Holding your newborn baby in your arms is one of life’s treasured moments. At Soldiers + Sailors Memorial Hospital (SSMH), we strive to make that moment a positive, family-centered experience.

Our Obstetrics (OB) Unit has three combination labor/delivery/recovery rooms and two nurseries, including an area for stabilizing high-risk newborns and for special procedures. The unit features bright, spacious private and semi-private patient rooms and a security system designed to maximize infant safety.

Preparing for Baby

Pre-Registration
Getting ready for your baby’s birth day begins long before your due date. As soon as you know you are pregnant, please call one of our Patient Account Representatives at (570) 724-1750 or 800-877-2455 and schedule an appointment to pre-register.

Tours of the Obstetrics Unit
A tour of the Obstetrics Unit may be arranged at the time of pre-registration, or you may schedule a visit by calling (570) 723-0375. A tour of the Unit is also offered as part of the hospital’s Expectant Parents class.

What To Bring

• Robe
• Nightgowns
• Slippers with non-skid soles
• Toiletries
• Supportive bras
• Nursing bras, if you plan to breast-feed
• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to wear home
• Eyeglasses/contact lenses and cases labeled with your name/address
• Reading material or stationery

And For Baby...

• Undershirt
• Sleeper or other outfit
• Booties or socks
• Receiving blanket
• Hat or cap
• Sweater, bunting, or heavy blanket (dependent on the season)
• Baby book (our nurses will mark your baby's footprints for you)

Because babies do not always arrive on schedule, we recommend that you pack your suitcase at least two weeks before your due date. Please do not bring valuables such as jewelry, watches, or large sums of money, as we cannot be responsible for these items. You are responsible for keeping track of all personal items left in your room, including cash. Personal television sets, electric blankets, fans, and heating pads are not permitted.

When Labor Begins

We ask that you notify your doctor before coming to the hospital. If you cannot reach your doctor, please call the Obstetrics Unit at (570) 723-0375.

At the Hospital
If your baby chooses to be born during the day (between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.), please come directly to the Obstetrics Unit, located on the third floor of the hospital. If you are entering the hospital after hours—after 8 p.m. or before 6 a.m.—please enter through the Emergency Room doors on Walnut Street, which are open 24 hours a day.

Your Baby's Birth
When it is time to deliver your baby, your husband or support person may remain with you, with your doctor's approval.

If you are planning to have a Cesarean section or if your doctor determines one is necessary, your husband or support person may accompany you, with the permission of the attending physician. This possibility should be discussed in advance with your doctor.

Cameras
Cameras and video cameras may be used with the permission of your doctor.

"Rooming in" for Your Baby
After your initial recovery period, you may choose to have your baby in your room with you continuously ("rooming in") or your baby can be tended in the nursery and brought to you whenever you like.

During Your Stay

Gifts for You and Your Baby
As our guest, you will receive gift packs containing sample products for you and your baby as well as booklets with useful information for new mothers. If desired, you may also request an infant car seat.

Your Baby's First Photograph
If you wish, your baby may have his or her first photograph taken by the nursing staff through arrangements with the First Foto@ picture company. Information about photographs will be given to you by our nursing staff.

Patient Education
Caring for yourself and your new baby is a big task. Our nurses will be happy to answer any questions you may have and will provide baby bath and feeding demonstrations at your request. We also have videos on baby care that you may watch during your stay or borrow when you leave the hospital. Before you leave, your doctor and our nursing staff will provide you with written information on how to take care of yourself and your baby after you return home.

Visiting Hours
11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

Your husband/support person and parents, as well as other relatives and friends over the age of 12, are welcome to visit you during regular visiting hours. Siblings of the newborn may visit if accompanied by an adult.

Exceptions to visiting hours are made for ill babies or babies born either early in the morning or late at night. Your husband/support person and parents will be permitted to visit beyond regular visiting hours at the discretion of the nurse in charge. All visitors must be free from infection, illness, or communicable disease.

For the safety of our infants, patients from other areas of the hospital may not visit you in the Obstetrics Unit without special permission from your doctor. Maternity patients are not permitted to leave the Unit unless accompanied by a member of the hospital staff or a family member.

The nursing staff reserves the right to restrict visitation to ensure that you get your needed rest and privacy.

Your Discharge

Leaving the Hospital
When you and your baby are ready to go home, your doctor will write an order for your discharge from the hospital. You should arrange for someone to drive you and your new baby home. Discharge instructions are further detailed in our patient handbook, which you will receive upon admission.

Infant Car Seats
Pennsylvania state law requires that all children under the age of four years ride in an approved car seat. We cannot discharge any newborn without the availability of an infant car seat. During your stay, you will be asked to watch a video about car seat safety and our nurses will demonstrate how to safely buckle your baby. If you already own an infant car seat, please feel free to have a family member bring it to the hospital before the day of your discharge so you can practice securing your baby comfortably and safely. Our nursing staff will be happy to answer your questions.

When You Arrive Home
After you return home, it is natural for you to have questions about caring for yourself or your new baby. If you have questions or concerns or if your baby is sick, please call your doctor immediately.