We recommend packing the following items:

• Robe
• Slippers
• Maternity panties
• Breastfeeding bras
• Toiletries
• Special music (Centra provides sound machines but you may want to bring your own special music)
• Camera ***Video Taping is not allowed during delivery***

Free Valet Parking is available 5:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

At Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital, there is special parking for our pregnant patients located outside the Oak Vassar Entrance. If there are no spaces, temporarily park near the entrance-not blocking traffic. After you are settled in the Birth Center, please move your car to the parking deck.

Our goal is to do everything possible to control your pain. We will ask you to "Rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10." We will be evaluating your pain with you and determining a manageable pain goal. We will assess your pain before and after any medications to be sure you are comfortable. We will let you know how often you can receive your pain medication and when the next dose is due.

During labor, there are options you should discuss with your doctor or midwife. If you choose an epidural during labor, you will want to watch our epidural video prior to the procedure. Any concerns or questions can be discussed with your nurse and/or anesthesiologist. After the epidural, you will be required to be on bed rest and fetal monitoring is continuous.

IV Pain Medication is available upon request during labor. An IV will be started and fetal monitoring is required for the safety of the baby.

Stay close, remain at bedside
Be prepared to offer support. At times, she may be easily annoyed, irritated, impatient
Maintain eye contact. Help her keep focused
Encourage relaxation – calmly talk with her
Provide praise and encouragement
Plan to stay overnight with the new mom and enjoy a night on our new sleeper sofas
Limit visitors and allow the new Mom to bond with her baby and rest!

• Always call for assistance before getting up
• Keep your call bell within easy reach. Use your call light when you or your baby need assistance
• Request pain medicine when needed
• Patients with IVs will not be allowed to leave the Mother Baby unit
• If you feel drowsy or sleepy when holding your infant, call for help and place your baby in the crib.
•  Falling asleep in a chair or in bed while holding the baby can be dangerous. Babies can fall, suffocate, or become injured. This rule also applies to sleepy support persons!
• Wear a supportive bra. Too tight will prevent good milk supply. Too loose will feel uncomfortable. A nursing bra will help the baby latch quicker.

Please let us know of any special requests you may have:

• Interpreters
• Specialty diets
• Special needs for you/visitors

Generally moms stay two nights on Mother-Baby.

Discharge time is 11 a.m. (Please let your nurse know if you need a “late” discharge).

The birth of your baby is an experience you will want to share. You can be assured you will be surrounded by the ones you love.

We do offer the following guidelines:

• Quiet Time Hours on the Mother Baby Unit are 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. daily
• No children in the Birth Center except for siblings.
• All visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a non-patient adult. No visitors under the age of 18 are permitted to spend the night.

At Centra, we provide in room accommodations to promote mother baby bonding from the moment you give birth until the time you leave the hospital.