Frequently Asked Questions
How many rooms are there in The Family Birthplace?
There are 18 labor/delivery/recovery (LDR) suites, 18 postpartum suites, 2 cesarean section rooms, 4 recovery rooms and 6 Level 1 nursery beds. The Family Birthplace is located on the second floor of Memorial Hospital Miramar.
What do the rooms look like?
All the rooms in The Family Birthplace are private. The rooms are decorated in soft, home-like colors, and include a hospital bed for the mother and a sleeper-sofa for family members. All have private bathrooms with showers. The rooms have televisions and DVD players, as well.
What is the normal length of stay in the hospital?
Most mothers stay 48 hours after a normal, vaginal delivery and 72 hours after a cesarean delivery. Under certain conditions, some insurance companies will send a nurse to your home if you choose to leave before these times. Discuss this further with your healthcare provider and your insurance company.
How can I register for my hospital stay?
Simply complete and submit the Secure Online Patient Pre-Registration Form, or obtain a registration form from your doctor or midwife. For answers to specific questions, please call an Admitting Representative at (954) 538-5270.
How can I register for classes?
Complete the Online Scheduling Information Form or call us at (954) 538-5180.
How do I know when to come to the hospital?
Check with your doctor or midwife for directions and timing on when to come to the hospital. For the safety of you and your baby, all maternity patients must check in through our Emergency Department at the Registration Desk to obtain priority admission to The Family Birthplace.
Will my healthcare provider give me anything to bring to the hospital?
Yes. Your doctor or midwife should give you either a yellow card or a copy of your medical records to bring to the hospital. This will contain the results of your lab work. It is very important that you bring this with you so we can provide optimum care for you and your baby.
Where do I go when I arrive at the hospital in labor or for a planned induction or cesarean?
Always call your doctor or midwife before coming to the hospital. For the safety of you and your baby, all maternity patients must check in through our Emergency Department at the Registration Desk to obtain priority admission to The Family Birthplace.
What are the visiting hours for The Family Birthplace?
We offer open visitation that allows visitors to come any time of the day or night. There is no restriction on the number or age of the visitors. However, we ask that all visitors wear special date-sensitive passes. Visitors must present picture ID to obtain these passes, and all passes must be returned when the visitors leave the hospital.
Please note that the safety of mothers and their babies is our primary concern. Because of this, visitors occasionally may be requested to step outside of the room. For your privacy, no visitors are allowed to wait in the hallway; they must either be in the room or inside the designated waiting areas.
What security measures are in place to keep my baby safe?
All doorways to The Family Birthplace are locked and monitored with security cameras, and security guards are posted at the entrances. Babies are footprinted and banded at birth with special color-coded bracelet. The mother and one designated support person are given bracelets that match the baby’s bracelet. An additional security sensor is also placed on the baby.
Can the baby “room in” with me?
Yes! We encourage you to keep the baby in the room with you as much as possible. This allows you to bond with your baby and to learn to care for him or her with the assistance of the nurses. Remember, the safety of your baby is always important. If you are too tired to keep an eye on your baby and no one else is staying in the hospital with you, you may request that your baby be taken to the nursery for a period of time. For your infant’s safety, the nurse will match your bracelet and your baby’s bracelet every time he or she is brought back to you.
What is the procedure for a scheduled induction or cesarean section?
Your physician’s office is responsible for scheduling your induction or cesarean section. Please obtain instructions from your physician as to when to come to the hospital and where to go.
What personal items should I bring to the hospital?
Bring anything that will make you more comfortable through your labor and delivery experience: massage oils and tools, music and CD player, lip balm and similiar items. We provide pillows, but you may want to bring your own. For your postpartum recovery, bring toiletries, a hair dryer, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a nursing bra, undergarments and nightgown, slippers and a robe. Also, bring a case for your eyeglasses or contacts. Please leave excess jewelry and money at home.
What should I bring to the hospital for my baby?
The hospital provides T-shirts, blankets and diapers for your baby while he or she is in the hospital. We encourage you to bring several long sleepers with cuffs to cover your baby’s hands, as well as infant hats and an outfit for the baby to go home in. Florida law requires all babies to leave the hospital in a car seat. We encourage all parents to have the installation of their baby’s car seat checked by a Child Passenger Safety Technician before discharge. Call (877) KID-SEAT for assistance.
Who is responsible for overseeing my baby’s medical care in the hospital?
Your baby’s pediatrician will coordinate the care of your infant with the hospital nurses. You need to choose a peditrician by your 35th week of pregnancy. Please bring the pediatrician’s name and phone number with you when you come to the hospital.
If your pediatrician is not on the medical staff at Memorial Hospital Miramar, the staff neonatologist — a physician who specializes in newborn care — will act as your pediatrician during your hospital stay. However, you will need to provide name and phone number of your pediatrician prior to discharge.
For referral to a pediatrician, call Memorial Physician Referral Service toll-free at (800) 944-DOCS. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What if my baby needs special care?
When difficult situations arise, it is comforting to know that The Family Birthplace at Memorial Hospital Miramar can provide prompt, advanced medical care. Our staff of board-certified neonatologists, anesthesiologists, neonatal nurse practitioners and specially trained neonatal nurses monitor babies 24 hours a day, and every nurse is certified in neonatal resuscitation. Furthermore, as part of Memorial Healthcare System, we have full access to advanced care for critically ill newborns, should the need arise.
Can I have my baby’s cord blood collected?
If you are interested in this procedure, you must discuss it with your physician and contract with an outside company before coming to the hospital.
Is there lactation support at Memorial Hospital Miramar?
Yes! We have board-certified lactation consultants on staff. In addition, many of our nurses can assist you with breastfeeding. Lactation Services also can provide pump rentals and consultations after you leave the hospital.
Will the hospital take my baby’s picture?
Memorial Healthcare System has an arrangement with Growing Families to provide your baby’s first photograph. A Growing Families representative will present picture package prices to you if you choose to take advantage of this optional service.