The birth of a child is a wondrous time in a family’s life. The following information is provided to help you prepare for your big day.
Complete Your "Personal Plan of Birth"
You will receive a "Personal Plan of Birth" at your physician's office. By completing this plan, you will be sharing your choices for making your birth experience both comfortable and memorable. Many of the options that you will be choosing from will be discussed in your childbirth classes or with your physician or their staff. Please return this completed form to your physician. They will have it sent to the hospital prior to your admission. If you have not already turned this in, bring it with you to the hospital. This is a flexible plan and it can be changed as you request or as your condition requires throughout your hospital stay.
Things To Bring With You For Your Hospital Stay
- Your pre-registration form you received from your physician office, if you have not already mailed this in. If you do not have one of these forms, you will be asked to fill one out at this time.
- Your health insurance card.
- Your Advanced Directive For Health Care or Living Will (if you have one)
- Items that will make your hospital stay more comfortable, such as toiletries, pajamas/nightgown/robe/slippers, camera/video camera, etc.
- You will also need clothing for yourself and your baby at discharge and a car seat to take your baby home.
Directions to the Birth Centers
Appleton Medical Center Family Center is located on the third floor of the hospital. You can access the birth center by taking the main elevators to the third floor and following the signs.
New London Birth Center is located on the second floor of the hospital. You can access the birth center by taking the main elevators to the second floor and following the signs.
Theda Clark Medical Center Birth Center is located on the third floor of the hospital. You can access the birth center by taking the north elevators to the third floor. Make sure you follow the signs to the north entrance and elevators.
Tour the Birth Center
If you have not received a tour during your childbirth classes, you are welcome to call the Birth Center and schedule a private tour for you and your family. Tours are free.
Review Personal Insurance Coverage
Each health insurance policy can be different. It is important for you to understand what is covered by your insurance plan. We recommend you contact your health insurance company and discuss your coverage and responsibilities prior your admission.
Visiting the Birth Centers
The Appleton Medical Center, New London Family Medical Center and Theda Clark Medical Center policy for the Birth Centers include the following:
- Partners, parents, and healthy brothers and sisters are welcome anytime.
- Anyone who visits you and your baby should be healthy and wash their hands prior to contact with mom and baby. Those who are suffering from or who have been exposed to a cold, sore throat or other communicable diseases are asked not to visit. If you must visit, please limit your time with the new mother and ask for a mask from a staff member.
- Family and friends are welcome, however, you may wish to limit and avoid visitors for various reasons. If this is the case, inform your nurse. She will take measures to assist you in this.
- Balloons – Only Mylar® balloons are permitted in the hospital. Visitors bringing latex balloons will be asked to leave the balloons at the Information Desk until they return from their visit. Latex allergies are a concern for patients and staff alike, and we are working to reduce exposure to latex wherever possible.
- Cellular telephones are not permitted in the birth centers, including the hallways or in any part of the birth center wing because the phones may disrupt our Infant Alert System. Cellular phones may be used in the waiting rooms, cafeterias, lobbies and conference rooms.As an alternative to cellular phone use, phone cards are available in the Gift Gallery.
Smoking
Appleton Medical Center, New London Family Medical Center and Theda Clark Medical Center have adopted a smoke-free policy to provide a safe and healthy environment. Smoking is not permitted in the buildings or on the hospital grounds.
Visitor Snacks, Meals and Gifts
Appleton Medical Center
New London Family Medical Center
Theda Clark Medical Center