Services

Sometimes babies need to stay in the hospital a little longer than their mothers. Our Mom’s Place program provides a place for you to stay on 7 Irving, near your baby, on a space-available basis. Please ask your nurse for details.

Choosing the way you will feed your baby is one of the most important decisions you will make in preparing for his or her arrival. Doctors agree that for most women and babies, breastfeeding is the safest and most healthy choice. It is your right to be informed about the benefits of breastfeeding, and having your healthcare provider encourage and support breastfeeding.

Crouse Hospital is committed to doing just that. Our lactation consultants are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, a health¬care professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding.

Crouse Hospital’s Breastfeeding Taskforce has developed a multidisciplinary approach to assist new mothers with their breastfeeding needs. The taskforce is comprised of pediatricians, obstetricians, midwives, maternal and newborn nursing staff and our lactation consultants.

Our lactation consultants provide one-on-one education in our Lactation Office or in your room, and are available to assist you before and after birth. Arrange an appointment with them by calling 315-470-7179.

New York State passed Health Law Bill S1107 (effective May 1, 2009), the Breastfeeding Mothers Bill of Rights. At Crouse, we’re dedicated to helping you make the most informed decision about how to feed your new baby.

On hospital televisions, we offer complimentary 24-hour viewing of the “Newborn Channel.” which shows educational programs in English and Spanish.

New York State requires parents to view two informational videos to prevent injury to your newborn. These videos are Shaken Baby and Safe Sleep and are available to view on channel 84. Your nurse can access these videos for you to watch.

We also highly recommend you watch Perinatal Mood Disorder (#39), Breastfeeding (#26) and Newborn Postpartum Care (#19).

If you are hearing impaired or need a language interpreter, please notify the Admitting Office as soon as possible at 315-470-7361. Our free Language Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist you. Also, it is very important to have an interpreter upon discharge and at follow-up appointments. Our TTY line is 315-470-7914.

As a New York State-designated Regional Perinatal Center, Crouse can provide assistance for many pregnancy and life considerations that affect your family. If you’re planning adoption, need housing or emergency help, struggle with depression or have a history of domestic violence or drug use, we can help.

At Crouse we employ medical social workers who can provide support and assistance to patients and their caregivers who are facing substantial and challenging medical issues. These providers collaborate with doctors, nurses and other health professionals. Our social workers use case management skills to help patients and caregivers resolve the social, financial and psychological problems related to their health condition.

Your Baby’s Healthcare Provider:
It’s important for you to choose a pediatrician to care for your baby. Pediatricians provide preventive care to healthy children and medical care to children with illnesses. If you are looking for a Crouse pediatrician, please visit crouse.org/doctor.

Completion of the Birth Certificate:
A birth certificate is an important legal document that will be needed many times during your child’s life. The Birth Registrar will contact you during your hospital stay to fill out the birth certificate. Be mindful that specific information, such as name, social security number, and address may be required.

Whether or Not to Circumcise Your Baby:
Newborn male circumcision is an elective surgical procedure that is performed only by request. You will be asked if you are interested in circumcision for your son.

Analgesia has been found to be safe and effective in reducing pain associated with circumcision. Options for analgesia/anesthesia are available and include sucrose nipple anesthetic cream and injected local anesthesia. Please discuss these options with your healthcare provider.

Security and Safety:
All Kienzle Family Maternity Center staff wear picture ID badges with pink stripes. Never allow anyone without this proper ID badge to take your baby away from you.

All babies receive a security band (HUGS tag) that remains on your baby throughout your hospital stay and is removed prior to discharge. Do not attempt to remove this band yourself. If it becomes loose or falls off, please notify your nurse. Avoid walking with your baby around stairwells or elevators as the alarm may go off.

While you are in the hospital, we provide you with a sleep sack, called a “Halo,” which contributes to a safe sleep environment. In addition, your baby should sleep alone, on his/her back, with the head of the crib flat and nothing in the crib. Continue these safe sleep practices with your baby at home.

When walking with your baby in the hallways, the baby must be in the bassinet. The bassinet should be in the flat position.

Newborn Screening Tests:
Every newborn baby has newborn screening tests to identify if your baby is at risk for rare, but serious, medical conditions. These simple blood tests ensure your baby’s body can break down and use food necessary for health grown. Early detection is key to early treatment. Results will be sent to your pediatrician. For more information, please refer to the pink paper given to you.

Every baby has oxygen levels checked after they are 24-hours-old, which screens for some cardiac conditions. All newborns will have their hearing tested prior to discharge. Some babies will also have eye exams.

Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of newborn baby skin from high levels of a pigment called bilirubin. Bilichek is a non-invasive way to measure jaundice. The nurse or doctor will share the results of these tests with you.

Immunizations:
A Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended at birth for all healthy infants. You will be provided with a vaccination information sheet. We can also explain immunization options for other family members and caregivers.

The Bereaved Families Support Group is a program of Crouse Health designed to support parents and families who have experienced the loss of a baby due to an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, therapeutic termination, stillbirth or neonatal death.

Because grieving is a normal response to the death of a loved one, our program supports each family’s grief process. When a baby dies, the family may also mourn the loss of their hopes and dreams, and of their lifetime with that child. Caring, supportive hospital staff can help a family through the initial shock and crisis. This is the beginning of adjusting to life without your baby.

For more information about referral options, remembrance activities for families or any questions, please call 315-470-2768.