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Nothing compares to the anxiety and joy of welcoming a newborn into the world. Whether you’re having your first child, or adding a new little brother or sister to your family, you and your family will have questions and needs. The physicians and staff of Fort Hamilton Hospital are here to support you before, during and after the arrival of your baby.
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 What to Take to the Hospital
You should have your suitcase packed and ready to go 4 – 6 weeks before your due date. Here is a list of items you may find helpful to have during your stay at the Family Birthplace:
For labor:
- A watch (most rooms have clocks)
- Camera
- MP3 player
- Heavy socks
- Lip balm
- Lotion, powder, massage oil
- Tennis ball for back massage, or other massager
- Snacks for your labor partner
- Coins for vending machines
- Books, notepad and pen
For you:
- Nightgowns/pajamas (front opening for breastfeeding)
- Robe and slippers
- Nursing bras/underwear
- Brush and comb
- Shampoo/soap/deodorant
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Cosmetics
- Glasses/contact lenses/supplies
- Phone numbers of friends to call
- Clothes to wear home (maternity or loose fitting)
For your baby:
- Baby outfit for pictures and going home
- Shirt or sleeper
- Sweater
- Cap-hat
- Socks/booties
- Blankets
- Infant car safety seat
For Your Visitors
Visiting hours for the Family Birthplace are 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free valet parking is available Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., at the Eaton Avenue entrance. Siblings are welcome to visit their new brother or sister but should be supervised by an adult other than you at all times. Husbands and significant others are welcome to visit at any time.
The Family Birthplace is a secure unit that is locked 24-hours a day and has alarmed doors and camera surveillance. No one can gain admittance without our staff’s permission. Visitors should use the phone outside the door to request admittance to the unit.
Easing the Pain of Labor
The Family Birthplace offers many options to help you control pain during labor. Our nurses are experts in pain management and will make you as comfortable as possible.
Non-medication forms of pain relief:
- Relaxation, breathing techniques, visual imagery or therapeutic touch as taught in childbirth education classes.
- The use of heat, cold or massage.
- Walking and position changes.
- Birthing Balls
- Hydrotherapy in our Jacuzzi tub.
- Supportive partner, family, friends and health care providers working with you in labor.
Medications for pain relief:
- Analgesics (pain relievers) can be given in labor to take the edge off your pain. They help you relax and rest, especially between contractions. These medications are usually given through an IV.
- An epidural analgesia lessens the sensation of pain from the top of your uterus to your perineum (bottom). Epidural analgesia is injected through a thin tube (catheter) in your back. Epidurals are generally not used until your cervix is at least 3 – 4 cm. dilated.
Everyone experiences labor differently and has varying goals for pain relief. Many choices are available for you. For further information, talk with your doctor, midwife or labor nurse.
Birthing Suites
The Family Birthplace features comfortable birthing suites that accommodate patients and their families through labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum. The suites also serve as an in-room nursery after delivery to keep your new baby close for important bonding time.
Level II Special Care Nursery
Our Level II Special Care Nursery for babies that require special care after delivery is covered 24 hours a day by neonatologists.
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