Frequently Asked Questions
Postpartum & Baby Information
What should I pack to bring with me to the hospital?
To follow are some suggestions:
- Wedge Pillow, Your Pillow
- Music, Focal Point
- Socks
- Hand Held Massager
- EXTRA LONG Phone Charger
- Camera
- Lip Balm
- Sweatshirt/Bathing Suit for Partner
- 2 Ziploc Baggies (quart size)
- Photocopy of ID and Insurance Cards
- Toiletries, 2 Washcloths
- Nursing Bra and Nursing Pillow
- Slipper/Robe/Nightgown
- Clothes for Partner
- Reusable Water Bottle and Favorite Snacks
- A Book and/or Tablet
- Going Home Outfits for Mommy and Baby
Will there be someone to help me with breastfeeding my baby?
Yes. All of our nurses are trained to provide you with lactation assistance
and support. In addition, group breastfeeding classes are offered during
your hospital stay.
Can my baby remain in my room?
Yes. Baby safety aspects of Rooming In will be explained upon admission
to post partum.
What is routinely done in the nursery?
For vaginal births, the baby’s weight and length are recorded after
delivery in the birthing room. A Vitamin K injection is given for blood
clotting. An antibiotic ointment is administered in the baby’s eyes
to prevent infection. These procedures on cesarean birth babies are done
in the nursery. Tests recommended by the State of NJ are obtained at the
appropriate time during your stay. Your pediatrician may also order additional
blood tests. A hearing screening and bilirubin screening will be done
at some time during the baby’s hospital stay.
When will the pediatrician see my baby?
The nursery staff will contact your pediatrician when the baby is admitted
to the nursery. If your baby needs immediate medical care, the anesthesiologist
or a hospital neonatologist will provide immediate attention. In most
cases, your baby’s physician will examine your baby thoroughly within
24 hours or sooner. If your pediatrician is not on staff at CBMC, a pediatrician
will be assigned to your baby.
Does the hospital take newborn pictures?
Yes. Information on newborn pictures along with consent and order forms
will be provided in your postpartum room.
Where do I get information regarding my baby’s birth certificate?
A
birth certificate department representative will obtain information after
the delivery about the birth when you are in the postpartum unit.
Birth certificates are issued by the State of New Jersey and usually take two to four weeks and will be mailed to your home. Birth certificates will only be mailed if the birth certificate is requested in writing from the Township of Livingston with the accompanying fee. The information and request form is included in your admission packet. A duplicate copy can be obtained from the birth certificate department representative.
In addition, The Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Community Advocates sell souvenir birth certificates. Legal birth certificates are required by the State of New Jersey and usually take two to four weeks and will be mailed to your home. Birth certificates will only be mailed if the birth certificate is requested in writing from the Township of Livingston with the accompanying fee. The information and request form is included in your admission packet. A duplicate copy can be obtained from the birth certificate department representative.
There is a section on the birth certificate form to request a social security number for your baby. It can take from six weeks to eight weeks to receive the number from the Social Security office. The social security number will be mailed to your home.
Are any additional maternal screenings done during my hospital stay?
New Jersey State Law requires that all moms be screened for Postpartum
Depression during their postpartum stay.