Having a baby is an extraordinary experience.
AtOSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Centerin Bloomington, you will discover a warm, comfortable, home-like setting for labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum in the Birthing Center. Moms who have delivered at OSF St. Joseph have said the relaxing environment andcompassionate caremade them feel at home and it made their childbirth experience one of the most memorable moments of their lives.
“We want to ensure moms and their babies receive the most appropriate, evidence-based care,” said Renell Composto, DNP, RNC-OB, manager of theOSF St. Joseph Birthing Center．“我们的护理staff provides quality patient care and nursing excellence.”
Breastfeeding support
OSF St. Joseph is the Bloomington area’s only designatedBaby-Friendly hospital– the gold standard of maternity care. This prestigious designation means OSF St. Joseph offersbreastfeedingmothers the information, confidence and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.
TheMissionat OSF HealthCare is to serve persons with the greatest care and love in a community that celebrates the gift of life.
“At OSF St. Joseph, ourBirthing Centerstaff lives this Mission every day by creating a personalized birthing experience for you and your family,” Renell said. “We believe the staff involved with the birth of your child are people you will never forget, so we want to make this important time in your life special for you – after all, it is a family experience.”
Advice for mom
Preparing for the big day can be a little overwhelming. Renell often gets asked by new moms – and experienced moms – about what to bring to the hospital for themselves and their baby. She offered the following advice on what to bring and what not to bring:
For mom
- Bathrobe
- List of current medications
- 个人物品such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, case and solution, phone, camera, laptop and chargers
- Cash for your support person’s meals and snacks
- Breastfeeding bra or quality bra if bottle feeding and nursing pads – whether you plan to nurse, you’ll appreciate the support and leak protection
- Comfortable going-home clothes in six-month maternity size and flat shoes
- Insurance information and driver’s license
- Two to three pairs of warm, non-skid socks for walking before and after labor
- Toiletries and personal items – hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and lip balm (remember, travel-sized products are your friends)
- Headband or ponytail holder (avoid clips as they may not be comfortable)
- Bag packed with a change of clothes and basic hygiene products for your support person
For baby
- Car seat carrier (remember tofamiliarize yourselfwith your car seat before coming to the hospital)
- Outfit for pictures and going home
- We provide diapers, baby bath soap and lotion
- Baby book – we will be glad to take your infant’s footprints for your book
- Blankets and outdoor gear for the ride home as seasonally appropriate (remember, babies are extra sensitive to cold)
- Nursing pillow
Leave it at home
- Medications, unless instructed by your health care provider to bring
- We cannot be responsible for personal property; please do not bring large amounts of money, jewelry, or other valuables.
- Stopwatch (your nurse or a monitor will take care of timing contractions)
To learn more about the Birthing Center at OSF St. Joseph, visitosfstjoseph.org．
Last Updated: June 18, 2019