You are about to experience one of life’s greatest joys! At Oconee Regional Medical Center we understand that for the birth of a baby, first impressions are everything. That’s why we are dedicated to providing a caring and comfortable childbirth experience.
From the earliest stages of your pregnancy, we’re here for you every step of the way to answer your questions, address your concerns and share your excitement. We encourage you to call ahead and come by the hospital for a tour so that you may see the beautiful amenities we have to offer. To speak with a member of our staff, please call (478) 454-3760.
Special class for you and your family
At Oconee Regional Medical Center, a first-class childbirth experience begins with a class. Whether first time mom or not, we offer a childbirth education class to answer your questions about pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and infant care. In order to register for the class, please call (478) 454-457-2028 and our certified childbirth educator will call you back to schedule your class.
Pre-Registration
Pre-registration is one of the most important things you should take care of before your baby’s birth. This process collects patient demographic and insurance information prior to your “big day.” This service is offered as a convenience and enables you to experience your delivery without excessive paperwork. Please bring your insurance card and photo ID to the Registration Department in Park Tower as early as possible.
Financial Arrangements
We can help you determine your financial responsibility which will include a deductible, co-pays and non-covered (co-insurance) amounts based upon the benefits quoted by your insurance carrier. Please check with your insurance carrier to be sure your policy covers maternity care and to be sure your insurance company has Oconee Regional Medical Center listed as one of their preferred providers. We have contracts with many of the major insurance companies however, ORMC is not a Blue Cross HMO provider.
Pre-delivery maternity contracts are available for patients with no maternity benefits or patients with no insurance. Payment plans are available. A substantial reduction is given to those with no insurance when your bill is paid prior to delivery. We also have a government insurance representative available on site. Please contact our patient financial counselor at (478) 457-2121 for more information or to make an appointment.
Choose a Pediatrician
During admission you will be asked to provide the name of your chosen pediatrician so that we may notify him or her as soon as your baby is born. If your pediatrician or family practice physician is not on staff at Oconee Regional Medical Center, your new baby will be cared for by our on-call pediatrician during your stay. Upon discharge, we will need the name and phone number of the pediatrician or family practice physician you will use for follow-up care. This will be placed in the baby’s medical record.
Should your infant develop complications or special needs after delivery, beyond what our pediatricians are able to take care of, we have a contract and transfer agreement in place with The Medical Center of Central Georgia. At a moment’s notice, we have access by phone to their neonatology doctors and neonatal transport team.
What to bring to the hospital on your special day
Because babies have a timetable of their own, we suggest you have an overnight bag packed and ready well in advance of your due date. Some of the items you may want to bring include:
ˇ Nightgowns, underwear, a nursing bra or tight-fitting bra (if not breastfeeding)
ˇ A comfortable robe and slippers
ˇ Personal items like a special pillow or blanket
ˇ Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, brush, comb, razor, etc. and any cosmetics you may need
ˇ A comfortable going home outfit for you and your baby
ˇ Important phone numbers and information such as your social security number
ˇ An approved infant car seat. Please know how to install your car seat in your car. Our staff is not permitted to install or set up car seats. Remember, an approved car seat is required by Georgia Law.
ˇ Camera, cell phone, charger, etc.
ˇ PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY PERSONAL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT THAT HAS A BROKEN PLUG, FRAYED CORD OR IS NOT IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
When to come to the hospital
When you think you are in labor or your water breaks, call your physician immediately. He or she will notify us to prepare for your arrival. When you get to the hospital, you may use the hospital main entrance or the Emergency Treatment Center entrance if needed. All of the maternity services are located on the third floor of the hospital. Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by our staff and escorted to your Labor-Delivery-Recovery room where your labor will be assessed. It is best to discuss with your physician in advance who you would like present during your labor and birth. Family and friends are welcome to wait in our comfortable, spacious waiting area.
Maternity Care in our Labor-Delivery-Recovery Rooms
When the big day arrives, our private Labor-Delivery-Recovery (LDR) rooms offer comfort and luxury along with the latest medical technology and skilled medical team.
With our one-room birthing experience, your labor, delivery and recovery will be coordinated and take place within the same private, comfortable room. Each room is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and beautifully appointed with home-like décor. The LDR room provides a safe, warm and loving environment where the family can relax and bond with your new arrival.
Should your physician determine that a Cesarean birth is needed, our fully equipped and dedicated cesarean surgical room is located directly below the LDR rooms. Whenever possible, we encourage your support person to accompany you to the operating room. The nurse taking care of you will be able to help with getting everyone ready. We realize that each birth, no matter the circumstance, is important and exciting, however, we permit ONE person in the operating room only.
Your Baby’s First Lullaby
As part of our dedication to making your birth a memorable experience, we have a lullaby that plays throughout the hospital when every baby is born.
Anesthesia Services
Long before delivery, you and your physician should discuss the various anesthesia options available to you for childbirth. Complete anesthesia services are available to you 24 hours a day throughout labor.
Photography and Videotaping
Still photographs of the birth and the newborn after delivery are permitted. No videotaping is permitted in the cesarean surgical suite. Please check with your physicians and nurses during labor for more information.
After delivery mother and baby care
We encourage “rooming in” after delivery. In keeping with our philosophy of family-centered maternity care, you may have your baby with you throughout your entire hospital stay. Our skilled maternal-newborn nursing staff will be available to evaluate and care for your newborn during those times you prefer to rest. Our nursery is equipped with a state-of-the-art infant security system. Your baby’s doctor will want to see the baby in the main nursery for just a short period of time each day. After the doctor’s visit, the baby will be returned to your room and the pediatrician will give you a progress report.
There are several tests performed on your baby prior to discharge. We participate with the State of Georgia and screen for hearing problems. We also do universal bilirubin (jaundice) screening on every baby before discharge and collect blood for state required metabolic screening (PKU) tests. Should any follow-up be needed on any test results, you will be given instructions for care by the nurse or your pediatrician.
Birth Certificate
A birth certificate packet must be completed and returned to our Health Information Department for all infants born in the hospital or infants brought to the hospital immediately following birth. We encourage you to provide all the information needed and complete the paternity affidavit (if necessary) prior to leaving the hospital. A member of our staff is always available to assist you. Please give the packet to the nurse taking care of you on the day of discharge.
Visiting Hours
Recognizing the importance of bonding with newborns, ONE support person of your choosing is welcome to stay overnight with you.
Our staff encourages family and close friends to visit; however, proper rest for both you and your baby is important to us. We ask that visitors come between 9 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. We strongly recommend that only healthy children and adults visit. Individuals with colds, flu or any communicable illness are strongly discouraged from coming to the hospital.
Going Home
Your obstetrician and pediatrician will determine the best time for you and your baby to go home. Once you have been discharged, your nurse will provide you with discharge and follow-up care instructions. You will receive a copy of these instructions and any other assistance you may need.
New Mother Inn
Sometimes, your pediatrician decides that it is necessary for your baby to remain in the hospital for further treatment and you have been discharged by your obstetrician. We understand how anxious you and your family may feel upon receiving this unexpected news. We are pleased to offer you the opportunity to remain in the hospital in our New Mother Inn to be near your infant. Please ask your nurse for details.
As your baby grows, so will your relationship with us
Our hospital offers many children’s services to care for your child from birth to adolescence. Our Pediatrics unit is located on the 4th floor of the hospital and features a cheery ocean theme for our young patients. A fully equipped playroom stocked with toys and books offers a pleasant diversion for children who need to be hospitalized.
We’re here for you
The maternal-newborn staff at Oconee Regional medical Center is committed to making your birthing experience a joyful and memorable one. If there is anything we can do, please give us a call. We are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We look forward to sharing the arrival of your new baby with you and your family.
Congratulations, once again! |