It’s the first Wednesday of the month at Hunterdon Medical Center (HMC) and a group of about 20 expectant parents gather in the maternity lounge, anxiously awaiting a tour. Many are first-time parents, a little nervous and full of questions. Others take the tour for the benefit of bewildered, soon-to-be siblings.
Jean Jamele, RN, HMC’s Personal Birth Consultant, enters the room and quickly puts everyone at ease. Following introductions, Jean leads the group into one of the Maternity Newborn Care Center’s (MNCC) 20 private, birthing suites.
The Comforts of Home
In the MNCC, women labor,
deliver, recover and receive
postpartum care in one room. The
spacious room features a refrigerator,
table and chairs, a rocking
chair and a sofa that converts into
a bed for Dad. Jean reveals how the
soft and cheerful room can quickly
be transformed into a delivery
room. Medical equipment is tucked
away in dresser drawers, available
at a moment’s notice, while the bed
can be adjusted to help a woman
through the labor process.
Yet, for now, for this group, labor is still a few months away and questions abound. They wonder about how they’ll cope with labor pains; what operating room facilities are available if needed for a cesarean birth; what specialized care HMC provides for babies; visiting hours; and security.
Help for Pain
“We have a variety of ways to help women cope
during labor,” explains Jean as the tour group takes
a peek at the Jacuzzi. “We encourage breathing
exercises, massage, aromatherapy and music that
are all taught during Lamaze classes and recommend
birthing balls that can work wonders for
back pain.”
Jean explains that medication is available for pain relief, and anesthesiologists are on call 24/7 when more advanced pain control methods are needed or desired, such as an epidural.
Expert Neonatology Services
Operating facilities are on site if there is a need
for a cesarean birth. The unit boasts neonatology
services, which provide clinical expertise through
an affiliation with the Neonatology Department at
Saint Peter’s University Hospital.
“We have the technology and expertise to care for babies born as early as 34 weeks,” explains Jean, who has worked at Hunterdon Medical Center in parenting and childbirth education for nearly 23 years.
A Secure Environment
Immediately following their birth, newborns
are given a complete medical exam and receive
a security tag that is placed around their ankle.
The tag will trigger an alarm if it comes too
close to an MNCC unit exit.
“Our state-of-the-art security system is part of our commitment to provide a safe, comforting environment for parents and their babies,” says Jean.
Family members can take advantage of that environment too. Dads have 24-hour access to the unit, while grandparents and siblings can visit from 1 to 8 p.m. In addition, new moms and dads are treated to exceptionally prepared food from the “Celebration Café,” a meal program designed specifically for the MNCC.
Education for New Parents
Jean encourages new parents to take advantage
of the closed circuit TV system that provides education
about postpartum and infant care, feeding
and car seat safety. The hospital provides free car
seat demonstrations and will even check for proper
installation of older siblings’ car seats.
A lactation consultant helps new moms with breastfeeding. After mom and baby go home, they can still take advantage of a full range of baby and toddler care classes offered several times a month at HMC.
“We want to do everything possible to make this one of the most special and precious moments of a lifetime,” says Jean.
For a tour of the Maternity Newborn Care Center, call 908-788-6667.
