Download the PDF version of "Delivering Safely at Northside Hospital: Frequently Asked Questions for Expectant Parents" by clicking the links below.
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Since I can’t come tour the hospital, how do I know what to expect?
Please review our Pre-admission eBook (English) (Spanish). Your physician will provide a hard copy of this folder. This resource is a great review of the information covered in a tour and includes a checklist of “things to consider” and what to pack.
Do I need to pre-register?
Yes. Please complete the pre-admission paperwork by your sixth month of pregnancy. Your information will be reviewed and you will receive a confirmation letter approximately one month before your due date.
Where can I find a birth plan?
Your Guide to Labor Preferences and our Labor Preferences worksheet are great tools to learn more about birth plans. You can fill out the worksheet and discuss it with your health care provider prior to coming to the hospital. When the big day comes, bring a copy to the hospital and share it with your nurse.
What pre-natal classes does Northside offer?
Northside Atlanta, Cherokee, Forsyth and Gwinnett campuses have both in person and online classes. For more information, click here.
How do I know if I'm in labor? When is it time to go to the hospital?
The question of whether you’re in labor and when to come to the hospital is one for your health care provider. Additionally, you can reference our Your Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy eBook (English) (Spanish).
Will I be tested for COVID-19?
Only symptomatic patients will be tested or if a provider feels testing is warranted.
When I am in labor, where do I go to check in?
Can my support person come and go from the hospital?
Patients may have 3 support people during their stay. Patients on isolation will be allowed one support person who is encouraged to stay with them as much as possible.
If my support person is unable to stay the entire stay, can I have another support person?
Patients are allowed three support people (includes doulas) of the mother's choosing at any given time. Overnight: Only one adult will be allowed to stay in the night in Mother-Baby and HRP. Children are not allowed to stay overnight.
Can my support person use my shower?
Yes.
Can any of my children or parents come to visit the baby and me in the hospital?
Patients are allowed three support people (includes doulas) of the mother's choosing at any given time. Only children of the patient are allowed to visit with a supervising adult. All other visitors must be at least 16.
I want to hire a Doula. Can I have my support person and a Doula?
Doulas are allowed but we are restricting to three support people at a time. Therefore, during delivery, the Doula would be the second person.
Is there a restriction on how many bags we can bring? Can my support person bring a suitcase?
There is no restriction on how many bags you can bring. Your support person should bring what he/she needs for the entire stay.
Are there any restrictions on bringing in snacks/food?
Yes, pantries are available to store snacks/food.
Do I have to wear a mask in Labor and Delivery?
No, masks are no longer required unless you are COVID-positive.
If, COVID positive, you and your support person must wear your masks in the hallways and any time a health care provider enters your room. We are asking that your support person stay in the room with you at all times except for when he or she leaves the room to obtain food. He or she must wear their mask at all times when outside of your room. This also includes Postpartum and the NICU units.
Will I be able to practice skin-to-skin with my baby after birth?
The Golden Hour is the first hour you and your baby have together. During this time, your baby will be directly on your chest so that you both can benefit from skin-to-skin contact. If you are unfamiliar with skin-to-skin, read more about it.
Will my baby stay in the room with me?
We encourage rooming in to foster bonding, time spent skin-to-skin with the baby on your chest and breastfeeding. Most couples find this helps them learn all they can before they go home. Your baby will be weighed every 24 hours and will be seen by a pediatrician within 24 hours after birth.
Will someone help me with breastfeeding?
The Golden Hour is the best time to begin breastfeeding. Our nurses are all prepared to help you get started. Skin-to-skin really helps with getting breastfeeding off to a great start. We encourage babies to breastfeed without interruption for first feeding. Find additional resources and information about breastfeeding.
Will my pediatrician come to check my baby daily?
Yes. Your pediatrician or nurse practitioner will come to see you or call you after the exam to discuss your baby and answer any questions you may have.
Will I complete paperwork for a birth certificate?
You will be given a birth certificate worksheet by your nurse. Please remember to complete the birth certificate worksheet in its entirety and give it to your nurse or to the birth certificate office. Birth certificates are created by the state. The creation of the birth certificate triggers the creation of a social security number.
How will I know when I am ready to go home?
The staff will discuss discharge readiness with you each shift and ensure you are ready to be discharged.
How do I care for myself and my baby once we are at home?
We have designed educational resources to help you understand what to expect in the days and weeks following your delivery. The New Beginning: Your Personal Guide to Mom and Baby Care (English) (Spanish) is designed to help guide you through what comes next during your postpartum period.
Do I need to have a car seat?
Georgia law requires all children under the age of 8 use a car seat. Northside Hospital does not provide car seats. Install your baby’s car seat base properly into your car before arriving at the hospital. Your car manual should provide some guidance on how to install the car seat into your car. Our staff is not permitted to assist with car seat installation or securing the baby in the car seat. If you have additional questions about car seat safety, visit safekidsgeorgia.org/carseats.
Do I have to have a pediatrician already picked out?
Yes. We recommend all patients have their pediatrician picked out before admission to the hospital. If your pediatrician doesn’t come to Northside and you are using one of the Northside pediatricians, you need to have your follow-up (after discharge)
pediatrician’s name, address and phone number with you.
Does everyone who will spend time with my baby need a Tdap vaccination?
Yes. Anyone that will be around your baby will need an up-to-date Tdap vaccination. Whooping Cough can be life threatening for infants and is preventable. Learn more at aboutwhoopingcough.com.