FAQs

• Classes
• Labor
• Stay
• Visiting Hours
• Post Delivery

Classes

When should I take child birth classes?

It is recommended that expectant mothers attend prenatal classes during the second trimester so that mothers are prepared in case of premature labor.

Why should I take child birth classes?

Expectant parents who attend the prenatal classes have a better understanding of the labor and birth process and possible options available to them. Relaxation and comfort measures are discussed and practiced in class that can then be used during labor and birth to enable a less stressful birth.

Labor

What do I do when I go into labor?

Call your doctor and follow his or her directions. Try to wait for a return call if you need to leave a message for the doctor. Depending on how you feel, you may leave for the hospital before you hear back from the doctor.

Where do I enter the hospital when I arrive at the hospital in labor?

• Paoli: Enter through the Pavilion or the Valet Lobby.
• Riddle: 6am-10pm: Come through any hospital entrance and up to the Birthplace on the 3rd floor. 
• Lankenau: Any entrance.
• Bryn Mawr: Special side entrance next to Warden Lobby.  Mother can be dropped off at door and the nurses can remotely open the door.  This is also conveniently located close to the elevators that will bring you to Labor and Delivery.

How do I get into the hospital if I go into labor at night?

• Paoli: After 9pm, entry is through the Valet Lobby.  There is a doorbell that is answered by Security.  They will remotely unlock the door.
• Riddle: 10pm-6am: Come through the ER and up to the Birthplace on the 3rd floor
• Lankenau:  ER Entrance
• Bryn Mawr: Special side entrance next to Warden Lobby.  Mother can be dropped off at door and the nurses can remotely open the door.  This is also conveniently located close to the elevators that will bring you to Labor and Delivery.

Who can be with me during labor and delivery?

• Paoli: It is up to the patient
• Riddle:  You can have up to 2 coaches
• Lankenau: You can have two coaches – no switching
• Bryn Mawr: You can have up to 3 coaches: partner plus two others

Can we videotape our birth?

None of the MLH Hospitals allow video taping during the actual delivery.  This is MLH policy.

Will anesthesia be available to me?

Yes, the anesthesia service is in house and available 24 hours a day.  Most often, you will meet them in labor and delivery to either place an Epidural for labor or to provide anesthesia for a cesarean section.  If you wish to meet with anesthesia prior to delivery, a consultation can be arranged through your obstetrician.

Stay

How long will I be in the hospital when I have my newborn?

2-4 days

What should I bring with me to the hospital for the baby or myself?

Clothes for mom and baby to leave the hospital, toiletries for mom, slippers, bathrobe, nightgown

Can my husband/significant other sleep over night?

Yes, in most cases. Anyone staying overnight with mom, is expected to wear appropriate clothing at all times and arrive with their own toiletries.

How does Main Line Health ensure the security of my baby?

For your baby’s protection, it is important that we know who is visiting and where your baby is at all times. Various security measures are in place at our hospitals to ensure the safety of your baby. The nursing staff will review all safety procedures with you.  Do not allow anyone without identification to take your baby from the hospital room.

Visiting Hours

What are the visiting hours before, during and after I have my baby?

Open visiting hours: Anyone can visit as long as they have had chicken pox or chicken pox vaccine. During flu season there may be additional restrictions.

Can my older children visit me and the baby in the hospital?

Yes! During flu season there may be additional restrictions.

Post Delivery

How soon can I start breastfeeding after the baby is born?

As soon as mom and baby are able to breastfeed. For cesarean birth, this could be in the recovery room.

What support does MLH have for breastfeeding mothers?

What support does MLH have for breastfeeding mothers? All nursing staff has been educated in breastfeeding and can provide support and guidance for breastfeeding families. Breastfeeding mothers are visited by certified breastfeeding counselors or Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) at least 5 days per week at Bryn Mawr and Paoli Hospitals and Lankenau Medical Center. All breastfeeding mothers are discharged with Main Line Health’s “Breastfeeding: What You Need To Know” booklet. This resource contains general breastfeeding information and community resources for use after discharge.

Outpatient Lactation Services are available for breastfeeding mothers experiencing any breastfeeding challenges. The Outpatient Lactation Services are available at Paoli Hospital, by calling 484.565.8075. New mothers groups are available through Lankenau Medical Center and Paoli and Bryn Mawr Hospitals.

For additional breastfeeding support information, visit www.mainlinehealth.org/breastfeeding.

How can I request a copy of my child’s birth certificate?

Birth Certificate worksheets are completed by the parents during their hospital stay.  Birth certificates are automatically sent to the parents in 6-8 weeks.

How can I get a Social Security card for my newborn?

When the paperwork is completed for the birth certificate, the SS# is an automatic process.