Women in labor have always had a tremendous amount of personal freedom at Takoma. The philosophy of family-centered birthing is practices here with a passion.
Takoma provides all types of birthing and pain control options, allowing you to choose the kind of birth experience you want, as long as it is safe for you and your baby. We understand what is really important to you flexibility, compassion and the shared joy you want to feel when you bring your child into the world.
Our flexibility is a trait patients and families tell us they appreciate, above all else. It includes midwifery in addition to obstetrician deliveries. If you have a birth plan, we will do our best to follow it. If you want more members of your family present at the birth, or to help with the baby's first bath, we can accommodate you.
Since labor can be a long, arduous journey, we will encourage you to walk, rock, take hot showers, use the birthing ball or hydrotherapy, or do whatever helps you feel more comfortable.
Your options for pain control are wide and varied, including epidural analgesia, offered 24 hours a day, a popular method for women in labor.
We understand that giving birth is an intensely personal experience. We strive to make it a joyous and safe one, where your wishes are met and your expectations are exceeded.
Expert Care for Mother and Baby
Our philosophy of personal care in a family centered environment is supported by the latest medical technology. Your obstetrician, pediatrician, family physician and certified nurse midwife are members of Takoma's skilled medical team, and can serve all your health needs.
Of course, the health of your baby is of paramount importance to us. To provide your child with the best care possible, Takoma has a team of pediatricians within minutes of the Level II Special Care Nursery which means fewer babies are transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and will stay closer to home and family. The perinatal nurses are continually updated in the most current practices in obstetrics and neonatal nursing.
The perinatal nurses who attend you and your child during and after labor are also skilled specialists. They are very supportive and understanding and can help you through the difficult moments. Perinatal literally means, "relating to the period from about three months before to one month after birth." All our nurses are perinatal nurses, trained to care for you and your baby throughout your stay with us.
Of course, most mothers and newborns experience no complications at all, but it is comforting to know the team at Takoma is equipped and trained to help, just in case.
Birthing Suites, Special Care Nursery, and Private Postpartum Rooms
At Takoma, a woman has the opportunity to labor, deliver and recover in one comfortable place one of our birthing rooms.
Each is equipped with a specially designed birthing bed, private lavatory, rocking chair, recliner, television and VCR and radio. The suites are located in the same wing as the nursery.
Takoma has a Level II Intermediate Care Neonatal Nursery for those babies requiring special care. We have pediatricians, experienced personnel and specialized equipment needed to stabilize any baby who may need additional treatment or care.
The postpartum period at Takoma is a very private, special time. After recovering from labor, the new mother is transferred to a private postpartum room. There, in her own room, she and her partner can spend the day with their baby in complete privacy, which enhances the bonding process. And, during visiting hours they can visit freely with friends and family without worry about disturbing a roommate.
Focus on Father and Family
At Takoma, the father or designated support person is made to feel more than welcome. He is considered a vital participant in the birth process, both as support for his partner and often as liaison between her and the staff. We encourage him to participate as fully in the baby's birth as he is comfortable, coaching the mother in labor, staying with her throughout the delivery- even if it is a cesarean birth- and helping to care for the infant afterwards.
We do not consider the father or designated support person a visitor. We promote the family and understand the need for him to be present as much as possible. Therefore, he is welcome at any time during his partner's stay.
The rest of the family is welcome too! Big brothers and sisters, and grandparents can come visit mom and the new baby. But don't forget, for safety reasons, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Questions Asked and Answered
We expect you to have questions before and after your baby is born. Our nurses always enjoy instructing new and expectant parents.
After the baby is born, you will be instructed in bathing, care of the cord, diapering, dressing, bottle and/or breastfeeding, burping and taking a temperature. They will also instruct you in the special care of a circumcised or uncircumcised baby.
We'll send you home with helpful booklets on baby care and development, caring for yourself after birth, safety and physician instruction sheets. And please remember that we are only a phone call away. Don't hesitate to call with your questions. There are no silly questions when it comes to the health of your child or yourself.
Leaving Baby With Us
Sometimes, new mothers are able to leave the hospital before their babies. If this happens to you, rest assured that your child will be cared for by our compassionate, experienced nursery staff.
The staff will encourage you to come to the hospital as often as you like to be with your baby. We understand and believe that both you and your baby need this special time together.
You may feed your baby at regularly scheduled times and simply hold and cuddle your baby whenever you like. When rooms are available, you may stay in "hotel" for a nominal fee.
Come and See Us
The staff at Takoma's Obstetrical Unit would be pleased to take you on a personal tour of the birthing suites, nursery and postpartum rooms. Just call us on the day you would like to visit and we will arrange a tour. Phone 423-636-2370.
Classes for Expectant Families
To help families prepare for the arrival of their little miracle. Takoma offers a variety of classes for parents and siblings-to-be. These include a comprehensive set of prenatal classes which take couples from pre-pregnancy preparation through delivery and postpartum. A breastfeeding class, taught by a certified lactation educator, helps mom-to-be prepare for the breastfeeding experience.
Takoma has a certified Lamaze Instructor who teaches relaxation, breathing and pushing exercises, as well as a Lamaze refresher class for couples who have used the method for previous pregnancies.
For soon-to-be brothers and sisters, Takoma offers a special Sibling Preparation class, which helps youngsters learn what it will be like to have a new baby at home and where mom will be when the baby is born. For more information about these classes or to register for classes, please call 636-2358.
