Wellstar Kennestone Labor & Delivery

× How many rooms do you have?

There are 15 labor, delivery and recovery rooms (LDRs); 46 Mother/Baby rooms (for after delivery); and 11 antepartum rooms (if you need to be hospitalized during your pregnancy).

× 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?

One to three days before your scheduled c-section, you will go to Labor and Delivery for pre-admission testing (your healthcare provider will give you information regarding this process). The pre-admission nurse will let you know what time to arrive at Labor and Delivery on the day of your scheduled c-section. On that day, 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, the three of you will go to the recovery area together and, if you would like, the nurse will assist you with breastfeeding. 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 if my baby needs special care?

A Transition Nursery and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) (Level 3) are available for babies that are born prematurely, need specialized care, or just extra observation. The NICU is only for babies that are too unstable to stay with the mother, however it may also be used for special procedures.

× What are the visiting hours?

After 9 p.m. visitors will need to come through the Lipson Center (main entrance) for an after-hours sticker. 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 Cobb County offers car seat inspection appointments, and they can help ensure yours is installed correctly. For more information, call 770-514-2369 or visit www.safekidscobbcounty.org. 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 and can answer questions and assist in your initial efforts to breastfeed. If you need additional assistance, a Lactation Consultant will be happy 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. Lactation Consultants also provide outpatient consults after you have been discharged. They can be reached at 770-793-8088 for outpatient questions and information about support groups. They are located in the Mother Baby Boutique on the main level of the Purple Tower. The Mother Baby Boutique offers breast pump rentals (payable by credit card only) and carries additional breastfeeding supplies (payable by cash, check, or credit card). Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday for both outpatient appointments and the retail center. Consultants return phone calls seven days a week, during business hours. 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.