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Celebration Meal
Your celebration meal is GRMC’s way of saying, “Best wishes to you and your family.” A staff member will bring you a menu and answer any questions you may have. The meal is served at noon or in the evening at 5, 5:30, or 6 p.m.
Visitation Policy
Your support person is welcome anytime. We have sleeper chairs to accommodate them for overnight stays. Please ask staff members for extra pillows and blankets. Visiting hours for other guests are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Please have them check in at the nurse’s station upon entering. Visitors should not visit if they have a communicable illness (i.e. chicken pox, measles, mumps) or have symptoms of an illness (i.e. fever, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, rash, cold sore). Remind visitors to wash their hands with soap and water before holding your baby. Feel free to ask the staff to limit visitors if you become overly tired and want to rest.
Infant Security
GRMC continually strives to provide a secure environment for your baby. One of the first things done after delivery is to place matching ID bracelets on you and your newborn. These will remain on during your entire hospital stay.
A security-alarming device will be placed on your infant’s ankle immediately after birth. If the infant comes within three feet of the exit doors or the band is cut off the alarms will sound and the exit doors will automatically lock. This is GRMC’s way of preventing infant abduction.
Other ways you can help to provide security are:
- Please do not leave your baby alone in your room.
- Please do not place your baby in the nursery without a staff member being made aware of your doing so.
- Push your baby in the crib in the hallway. Do not carry your baby.
- Give your baby only to a person wearing appropriate dress and proper attire.
- Always ask to see proper ID before giving your baby to anyone you don’t know!
Birth Certificates
During your hospital stay you will receive information to complete your newborn’s birth certificate. Your baby’s social security number can be applied for when you complete this birth certificate application.
GRMC will provide you with a complimentary birth certificate. The state will send you a legal copy along with a social security number in four to eight weeks
If you are a single mother, paternity papers will also be given to you. If you want the baby’s father’s name to appear on the birth certificate these must be completed, signed, and witnessed by a notary public. Staff members can help you complete these during your stay. If you have any questions regarding any of this information, feel free to ask a staff member.
Metabolic Screening
Iowa law requires that every newborn baby get tested for rare but treatable disorders. It is done when your baby is 24-hours-old. If done sooner the test will need to be repeated.
A tiny amount of blood is taken from the baby’s heel. Iowa law requires this because these disorders can be treated if they are detected early. The results of this test are not known until your baby’s first doctor appointment. If you plan on being discharged before 24 hours after delivery, please make arrangements with your nurse to have the blood testing drawn.
Discharge—Going Home
State law mandates that insurance companies allow a 48-hour stay (two days) for vaginal deliveries and a 96-hour stay (four days, not counting day of delivery) for cesarean deliveries.
On your day of discharge, you will receive written discharge instructions for you and your baby. This will be done after your physician has seen both you and your baby. There is no specific discharge time.
Other things to think about:
- Questions for my doctor.
- Do I have a car seat?
- Am I eligible for a home visit?
Your nurse will discuss the option for a follow-up visit. This may be done in your home. All patients will receive a follow-up phone call from a staff member after discharge.
At the time you are ready to go, you will be escorted to the front entrance of the hospital.
Infant Photos
Security photos are taken of each infant. Photos are also taken with your permission to appear in the local newspapers.
Photos CDs are also available for purchase. A brochure and order form will be given to you. If you have any questions regarding the details please feel free to ask a staff member. You may provide an outfit to have your infant’s photo taken in.
Hepatitis B
You will be asked if you want your infant to receive a Hepatitis B injection during his or her stay. We will need your signature before we are allowed to give the injection. If you have questions regarding the Hepatitis B vaccine please discuss this with your physician.
Circumcision
If you would like your newborn son to be circumcised we will need your written permission prior to the procedure. Your physician will perform the procedure prior to discharge. Many physicians provide local anesthetic to the area prior to beginning. Ask your physician if you have questions regarding this. Infant Tylenol is given to the infant after the procedure to promote comfort. Staff members will teach you how to care for your circumcised infant.
Hearing Screening
Each infant has a hearing screening done by staff members prior to discharge. A copy of the results will be sent to your physician. If further follow-up is needed your physician will discuss this with you at your well-baby check-up. A staff member will inform you of the pass/fail results of your infant’s test.
Hearing Checklist
- Younger than 3 months old: Baby startles to sudden loud sounds. Baby is soothed by the sound of your voice.
- Younger than 6 months old: Baby looks toward a familiar voice. Baby plays at making noises and sounds.
- 6 to 10 months old: Baby turns head in response to new sounds. Baby begins to understand common words like: “no” and “bye-bye.”
- 10 –15 months old: Baby repeats simple words and sounds that you make. Baby points to or reaches for familiar objects when asked.
- 1 to 1.5 years old: Baby follows simple spoken directions. Baby regularly uses seven or more true words.
- 2 years old: Baby understands you when you call from another room. When you name a part of the body—ears, nose, and toes—baby points to it. Baby begins to speak in two-word combinations: “Mommy, more!” or “Go outside?”
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