Nothing compares with the excitement of the start of labor. After months of waiting for your baby to arrive, you have entered the final stretch, and it will not be long before you’re holding your new little one in your arms.
A mother’s journey toward a memorable and happy delivery begins when she pre-registers to have her baby at Gateway Regional Medical Center. Each room is equipped with soft lighting, plenty of space, a TV, CD player and a sleeper for your partner, as well as technology to monitor and treat problems that might arise during labor.
Gateway Regional Medical Center offers quality and personalized care for women and newborns, so every mother can be assured that she and her new baby will receive the most comprehensive care possible.
Arriving at the Hospital
When you arrive at the hospital with your support person, you will be taken to the labor and delivery area on the 2nd floor, where you will be assessed and monitored throughout labor.
Our physicians, nurses and care team are sensitive to the emotional and physical needs of parent. Expectant mothers and new mothers are cared for in beautiful, private accommodations with upgraded amenities such as gourmet meals.
Your Delivery Team
When baby’s arrival is imminent, your care team will assist with delivery in your room. Your delivery team will continue to monitor mother and baby and offer encouragement in preparation for the baby’s big arrival.
Care After Delivery
Right after birth, the baby will be placed on the mother’s chest. Skin-to-skin care provides many benefits to both the mother and her new baby, making both feel more calm, comfortable and secure. Some babies may cry less and the mother’s body temperature will adjust to help her new baby maintain his or her normal body temperature. The baby’s father can be involved by providing skin-to-skin care as well.
We also encourage mother and baby to stay together as much as possible. There are very few times a newborn will need to leave his or her mother’s room.
Since breastfeeding offers so many benefits for babies, we encourage new mothers to attempt breastfeeding their newborn soon after delivery. At Gateway Regional Medical Center, the nurses on the labor and delivery and postpartum units are all trained to assist with breastfeeding, and lactation consultants are available for new mothers during their stay.
Click here to meet your women’s services team.
For more information, register for a class or to schedule a tour:
Gateway Regional Medical Center
2100 Madison Avenue
Granite City, IL 62040
Women and Newborn Services (618)798-3040
or email Sheila White, Director