From the very beginning, we encourage your family to participate in the birth of your baby. One of the first choices you will make is selecting a health care provider.

Together with your health care provider, you will make decisions about how your baby will arrive into the world. You will also be given information on anesthesia options that are available to help control the pain of labor. When it is time for your baby to be born, we welcome your spouse or support person to stay with you throughout your birthing experience.

At CoxHealth, we are dedicated to helping mothers give birth to the healthiest babies possible, even through difficult circumstances. If problems arise during your pregnancy or baby's birth, we have specialized areas to provide quality care to both of you. You can be confident in the training, experience and expertise of our staff to care for mothers and newborns.

Suites

We are proud to offer you a spacious, comfortable, attractive room for your birthing experience. Each suite has a television, telephone, private bathroom, including a shower and jacuzzi tub.

Having a home-like atmosphere during labor and delivery is important, but rest assured that the most advanced medical equipment is also right here, tucked away discreetly, in case the need should arise.

Please come visit us before your baby is due. Our staff will give you a guided tour of the Special Delivery Suites, nurseries and answering any questions you may have along the way.

Choosing the best for your baby

Preparing to have a baby involves teamwork. It is important for you to be comfortable with the person who cares for you during your pregnancy. This person may be an obstetrician, a family physician or a nurse practitioner. We encourage you to discuss all the options and ask any questions you may have about pregnancy and your upcoming birth experience. Your health care provider will help you make good choices throughout your pregnancy and when it's time for your baby to be born.

1. Does the provider communicate in a way that makes you comfortable? Does the provider allow enough time during your visit to answer all your questions?
2. What options does the provider offer for managing pain during labor? How will your progress be monitored during labor? How active can you be in the decision-making process?
3. How many providers are in the practice? Will you always see the same provider at your prenatal visits? Who will be present at the birth of your baby?
4. What are the payment arrangements (insurance, Medicaid, self-pay)?
5. How long has the provider been practicing? Do you know anyone who has been a patient of this provider? Was that person pleased with the care she received? Does the provider deliver at Cox Monett?
6. Is the office conveniently located?

Choosing a doctor for your baby

One of the most important things you can do during your pregnancy is find a health care provider for your baby. This person may be a family physician. His or her role is very important to your baby's well-being and your sense of security, because this health care provider will examine your newborn within the first 24 hours of life and discuss further care with you.

It is important to meet your baby's health care provider during your pregnancy. This gives you an opportunity to get acquainted. This first visit should be the beginning of a long-term, supportive relationship.

Sometimes friends or relatives can recommend a health care provider whom they especially like. You may already have someone caring for your older children.

Questions that may help you choose a health care provider for your baby

1. What is the provider's training and does it include specialty areas? What routine does the provider follow for well-baby care? Does the provider care for newborns at Cox Monett?
2. How many partners practice with your prospective provider? Will your provider always see your child?
3. How do you reach the provider in case of an emergency? What are his or her office hours? Does the provider offer extended or Saturday office hours?
4. What hospital emergency department does the provider recommend?
5. When are you required to pay?

Pre-registration and finances

We encourage you to contact your insurance carrier early in the pregnancy regarding your coverage. Most insurance companies require pre-certification prior to admission or procedures. If your insurance company provides you with a pre-certification number, please inform us at the time of your registration. This is also a good time to sign up your new baby. We offer a payment plan for expectant families without health insurance. It is to your benefit to call early in your pregnancy.

For more information on charges, call 800-711-9455. To make an appointment with an account representative about payment options, call 354-1172.

Special Delivery classes

Our Special Delivery classes offer you a number of ways to prepare for your baby while you are waiting. We recognize the great changes that are happening in your family. The first few months of pregnancy are an exciting time. You may feel differently than before and have questions about what is happening to your body. You may wonder what is best for you and your baby.

To help answer some of those questions, we offer a variety of programs with timely, accurate information and skills you can use throughout your childbearing years. Grandparents, family members and care providers are welcome to attend. Listed below are descriptions of each class. Also, see the Women and Children Services calendar included in the back of this brochure for specific dates, times, locations and fees.

Celebrate Your Pregnancy series

Prepared Childbirth
This series will help you learn more about labor, delivery, breathing and relaxation techniques, as well as pain medication and the postpartum phase. Most expectant parents begin this class during the 30th - 32nd week of pregnancy. It is important to register by the 20th week of your pregnancy for appropriate class placement.

Breastfeeding Basics
Learn the nutritional and emotional advantages of breastfeeding so you can make an informed decision that's right for you and your baby. This class offers practical information on breastfeeding: Preparation, the "how-tos," plus a discussion of the normal behavior of the breastfeeding newborn. You'll also receive valuable information on mom's care and managing your busy lifestyle while breastfeeding your baby.

Sibling and Parents
Parents and their children ages 3-10 are invited to come learn about their new baby. We'll tour the Special Delivery areas and answer important questions your children raise. Parents will receive helpful information on preparing siblings for the new baby's arrival. Enrollment is limited so please register early.

If you have questions regarding anesthesia or are planning to have analgesia or epidural anesthesia, you will need to schedule an appointment for an anesthesia interview. Contact Cox Monett at 235-3144.

Anesthesia interview

You will arrive at the Admissions Services Area, north entrance of the hospital, open 6 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. After hours or on weekends, please go to the emergency room. As you pass through the doors, we will place you in a wheelchair and take you to the Special Delivery Unit. Here we will assess contractions, cervical change and your baby's well-being. When true labor is determined, you will be admitted to the Special Delivery Birthing Suites.

When you arrive for your special delivery

You will have the support of our entire staff throughout your stay. Our team includes skilled nursing professionals to care for you and your newborn, as well as staff to serve your meals and maintain your comfortable and clean environment. During your stay, you will become familiar with these Special Delivery faces. You'll find that our attention is focused on you, your infant and your family. We look forward to your stay at Cox Monett and to sharing the joy and excitement that the birth of your baby will bring.

Staff for your special delivery

Security means peace of mind. The security of mother and baby is a top priority at Cox Monett. To help you rest assured, we use a specially designed safety and security system. Our staff is trained in safety and security procedures.

During your recovery, you will stay on the third floor of Cox Monett. We have private rooms available. Each room has a window, comfortable seating, television, private phone and a private shower that includes a whirlpool bath.

Special Delivery Unit Postpartum

Getting to know your newborn is important. We encourage you to keep your baby in your room with you. We are available in the nursery to care for your baby while you attend classes, bathe or sleep. Ask your nurse for more information.

Visitors are welcome on the Special Delivery Unit. You will want to see your family and friends, but you will also need time to spend alone with your new baby. We encourage your visitors to come during the hours of 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. Siblings are encouraged to visit mom and their new brother or sister; however, we ask that an adult accompany them.

While you are in the hospital, you may take advantage of some personalized special services. Infant CPR classes and parenting preparation classes are available. You may wish to take advantage of the baby photography service that allows you to purchase your baby's picture by mail after you go home. Details will be available after you arrive on the Special Delivery Unit.

During your stay

What to bring to the hospital

Remember to keep your packing simple. Please do not leave valuables in your room. Send them home with your family. Here are some suggestions for what to pack:

• camera
• nightgown and robe
• toiletries
• socks and slippers
• outfits for you and the
• baby to wear home
• shampoo, comb and hairbrush
• toothpaste and toothbrush
• prenatal vitamins

Breastfeeding resource service

In the hospital, our nurses will help you and your baby begin breastfeeding. They can assist with most problems or questions that arise. If your baby is premature or unable to breastfeed, we will help you learn how to maintain your milk supply until your baby can breastfeed. Certified lactation consultants are available when any additional help is required. The Women's Center in Springfield rents and sells breastpumps and other breastfeeding equipment. They also offer outpatient breastfeeding consultations and custom nursing bra fittings by appointment. Call 417/269-LADY for more information.

Love Me Tender is a breastfeeding mothers' support group. Join us for an evening of friendship, fun and support in The Women's Center library. Breastfeeding babies are welcome! Call The Women's Center for more information.

Special care for high-risk moms

Cox South is a regional perinatal care referral center and offers a perinatal intensive care unit. This is a specialized area for moms who are expecting serious illness or conditions during either pregnancy or the postpartum period. The nurses have advanced education in obstetrics and critical care.

Premature labor

• Regular contractions (every 10 minutes or less)
• Dull, low backache
• Pressure in lower abdomen
• Menstrual-like cramps
• Abdominal cramping with or without diarrhea
• Increased urinary frequency, pain or burning with urination

Please call your health care provider if you have any of the above symptoms for one hour. If you are unable to reach your health care provider, call the Special Delivery Suites at 354-1300.

Call your health care provider right away if you have:

• fluid from your vagina
• blood from your vagina
• a sudden increase in vaginal discharge.

Special care for high-risk or premature infants

The team of professionals caring for your newborn includes neonatologists, physicians who specialize in care for premature or ill newborns, as well as highly skilled nurses. The intensive care nursery is equipped with the most advanced medical equipment for any emergency. Newborns and their parents are of the utmost importance to the caring, skills intensive care nursery staff. As we individualize care, parents are encouraged to visit frequently and learn how to care for their baby's special needs.

Going home

You will be happy to know Special Delivery is still here for you after your baby has arrived.

A.B.C. (Auxiliary Baby Car Seat) is a program sponsored by the Cox Monett Auxiliary, furnishing you with a complimentary car seat. State law requires all infants to be placed in specially designed car seats when traveling by vehicle. With our infant car seat, you can obey this important regulation and take care of your baby's safety before both of you are discharged from Cox Monett.

The seat has been represented to us by the manufacturer as a safe seat when properly used, meeting all government regulations. It will accommodate an infant weighing up to 20 pounds. The final decision for your baby's protection is yours. You are under no obligation to use this seat if you prefer to use a different one.

The complimentary infant car seat is just one of the many caring and professional services Cox Monett offers you and your new baby.

If once you are home you have any questions or just need reassurance, don't hesitate to call the Special Delivery Unit at 354-1300.

Best wishes from all of us for a happy, healthy pregnancy and a joyful birth experience.

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