Congratulations, you are about to experience one of life's best moments!

Childbirth may be one of the best moments of your life. It may also be the most challenging. With all the new responsibilities and changes you may be experiencing, carrying a baby to term is not always easy. Your New Life Center was designed to help make sure the best moments of your life really are the best. You and your baby will be cared for during all phases of childbirth, from the moment you learn you're pregnant until you are home again with your new baby.

When the time comes, you will be care for by a highly skilled team of obstetrical nurses and doctors, with the most advanced medical technology. Our private birthing suites will provide a unique environment that makes childbirth a true family experience. Our mission is to care for you as we would a member of our own family. But until that day arrives, let us help you make the transition to your new life.

The experience of Birth

When you go into labor, call your obstetrician. If he or she instructs you to come to the hospital, go directly to the fourth floor, Your New Life Center nurses station. Our highly trained nursing staff will help you and your support person to make your birth experience special. Each room has a warm, home-like appearance with hardwood floors, soft lighting, comfortable furniture, and cozy sleeper chairs. The single room setting gives you a chance to be alone with your new family in the important few hours after the birth. Here, you will be given one-to-one attention by a registered nurse who will do everything possible to ensure that the birth of your baby is a memorable experience for you and your family.

Taking photographs or videotaping is allowed before and after the birth but not during the actual delivery. We have found that photographing the delivery is too distracting for everyone involved. Only still photographs are allowed.

Following the birth of your baby you may be transfered to another private suite for postpartum care and to spend the remainder of your hospital stay. In the postpartum area you will benefit from the specialized care of registered nurses who are trained in both the care of a newborn and providing special support to new mothers. For fist time parents, this is an opportunity for teaching and learning so that you leave the hospital confident about parenthood.

The baby's father or a support person is welcome to stay with you throughout the birth and your entire hospital stay. Unless you or your baby requires extra care, he or she can stay with you after the birth.

We strongly believe that this is the best way for you and your baby to get to know each other during your stay and it gives us every opportunity to care for, support and teach you as a family.

What to bring

• Nightgowns, underwear and nursing bras if you plan to nurse
• A comfortable robe and slippers
• Toiletries and cosmetics
• A comfortable going home outfit for you and your baby, including a receiving blanket for your baby
• A list of important phone numbers and information such as your social security number
• Your baby book

Choose a pediatrician

Our obstetrics staff will need the name and phone number of the pediatrician you have selected for your baby so he/she may be notified when your baby is born. If your pediatrician is not on staff at Palms West Hospital, you may use a pediatrician on call during your hospital stay.

Should you need assistance selecting a doctor, we will be happy to provide you with a list of pediatricians who are on staff at Palms West Hospital. Please call us at (561) 798-BABY (2229).