You are urged to keep your scheduled appointments. Good prenatal care contributes to the health of the mother and the infant. If you cannot keep your appointment, please call to reschedule. We encourage your partner to come with you any time their schedule permits.
Delivery Orientation
A Delivery Orientation Visit with a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor will be scheduled during your pregnancy and will be held at the clinic. Even if you are not planning on breastfeeding, you will be scheduled by our staff. The purpose for this class is to inform of the benefits of breastfeeding and the risks of formula feeding. This is also the time to sign consents that are required at time of delivery and to answer any questions you may have.
Baby Friendly
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a global program that was launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 1991 to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding and mother/baby bonding. MMC’s new programs are a part of Baby Friendly Initiative by The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control. Following your baby’s birth, you will be able to be together to bond and get to know each other. Your baby will immediately be placed skin to skin after delivery for the first hour to facilitate bonding and assist with breastfeeding needs. Your baby will be in the room with you at all times. We do not provide baby hats or blankets, as they may increase your infant’s risk of SIDS. Your nurse will prepare you to provide a safe sleeping space for your new baby. The hospital has “Quiet time” from 2pm-4pm for new mothers and babies. Our office will be happy to answer any questions regarding the Baby Friendly Initiative!
CLINIC PROCEDURES
Your first OB visit will take a little longer than the rest of your visits because you will have a complete exam. Follow-up visits are important so we may check on your health, the growth of your baby and make sure no problems have developed. Children under the age of 12 months are not allowed in the clinic, so please make arrangements for your other children to be cared for.
Early and regular prenatal care will increase your chance of having a healthy baby. Keeping appointments is very important. Please call and reschedule if you cannot keep your scheduled appointment.
WHAT TO EXPECT
On follow-up visits, we will get your weight and blood pressure. We need a urine sample on each visit. Blood work is done on one of the first visits, a second time between 15-20 weeks and again between 6 and 8 months. Unless there is something abnormal noted in the blood tests, we will not call you. We will discuss the results of blood work on the next visit.
The following tests are run on everyone:
The blood drawn around 28 weeks will be checked for anemia, gestational diabetes and syphilis.
An alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test is a blood test for genetic disorders. It is offered (not mandatory) between 15-20 weeks gestation and will be discussed with your physician.
CONTINUING WORK OR SCHOOL
All Obstetric Patients are expected to continue to work or attend school unless you are having pregnancy complications. If you have questions about your particular job or current school activities, please ask your doctor or nurse practitioner. You may be given the option to stop work two weeks prior to your delivery date. If you choose to stop work or school earlier, you must see your practitioner first to determine if there is any medical indication for placing you on maternity leave. Pregnancy causes many changes in your body and there will be days you do not feel well. If you feel so sick that you must stay home, please call us. We cannot give you an excuse for time you take off unless we talk to you or see you in the office. Excused absences will be given at the discretion of the provider.