Mother/Baby Care
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At North Shore University Hospital, our philosophy of care is a mother/baby model. Our nursing staff is trained to care for both the new mother as she recuperates from the birth process and her newborn. Our goal is to provide a hospital environment that will best prepare you and your family for being home with your newborn.
Infants and mothers are cared for as a couplet 24 hours a day. The advantages of this arrangement are many. It promotes bonding between mother, partner and baby. It provides you with "hands-on" learning from your nurse and doctor in the comfort of your own room. At any time you wish, however, you may request to have your newborn return to the nursery. You may also, keep your baby in the room with you 24 hours a day. This will necessitate that the staff assesses your baby's health frequently while you sleep.
The staff on this unit is specially trained to care for and assist you and your baby. They will enter your room frequently to check on you both. Periodically they will assess your uterus, episiotomy or incision and breasts. They will inquire about bleeding, bowel movements, and urination. This information will tell them whether you are healing and progressing well.
While your baby is in the room with you, it is important to maintain safety as your priority. Mothers, partners and visitors should always wash their hands prior to handling the newborn. Never leave the baby alone in the room. Always position your newborn on their back. Do not walk with your baby in your arms. Instead, use the portable bassinet.
We take the security of your newborn very seriously. Our infant security program is multidemensional, with closed-circuit monitoring cameras, special identification bands, an electronic infant security tag and other measures. The staff will teach you how to participate with us in protecting your infant’s security.