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 How do I prepare for the arrival of the baby?
The DeKalb Medical family of hospitals offers classes to help parents know what to expect, prepare for the arrival and be ready for the baby at home. For more on these classes, click here or call us at 404.501.WELL.
What if my pregnancy is high-risk?
While we give all our mothers and babies special attention, some require greater medical care. The Women’s Center at DeKalb Medical can handle complications, including conditions such as multiple births, premature labor, gestational diabetes or premature rupture of membranes. We also have a special area called an Antepartum Unit for women with high-risk pregnancies who require bed rest or other ongoing medical attention before their baby is born.
Should your baby require extra attention, DeKalb Medical at North Decatur offers the second largest neonatal nursery in Georgia with a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This unit is for babies who are born early or those who need heart monitoring, special medications or assistance breathing. Parents are encouraged to take an active role in their baby’s care.
 Who can be in the room with me?
You may wish to have your friends and family with you during delivery. Baby’s brothers and sisters are allowed during the delivery as long as they are ages 12 or older and have adult supervision. We have no restrictions on who watches the birth as long as your physician approves. For your comfort and safety, we reserve the right to limit the number of people in your room. Generally, one support person is allowed during a cesarean birth. Rooms are furnished with window seat couches for the convenience of your guests.
What are my birthing options?
At DeKalb Medical, we encourage natural comfort methods that you learn about in your childbirth preparation classes. Birthing balls are available and complementary therapies such as aromatherapy or acupressure are welcome. Extra support persons such as a birthing coach or doula also are welcome.
What are my pain relief choices?
If you choose to receive pain relief, anesthesia is administered by our anesthesiologists who are available around-the-clock. Natural childbirth also is an option for women who desire minimal medical intervention and pain control.
What happens if I need to have a cesarean birth?
If the need arises to deliver your baby surgically, our surgical suites are adjacent to our LDRs. In most cases, your partner is permitted to join you in a cesarean birth.
How do I pick a pediatrician?
Choosing the person who will give you advice about your baby’s health and well-being as well as care for your sick baby is an important decision. Here are some tips to help you choose the right one.
Start searching for a pediatrician before your baby is born to give yourself time to interview several doctors in person.
- Consider the location of the physician’s office. Do you want it close to home or work?
- Find out the doctor’s office hours and how after-hours calls are handled.
- Ask the pediatrician if he or she has privileges at DeKalb Medical as well as a children’s hospital in your area.
- Evaluate your doctor’s communication skills and bedside manner. Choose someone you feel comfortable talking to and have a rapport with.
For a free referral or list of pediatricians affiliated with DeKalb Medical, click here or call us at 404.501.WELL.
Where do I park?
At The Women’s Center, you may be dropped off under the canopy and signs will direct the driver to the parking deck directly under the building. Maternity admission is on the second floor and elevators can go directly from the parking deck to the second floor area.
Can I tour the facility?
We’d be happy to show you our mother and baby facilities and encourage you to take this tour as early as possible in your pregnancy. Register by clicking here or calling 404.501.WELL.
You’ll learn:
- Where to park.
- Where to check in.
- More about birthing options.
- How to preregister for admission, which minimizes delays and makes your admission when you are in labor quick and trouble-free. Be sure to bring a photo ID and your insurance card for preadmission.
How do I preregister?
To streamline your admission process, we suggest you complete your hospital registration before your eighth month of pregnancy. For online preadmission, click here, or please call 404.501.1389 to make arrangements for preregistration.
What do I bring?
It’s best to have two bags packed – a small one for labor and delivery and a larger one for you and baby during your hospital stay.
Labor Bag suggested items
- Lip balm.
- Toothbrush and paste.
- Socks.
- Snacks for support person.
- Massage tools.
- Robe and slippers.
- Pediatrician’s name/number.
- Extra pillows.
- Phone numbers for family and friends.
Who helps with breastfeeding?
DeKalb Medical has a complete Lactation Center to support breastfeeding mothers while they are in the hospital and after they go home. We also offer breast pump sales and rentals and sell nursing bras and other breastfeeding products in our Lactation Center. For more information, call 404.501.5787.
How long can I stay in the hospital?
How long you are in the hospital after your baby is born depends on your health and your specific insurance coverage. Generally, mothers stay two days after a vaginal birth and three days after a cesarean birth.
What happens when I go home?
You will be full of questions when you leave the hospital with your new baby. But, you can rest assured that we will provide you with plenty of information to care for yourself and your new baby the first few weeks. Our discharge packet is extensive, and answers every question you can imagine. Your nurse will explain how to take care of your episiotomy or incision from a cesarean and will review other personal hygiene questions. And, your doctor will provide instructions to ensure you’re healing properly.
Do you have class for new moms?
After you’ve had your baby, you may be interested in several classes and support groups that DeKalb Medical offers for new mothers. Click here or call 404.501.WELL to register.
- Baby Talk: Discussion group for breastfeeding mothers led by an international board-certified lactation consultant.
- New Moms Group: Support group for mothers and babies offers camaraderie and information of interest to the new mother.
- Breastfeed and Work? Yes, You Can: Learn to manage working, pumping and continuing to breastfeed in this class that is ideal to take four weeks before returning to work but may be taken before your baby is born.
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Our staff of obstetricians, gynecologists, perinatologists, pediatricians, neonatologists, anesthesiologists and certified registered nurses along with our state-of-the-art facilities makes us a premier provider of maternity services. All of this so you will have an exceptional birth experience.
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