Thousands of expectant eastern Kentucky families have chosen Pikeville Medical Center for their childbirth experience and it’s easy to see why. Since labor and delivery patients first were admitted in 1971, PMC has grown to become one of the largest, most progressive medical centers in the region.
The highly trained staff includes both obstetrical and nursing specialists. They are trained to use the latest techniques to make new mothers as comfortable as possible. Just as important, they are skilled listeners trained to focus on the unique needs of individual families. The staff is a valuable resource on topics ranging from pain management to newborn care.
PMC has birthing suites for women in labor, allowing the mother to labor, deliver and recover in one quiet, comfortable room. All suites are attractive and fully equipped with a telephone, television and private bathroom.
After baby arrives, parents have a choice to where he/she will spend the majority of time. Some parents prefer that baby remain in the nursery and is brought to mom at regular feeding times. Others prefer rooming in, a practice of keeping baby in mother’s room. The baby is cared for by its parents, with nursing assistance.
In the newborn nursery, baby spends the first few hours of life getting warm under an infant warmer until his/her body temperature is stabilized. Then baby gets the first bath, has a hearing test and is ready to visit with mom and family. In addition, baby wears a sensor that is part of an infant security system at PMC.
After baby arrives, he/she will remain with the mother for kangaroo care, a specialized technique used to enhance the bond between mother and child. In addition, baby wears a sensor that is part of an infant security system at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC).
Babies and moms benefit from kangaroo care regardless of the feeding method. However, keep in mind, babies are born wanting to breastfeed, so don’t be surprised if the baby tries to latch on to the breast with no assistance.
Only medical reasons could prevent you from not holding your baby immediately after birth. If this is the case, your nurse will help you start kangaroo care as soon as medically possible.
Kangaroo care was first used in the hospital setting with premature infants. Premature infants benefit greatly from skin-to-skin contact. It promotes growth and development. After the premature infant has stabilized, the neonatologist and nurses will assist you with kangaroo care.
You can hold both babies skin-to-skin at the same time or separately.
Anyone can provide kangaroo care to a baby. Dads are strongly encouraged to hold baby skin-to-skin. Dads provide warmth to babies and the bonding process is much stronger when dads participate. Immediately after birth, mom is the best provider for kangaroo care, but if mom is not able due to medical reasons, dad is able to fill in.
You can continue kangaroo care at home as often as you would like. You and your baby continue to get all of the benefits that you had in the hospital. We recommend at least one hour a few times a week until the baby is at least three months old.
A labor and delivery unit is a place filled with anticipation, hope and the magic of new life. The Eastern Kentucky Advanced Women’s Care Center at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) is a place where these feelings flourish. Expectant and new mothers often feel a sense of warmth and comfort while in the unit, as they
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