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The Birthing Center
Getting Ready for Childbirth at Meriter

The following information is provided to help you prepare for your birthing experience at the Meriter Birthing Center. Below you will find information on:
Preparing for Your Child's Arrival

What to Pack for Your Stay at the Birthing Center

Signs and Symptoms of Labor

What to Do When Labor Begins

Your Hospital Stay


Our goal at Meriter is to always provide you and your family with personalized attention, so if you have any questions please call our health educators at (608) 417-5900.
Patient Center

Patient Center

Essential Information for Before, During and After a Hospital Stay
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Quick Reference

A list of every phone number shown on this page:
 
Meriter Numbers
Birthing Center, Triage Line: (608) 417-6228
Birthing Center, General Info: (608) 417-5900
Birthing Center, Tours and Classes: (608) 417-5900
Patient Registration: (608) 417-6020
Patient Business Services: (608) 417-3800

Meriter Breastfeeding Numbers
Breastfeeding Helpline: (608) 417-6547, 1-800-261-4449
HomeStretch Medical Equipment: (608) 417-8224
Breastfeeding Clinic: (608) 417-6547
Corporate Lactation Support Services: (608) 417-6547, 1-800-261-4449

Insurance Customer Service Numbers
Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation: (608) 282-8900, 1-800-545-5015
Unity: 1-800-362-3308

Water Testing Numbers
State Lab of Hygiene: (608) 224-6202, 1-800-442-4618
Dane County Environmental Health: (608) 242-6515
City of Madison: (608) 266-4821

Preparing for Your Child's Arrival

Baby FeetThe following suggestions for during your pregnancy will make your hospital stay and the first weeks after your baby is born easier, safer and more enjoyable.

Pre-Register for Your Hospital Stay
You can securely pre-register online for your hospital stay by filling out our Hospital Pre-registration Form. This convenient way to register eliminates the need to do so when you are admitted to the hospital.

Tour the Hospital
Schedule a tour of the Birthing Center. A caring staff of educators gives tours of our Birthing Center on Sunday afternoons and Wednesday evenings. Please call (608) 417-5900 to register for your tour. Tours are free, and separate tours are available for adults and families. Don't have time for a tour? At least take our Virtual Tour of the Birthing Center and NICU.

Figure Out Your Health Insurance
Each health insurance policy can be different, so we recommend you contact your health insurance company and discuss your coverage before you are admitted. You'll be pleased to know Unity Health Plans and Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation both offer accessibility to Meriter Hospital.

If you are a member of Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation, contact the Customer Service department at (608) 282-8900, 1-800-545-5015 or ppicinfo@pplusic.com. If you are a member of Unity Health Plans, call their Customer Service department at 1-800-362-3308. If you have questions or concerns about billing, call Patient Business Services at (608) 417-3800.

Choose a Health Care Provider for Your Baby
If you are a member of Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation or Unity Health Plans, their Customer Service staff can help you select a physician for your baby. You can also request a referral online through Meriter's Dr4U service.

Test Your Water
Well Water
If you have well water, it is very important to have it tested to be sure it is safe for your baby. A high nitrate content will decrease the ability of a baby's blood to carry oxygen. Bacteria in the water can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Boiling well water may kill the bacteria, but it also increases the nitrate level. 

City Water
If your home was built before 1985 have your water tested for lead. If your home is new, have your water tested for copper.

How to Test
The local agencies that test water are:
  • State Lab of Hygiene - 2601 Agriculture Drive, Madison, WI 53707. 1-800-442-4618 or (608) 224-6202.
  • Dane County Environmental Health - (608) 242-6515. Free well water testing for Dane County residents who are pregnant or have infants less than 6 months of age.
  • City of Madison - City County Building, Room 507, Martin Luther King Boulevard, Madison, WI 53703. (608) 266-4821. Water testing kits are available at this location for city residents for a small fee.
Research Diaper Services and Products
The Birthing Center proudly uses cloth diapers. You may want to investigate diaper services and products available in your area. A list can be found in the phone book under Diaper Service.

Obtain an Infant Car Seat
Wisconsin law requires all infants to travel in an approved car seat when transported in an automobile. Please bring in your car seat to the hospital at least a day before you go home. Read the instructions for the seat and refer to your automobile manual for an understanding of how to use the seat. When buying a seat, be sure to get one that fits your vehicle and that is designed for infants. There are two types that are safe for newborns: seats made especially for infants, and larger convertible car seats in the infant position.

Prepare Breastfeeding Supplies and Support
Meriter provides many resources to help you have a successful breastfeeding experience:
  • Classes including "Basics of Breastfeeding" and "GOT MILK? Breast Milk Pumping & Storage." Register online through the Meriter Classes and Events section.
  • Nursing supplies, including breast pumps, available through Meriter's HomeStretch Medical Equipment. (608) 417-8224.
  • Nurses trained in lactation support are available for feeding assistance during your hospitalization.
  • The Breastfeeding Helpline with specially trained lactation consultants. (608) 417-6547 or 1-800-261-4449.
  • The Breastfeeding Clinic provides one-on-one personal attention and specialized follow-up care to meet the needs of each mother and infant. (608) 417-6547.
  • Corporate Lactation Support Services works with employers to provide services for women who return to work while breastfeeding. (608) 417-6547 or 1-800-261-4449.
Attend Birthing Classes
The more you know about birth and parenting, the better prepared you will feel for those wonderful life changes. That's why Meriter offers classes taught by professional nurses and educators to help ease you into your new role as a parent. Topics include preparing for childbirth, newborn care, Exercising for Two, breastfeeding, infant massage, lifesaving, Mother Baby Hour and more. You can register online through the Meriter Classes and Events section.

Classes and support groups are held in the Meriter Community Health Education Center, located in the Meriter Hospital Atrium. The Center also houses a Health Resource Library that you are welcome to use. For more information about classes and services, call (608) 417-5900.

Create a Birth Plan
You can customize a Birth Plan for your family on our Web site. Writing a birth plan helps you to consider the many decisions you will make during your labor and postpartum time at Meriter. It also educates you and your support people in options available.

Use the Resources Within this Web Site
Also, use the resources within this Web site to:

Other suggestions include:

  • Plan for help at home.
  • Prepare the baby's sibling(s), and arrange for childcare during your hospital stay, if applicable. You can register online for sibling classes through the Meriter Classes and Events section.
  • Think about your future family planning needs.
  • Begin exploring childcare options if you plan to work outside the home.

What to Pack for Your Stay at the Meriter Birthing Center

You may want to pack two bags, one containing items you will want during labor and delivery, and the other for the rest of your stay. Please do not bring large sums of money or highly valued personal items to your birthing suite. If you do have valuables, you may leave them with the Guest Services office staff for storage in the hospital safe. The hospital is not responsible for personal property or money kept in your room.
Bag for Labor And Delivery
  • Camera equipment
  • Phone numbers of family, friends
  • Videotapes, audio tapes or CDs (players are in the room)
  • Diversional activities (cards, book, etc.)
  • An object to use as a focal point during labor
  • Pillow
  • Robe (optional)
  • Slippers
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, brush and toiletry items
Bag for After the Baby is Born
  • Nightgowns and robe (optional)
  • Underwear, including a bra
  • Hair care products (shampoo, hair spray, etc.)
  • Nursing supplies: breast pump, other supplies (available for purchase at Meriter HomeStretch)
  • Baby book (for foot printing after the birth)
  • Birth announcements, stamps, address book (don't forget to use Baby Mail – Meriter's free, online birth announcement service)
  • Clothing for mom to wear home
  • Clothing, diapers, blanket for baby to wear home
  • Car seat
  • Calling card or cell phone for long distance calls
  • Your laptop, if you want to use Meriter's Wireless Internet Access for patients.

Signs and Symptoms of Labor
It is important to remember that not all women display the same signs of oncoming labor. This list is designed to help you become aware of the various symptoms you may experience. If you are concerned about symptoms you are experiencing or have any questions, please call your primary care physician or the Meriter Birthing Center's triage line at (608) 417-6228.
How to Time Contractions
Time in minutes from the BEGINNING of one contraction to the BEGINNING of the next contraction.
 
Signs and Symptoms of True Labor
  • Contractions occur at regular times. With your first baby, when contractions are five minutes apart or closer for one hour. If you have had a baby before, when contractions are six to eight minutes apart for one hour.
  • Time between contractions becomes shorter.
  • Discomfort increases - you have difficulty walking or talking through contractions.
  • Contractions are stronger when walking and do not subside when resting.
  • Bloody show (discharge).
  • Rectal pressure - feeling as if you need to have a bowel movement.
Signs and Symptoms of False Labor
  • Contractions may be regular or irregular (come and go) but do NOT get stronger.
  • Contractions subside or are less frequent when resting.
  • Time between contractions remains the same or contractions become farther apart.
  • No cervical change when examined by a physician or nurse.
Signs and Symptoms of Pre-Term Labor (Labor that begins more than 3 weeks before due date)
  • Menstrual-like cramps - stomach feels like it is "balling up."
  • Pelvic pressure.
  • Low backache.
  • A new vaginal discharge or any increase in vaginal discharge, especially if red or pink.
  • Pains/cramps every 10 minutes or less that do not subside after resting, drinking fluids or urinating.
Signs and Symptoms that Require IMMEDIATE Evaluation by a Physician
  • Bag of water breaks. Even if contractions are NOT present, you will need to be evaluated in the hospital. A gush of fluid or a steady trickle that you can't control are both signs that your water has broken. Fluid may be clear or yellow, green or pink tinged.
  • Constant, severe abdominal pain.
  • Bright red vaginal bleeding, like a period.
  • Constant rectal pressure.
  • Decreased baby movement or kicks - you count less than eight in two hours.
  • Continued or severe headache.
  • Blurring of vision or spots before your eyes.
  • Chills/fever.
  • Fainting spell or loss of consciousness.
  • Severe or continued nausea and/or vomiting.
Remember: If you have any questions or are unsure about whether you are in labor, contact your primary care physician or the Meriter Birthing Center's triage line at (608) 417-6228.

What to Do When Labor Begins

Call Your Physician/Nurse Midwife
When you go into labor, contact your physician or nurse midwife following the procedure you were given.

Call Us!
When you are instructed to go to the hospital, please call our triage line at (608) 417-6228 so we can be expecting you.

Your Arrival At The Hospital
Two procedures are in place for your arrival at the hospital. The one you use depends on the time you arrive. If you arrive at:
6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Park in any visitor area in the ramp. (If you do not feel comfortable walking from the ramp, you can park temporarily in the drive in front of the main lobby doors. Your spouse or support person can move the car after you are admitted.) Go to the 5 North triage area where you will be admitted.

8 p.m. - 6 a.m.
The lobby doors are locked during these hours. Park and enter through the Emergency Services entrance. From there, someone will escort you to the Birthing Center. Your spouse or support person can move the car after you are admitted.

Your Hospital Stay

Parking Pass
You will receive one parking pass that can be delegated to a family member or friend. To get the pass, go to the Guest Services office in the lobby. They are open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday and Holidays, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Other visitors can also park in the ramp, for a small fee. Parking is free on holidays.

Visitors
You decide who visits and when. You may want to ask some relatives or friends to wait to visit until after you've returned home so you have plenty of time to rest after your baby's birth. To protect you and your baby, we recommend that you ask relatives or friends with colds and/or flu-like symptoms not to visit. Children under age 12 must check in at the nursing station.

Meal Service
The Food & Nutrition team strives to provide high quality food to promote health and healing. Meal service consists of a house select meal delivered to your room three times a day. A diet clerk will visit you before your second meal to "personalize" your meals and accommodate your preferences, desired portion sizes or any allergies you may have. If your physician has ordered a special diet, the menu may be modified to adjust for changes in calorie, texture, fluids or other nutrients.

Birthing Center Family Kitchen
Since we know that new moms can be hungry at any time, we make every attempt to keep healthy foods ready for you whenever you may need it. We also know that expecting dads and labor support persons need an opportunity to grab a quick snack without having to go too far from their loved one's room.

Each floor of the Birthing Center has a kitchen for between-meal use by you and your labor support person. You will find juices, fruit, sandwiches, soup, milk, yogurt, crackers, fresh vegetables, bagels, muffins and cereals.

Visitor Snacks And Meals
Visitors are welcome to ice water and coffee in the kitchen. You can suggest the following options for your hungry visitors:
  • Cafeteria - Located on Level 1. It is open from 6:30 a.m. - 7 p.m., seven days a week.
  • Coffee Shop - Located in the lobby. It is open on weekdays for breakfast, lunch and dinner with limited hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Vending Machines - The machines are located on Level 1.
  • Guest Trays - These can be delivered with your meal. These trays must be ordered and prepaid for at the Cashier's Office on the lobby level, or from Guest Services after business hours.
The Newborn Channel And Videotapes
We are pleased to offer the Newborn Channel, a 24-hour free television service in your suite. It features a variety of topics for new parents including breastfeeding, infant care and parenting. You will find a program guide at your bedside. This service is offered in English and Spanish.

Each birthing suite is also equipped with its own VCR. Videotapes on breastfeeding, bathing an infant, general care and parenting are available. You may also want to bring a favorite tape or two from home for your entertainment.

Smoking
Meriter Hospital has adopted a smoke-free policy to provide a safe and healthy environment for patients, visitors and staff. The smoke-free policy applies to all Meriter Hospital facilities and vehicles. If you choose to smoke, please ask where the nearest smoking shelter is located.

Going Home - Routine discharge is by 1 PM
You and your physician or nurse midwife will decide together when you are ready to go home. Mothers who have a vaginal birth generally go home the second day after giving birth. Mothers who have a cesarean birth usually go home about three days after giving birth. Factors that could extend or shorten your stay include complications, personal preference and insurance coverage.

3/3/2008