What to pack for Mom

• Birth Communication Plan (PDF)*
• Lotion/oil for massages (unscented)
• Warm socks
• Lip balm
• Back massager
• Warm pack or rice sock
• Robe and slippers
• Nursing bra (if breast-feeding)
• Toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash
• Hair care items
• Cosmetics
• Loose fitting clothes to wear home, something from your 4th or 5th month of pregnancy should be comfortable

Suggested Items for Your Labor Partner

• Insurance information
• Snacks for labor
• Swimsuit to wear in shower
• Watch with a second hand
• Change of clothes and toiletries
• Phone numbers of friends and relatives
• Cell phone or phone card
• Books and magazines
• Videos, music tapes or CDs (Mercy’s Birthing Unit is equipped with CD players, TV and VCRs)
• Camera, film, camcorder and batteries

Suggested Items for Baby

• Newborn Communication Plan
• Undershirt and sleeper
• Going home outfit and receiving blanket
• Sweater, cap and extra blanket if needed for cold weather
• Infant car seat
• Baby book for footprints

Mercy will provide you with the following things for you and your baby during your stay

• For Mom

• Hospital gowns, disposable underpants and sanitary pads
• For Baby
  • Diapers, wipes, thermometer, bulb syringe, soap and circumcision supplies for boys
  • Undershirts and blankets are also provided during baby’s hospital stay
  
  

Arriving at Mercy

When you arrive at Mercy, please plan to enter through the East Tower main entrance, located on the east edge of Mercy Central Campus.

• If you arrive during the day, proceed directly to the Birthing Unit located on Level 3. If you need assistance; please ask the courtesy desk attendant on Level B. Wheelchairs are available in the main lobby.
• If you arrive between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., the East Tower courtesy desk will call the Birthing Unit to notify them that you are coming or to request that a nurse come to assist you.

Once you are in your room, a nurse will discuss your symptoms, complete an exam, review your prenatal history and discuss your birth plan.

We want your stay to be pleasant and comfortable. One nurse will be caring for both you and your baby during each shift of your hospital stay. Your care will be personalized for you and your family.

We encourage you to keep your baby with you in your room so you may begin to bond with each other. This also provides you with the opportunity to practice baby care with assistance from your nurse. The father or support person is also encouraged to get involved in the educational process and the newborn care.

Your nurse is a valuable resource for all of your questions. Take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy and learn about your new baby.

Infant Security

The Mother/Baby Unit provides a safe environment for you and your baby. You will find comfort in knowing that Mercy has a state-of-the-art security system in place to keep your newborn safe while in the hospital.

The following suggestions will help ensure the safety of your infant during your stay:

• Allow only appropriate staff members to take your baby from your room after you have checked for their proper identification.
• Never leave your baby alone or unsupervised in your room.
• Always transport your baby in the crib.
• Place your baby’s crib out of direct view of the door.
• Always verify your ID bracelet with the baby’s bracelet after you have been separated.
• If you are unsure about anyone who comes into your room or asks about your baby, please call your nurse.
  
  

Visitation Policy

To support you and your family and to minimize the risk of infection to the new baby, Mercy Medical Center suggests the following recommendations regarding the visit of siblings, grandparents and others.

• Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends visitors be at least 14 years old or a sibling of the newborn. However, we support your choice of visitors.
• Visitors should not have been exposed to any contagious diseases in the past two weeks and must wash their hands well before touching your infant.

Mercy understands your family and friends are very important to you and we will support you in your choice for visitors.