Care in the Hospital

Your Mother & Infant Suite

The Mother/Infant suites are comforting, private rooms with special conveniences for new families. As part of our Family Friendly philosophy, babies are kept in the room with mom throughout the entire hospital stay. A newborn nursery is available most nights from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. Please let your nurse know if you are interested in having your baby sleep in the nursery.

The rooms also have a sleeper chair perfect for Dad or another family member to room-in with mom, as well as private bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Free wireless internet access is available so that you can update your Care Page, send an announcement email or just surf the web during your stay.

The Mother & Infant nurses are part nurses, part educators. They provide expert clinical care for both you and your infant, and they help support you every step of the way during your first few days as a new family. They will assist with breastfeeding, let you know how to care for yourself once you return home, and answer the many questions you're sure to have about your new baby. 

Pain management is a priority on the Mother/Infant Unit. Your physician will prescribe pain medication that is safe for you (and your baby, if you are breastfeeding). These medications are usually prescribed "as needed" instead of on a schedule, so please let your nurse know when you need medication. 

Pediatrician Visits

Your pediatrician will be notified of your new baby after delivery. He or she will visit the two of you in the hospital to examine your baby, perform some newborn screening tests, perform a circumcision (if you have so chosen), and answer questions that you may have.

Lactation Support

After you have given birth, you will be visited by a Lactation Specialist. Because newborns often sleep much of their first day following birth, the visit usually occurs on your second day in the hospital. The Lactation Specialist will show you tips for optimal breastfeeding and answer any questions that you have.

We have many other Lactation Services available to new moms after leaving the hospital, including Outpatient Lactation Sessions and a Breastfeeding Learning and Support Group. Learn more about St. Francis Lactation Services >>

Expecting the Unexpected

You can rest assured that St. Francis is prepared to give the best care to you and your newborn. We have a Neonatal Care Unit that is fully equipped to offer care to babies with special needs at birth. Learn more about the Neonatal Care Unit >>

Other Helpful Hints

• To place a call to a number outside the hospital, dial 9, then the number.
• Our Gift Shop carries door decorations to help you celebrate the birth of your infant. The Gift Shop is located on the first floor across from the cafeteria. 
• Vending machines are located on the fourth floor near the waiting area and on the first floor next to the cafeteria.
• The cafeteria is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• ST. FRANCIS eastside provides Dining On Call, a dining experience similar to hotel room service. Please call 4199 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. to place your order. Guest trays also are available for purchase. 
  
  

Health Information

Click below to learn more about baby's first screenings, newborn health topics, and other need-to-know information for new moms: