Whether it’s your first or your fifth, birth is one of life’s most momentous events. You child's birth story is long-remembered and often recounted.
“It’s a very special day for new parents,” says Tiffany Washington, Beaufort Memorial director of birthing services. “They want a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a warm, welcoming environment and that is exactly what we aim to provide."
It's time. What can I expect?
After months of preparation, it's finally time to welcome your special delivery. Although the stages of natural birth are universal, every woman's labor is unique and can even vary from one pregnancy to the next.
Whether you are caught by surprise when your body indicates 'it's time!' or your obstetrician has scheduled you to be induced or have a C-section, entering a relaxed and peaceful setting like you'll find at the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Collins Birthing Center helps ease any anxiety.
Just inside the doors to our secure unit is antepartum where you'll be greeted by our nurses and assessed. You'll be fitted with a fetal monitor that allows our nurses keep an eye on your contractions and how your baby is doing.
From here, it is just a few steps to one of our well-appointed labor and delivery suites and in the case of a necessary or scheduled C-section the operating room is right across the hall.
If you are planning to have an epidural, Beaufort Memorial has anesthesiologists available in-house 24/7. Let your nurses know about your wishes when you arrive. We are also happy to help you work through the pain if you choose not to use any medications.
You'll find that the nursing staff goes above and beyond to provide a safe and fulfilling birth experience. With more than 100 years of obstetrics nursing experience on every shift, you can be assured that you are always in good hands.
Welcome to the world!
Most births are attended by two nurses, an obstetrician or nurse midwife, a scrub tech and a respiratory therapist. If additional care is needed, one of the nurses from our Level II Nursery will also be present. Our board-certified pediatricians and specially-trained nurses provide specialized care for infants who need breathing support, feeding assistance or body temperature stabilization.
"There are times when a baby's condition is severe enough that we have to transfer them to the Medical University of South Carolina," says Tiffany. "The nice thing is that when those babies become well enough, they can be transported back to us so that parents don't have to travel to Charleston while the baby is recuperating and getting strong enough to go home."
We encourage immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth and strive to minimize any separation between mother and child. There are several ways for fathers or birth coaches to be involved in the process as well. They may cut the umbilical cord at the time of birth, help with the first bath and take those first photos of your baby.
"We will work with mothers to make this their experience," says Tiffany.
A pediatrician will come to examine your baby after birth and again before you head home. Your baby will also have their hearing checked and an appointment will be made for you with an audiologist if it's needed.
Convenience and comfort.
After you recover, your new family will enjoy the convenience and comfort of our recently renovated postpartum rooms that each feature photography of a different Lowcountry scene.
Birthing partners and family will appreciate the multi-purpose furniture system that can be transformed from a couch to a bed to seating with a table between for intimate dining or a game of cards.
As a new mom you'll have a wide selection of a la carte menu items to choose from for your meals. Any medications you'll continue to take at home will be delivered to your bedside before leaving. You can also enjoy aromatherapy and a complimentary hand/foot massage.
One of our birth certificate clerks will stop by your room to help you fill out the required paperwork for your baby's birth certificate. (Be sure that both you and your baby's father have a valid photo ID available.)
If you're interested in breastfeeding, our certified lactation consultant will be on hand to coach you through your first feedings and help ensure a positive experience.
Our official newborn photographer will also stop by your room to see if you are interested in a "Fresh 48" photo package.
Ready to head home.
If you and your baby are healthy, you'll most likely stay with us for 24-36 hours after the birth.
Before you leave, your nurse will help you feel comfortable with everything from bathing your baby to taking care of their umbilical cord. The information she'll provide is customized to suit the specific needs of your family.
“A 23-year-old first-time mother may need more help than a 40-year-old woman having her sixth baby,” Tiffany explains. “We individualize education, rather than just give a standard set of instructions. And after you get home, you can always call our 24-hour warm line to have questions answered."
Expecting? Enroll in Baby University!
Get ready to meet and care for the new member of your family with our Baby U classes. We recommend taking these classes during your seventh month of pregnancy. Register for these free classes ahead of time as space is limited.
- Baby Basics - Ease your transition from hospital to home by learning about how to bond with your baby, infant cues and typical newborn behavior, feeding, diapering, bathing and skincare tips, circumcision information, sleep and car seat safety, and much more!
- Prepared Childbirth - Learn about different childbirth methods, stages of labor and what to expect in the hospital labor room, as well as pain management techniques and how your birth partner can help support you in labor.
- Breastfeeding - Take the guesswork and anxiety out of breastfeeding by learning about the skill of latching the baby onto the breast.