Wellstar Douglas Labor & Delivery

× How many rooms do you have?

There are 10 labor, delivery, and recovery rooms (LDRs); two triage/treatment rooms; and four Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) (Level 2) beds available. 

× How many people can be in our room during my labor and the birth of my baby?

Some women want only one special support person in the room during the birth of their baby, while other women prefer additional support. No more than three people can be present in your labor and delivery room at any one time. Only one support person is allowed in the c-section area. If you have questions, please discuss them with your healthcare provider and your nurse.

× What if I'm having a scheduled cesarean birth?

On the day of your scheduled c-section, you will go to Labor and Delivery, where you will be prepped for your surgery. Once you are settled in the operating room, a staff member will bring your support person in to join you. After your baby is born and the three of you are in the recovery area together, your nurse can assist you with breastfeeding, if you like. Once your initial recovery period is over, you will be transferred to a Mother/ Baby room. Your baby will be placed skin-to-skin as soon as you are able to hold the baby. Visitors (up to three, including the baby’s father) are welcome to visit with you once you are moved to your room. Prior to that, they will need to remain in the waiting room.

× What are the visiting hours?

You are welcome to have visitors from 7 AM - 8 PM who are over the age of 18, unless they are a sibling of the new baby. All siblings under 18 visiting the new baby must always be cared for by a designated adult (other than the patient). It is up to the discretion of each physician as to how many visitors are allowed in the birthing suite during the birth process (generally up to 3). During epidural administration, all visitors may be asked to leave during the procedure. If you have a cesarean section, only one support person is allowed in the operating room. Physicians or nurses may limit the number of visitors at any time for safety precautions, patient condition, and/or recommendations per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Children under the age of 18 are only allowed in the birthing center if they are a sibling of the newborn.

× What are the visiting hours?

Visiting hours are from 8 AM to 9 PM (except for your support person, who is welcome to stay overnight with you in your room). After 9 PM visitors will need to check in at the security kiosk in the Women’s Center lobby to obtain a “Visitor” badge. Visitors under the age of 12 who are not siblings of the new baby are not allowed beyond the main lobby and must always be accompanied by an adult. Visitation may be restricted at any time based on CDC recommendations. This is for the safety of your baby and its developing immune system.

× What do I need to know about car seats?

To leave the hospital, your baby must have a car seat. We recommend you purchase your car seat and have it checked or installed by a certified car seat safety technician before your baby is born to ensure the seat is installed properly. Did you know 72% of car seats are installed incorrectly? Safe Kids Douglas County offers car seat inspection appointments. For more information, call 770-949-5155 or visit www.safekidsdouglascounty.org. For more information, call 770-942-8626. Wellstar staff members are not allowed to install the seat or secure the infant, for liability reasons.

× What if I need help with breastfeeding?

Your nurse is a wonderful resource for breastfeeding. She can answer questions and assist in your initial efforts to breastfeed. If you need additional assistance, a Lactation Consultant is available to visit your room to provide more information, guidance, and help with breastfeeding. Wellstar promotes breastfeeding and provides support from the staff 24 hours a day. Support is also available from our Lactation Support Services team during regular business hours. Lactation Consultants can be reached at (770) 732-5247 for outpatient questions and information on support groups. In-room pumps are available for use.

× Is there an ATM inside the hospital?

There is an ATM located on the first floor between the main lobby and surgical lobby.

× Will I have a private room?

Yes, all of our Labor and Delivery rooms and Mother/ Baby rooms (for after delivery) are private. Our family-centered care philosophy offers sleeping accommodations in each of our rooms for a support person or loved one to spend the night with you.

× Can I choose to deliver my baby early?

Wellstar will not perform non-medically indicated, elective deliveries prior to 39 weeks. This is to reduce NICU admissions, breathing and feeding problems, infections, and vision and hearing problems.

× Are food and drinks allowed in the labor room?

Patients are only allowed ice chips and clear liquids during labor, as ordered by their healthcare provider.

× Will I be allowed skin-to-skin contact with my baby?

Yes, your baby will be placed on your abdomen/chest when medically stable and will remain in this position for an hour. Mom and baby will be covered with a gown and/or blanket. Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate the baby’s temperature, promote normal heart rates and respiratory patterns, stabilize blood sugars and facilitates breastfeeding. If you have a c-section this may not start until you leave the operating room and are moved to the post-op room. Your support person may provide skin-to-skin contact until you are stable and settled in recovery.