain Management We offer you the very latest in pain management techniques. A walking epidural - an improved type of spinal anesthesia - can help you to move about freely without discomfort. And because you manage the pump which administers your pain medication, you are in control. A board-certified anesthesiologist, expert in pain management, is available 24 hours a day. Your Special Nurses During your labor, one of our specially trained nurses will be your private nurse - there when you want assistance. An expert in the stages of labor, she'll be ready with extra measures for your comfort. After delivery, when you move to your private room on our maternity unit, your nurse there will be particularly experienced in caring for moms who have just given birth and their newborns. She'll help you get accustomed to the daily routine of caring for baby. Hands-on instruction will let you feel confident in your new role. Getting Started with Breast Feeding If you have decided to breast-feed, one of our certified lactation consultants will offer gentle guidance and answer all of your questions. Consultation is available after you and baby return home, too. We also offer breast pump rental for moms who choose not to purchase one. You'll need one for those occasions when you can't be there at feeding time. Doing What Feels Right for You There are many decisions to make about childbirth, like who will be there, or how you feel about pain relief. Our nursing staff can help you think about your options in advance with a personalized birth plan. To discuss creating your personal birth plan, call 978-683-4000, extension 2272. Back to Top
	Family Matters Your partner has an important role to play in the birthing experience, coaching you during labor, and sharing baby's incredible first moments. Our focus is on family-centered care. The welcome mat is out for excited grandparents, curious siblings and close friends. Company During Labor and Delivery In addition to your partner, you may wish to have a limited number of loved ones present at the birth. Some couples want to videotape the occasion. You will want to be sure to discuss these plans with your obstetrician and the nursing staff in advance of your due date. Pampering for Partner, Too Your partner can stay overnight with you and baby. Special reclining sleep chairs are set up for snoozing. If you let the nurses know in advance, the cafeteria can make arrangements so your partner can enjoy mealtime with you. Unlimited Visits for Immediate Family At your discretion, your immediate family is welcome to visits as often as they wish between the hours of 8 am and 9 pm. Plan for some private time for mom and baby. There are family waiting areas for the convenience of visitors. Back to Top
	Special Care Level II Special Care Nursery If problems arise during pregnancy and childbirth, an extra measure of medical care and emotional support is called for. Newborns stay in the Special Care Nursery for a variety of needs. The most common reason is because a baby is born prematurely, before the lungs and other vital organs can function fully. A stay in the nursery provides more intense monitoring and support until a newborn is ready to go home. Our Level II Special Care Nursery is operated in affiliation with the Floating Hospital for Children at New England Medical Center. Because we offer this special care in the Merrimack Valley, the family will be nearby if mom returns home from the hospital before baby is able to leave. Special Care Team Baby's special care team is headed by a neonatologist - a specialist in the care of high risk newborns. A neonatologist and a pediatrician are available to care for baby 24 hours a day. Newborns in special care are monitored constantly by our expert, highly-experienced nursing staff. If a newborn requires the very highest intensity of care, our affiliation with New England Medical Center and its Floating Hospital for Children enables rapid transfer to their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Back to Top
	Extras for Mom, Baby & Family Here are some more pluses of delivering at Lawrence General that you and your loved ones will appreciate - the little extras that we hope will make your experience special. Special Delivery Program This special menu of light fare is available throughout the day from 8 am until 7 pm, in case new moms are not up to eating exactly when the scheduled meal cart arrives. Afternoon Tea At 2 pm each day, our Food and Nutrition staff will stop by with a cart of pastry, fresh fruit, and beverages for new moms. The treat's on us. Growing Family Photo If you would like a first photo of your newborn taken in the hospital, a service called Growing Family is available to take a professional photo for you. The Newborn Channel The Newborn Channel in your room carries free television programming provided compliments of the Hospital 24 hours a day. Nationally renowned pediatric experts offer you a wealth of information about caring for your newborn. The solarium is also stocked with books and magazines about being a parent. A Gift Package for Mom and Baby As you leave The Birthing Center, you'll receive a canvas tote filled with a variety of gifts, including a special keepsake for baby, compliments of Lawrence General Hospital Auxiliary. Assistance with Car Seats State law requires that baby be buckled up in an infant car seat for the ride home. If you can not buy one, please let your nurse know as soon as you can. Our Social Services staff can help you secure one. The Hospital also has four state-certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians, who perform safety checks by appointment to make sure car seats are appropriate for your child and properly installed in your vehicle. For more information call 978-683-4000, Extension 2627. Stay in Touch! Our staff loves to hear from you to learn how baby is doing. We keep a big scrapbook of notes and letters from grateful families along with the snapshots they send us of adorable babies. E-mail us! Back to Top