Your Health and the Experience of Giving Birth

Your birth experience and outcomes are greatly influenced by your health. It is important to improve your own health before and during pregnancy to achieve the highest possible outcome. Improving obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, drug use, and anemia are some priorities. There may be vaccines included in this plan to protect you and your baby. Speak with your healthcare provider for guidance and ask any questions that arise.

Creating Your Personal Birth Vision

Giving birth is a special and unpredictable time. We recommend that you create a birth vision that focuses on what you want to see happen. It helps your healthcare team know what you want and expect. Each birth is unique, and no one knows exactly what will happen. This means that your birth vision may change as labor progresses. Leave room for the unexpected and be flexible.

This is an excellent time to educate yourself about your options. You should identify what is meaningful to you, plan how you will make or change decisions, and communicate with your care provider and support team. Consider taking a childbirth class - the more you know, the better you can prepare and make informed decisions when that special day arrives. While the health and safety of you and your baby are our primary goals, we are committed to working together to support you in having the birth experience you want.

Your Birth Environment

Surgical and medical needs ranging from the most natural, non-interventional experience to the most complex and intense can be managed by our team. Our interdisciplinary teams of nurses, nurse midwives, residents and attendings are supported by clinical and clerical staff. Our clinical learning environment is focused on providing you with the best possible birth experience, one that is safe, considerate, and caring.

Questions to Consider in Creating Your Birth Vision

When I give birth, who will be there to support me?

Select one or two people who are committed to helping you through labor and delivery.

Do I want my pain managed in a particular way?

There are many ways to manage labor pain. Talk to your healthcare provider and consider taking a childbirth class to learn more about your options. These could include walking, position changes, birthing balls, massage, cold or warm packs, breathing techniques, medication, or anesthesia such as an epidural.

How do I envision my birth environment?

Consider ways to make the room a relaxing and personal place. You may wish to dim the lights and use LED candles or massage tools. You are welcome to bring your own pillows, blankets and other familiar items to create a soothing environment. 

Which feeding method will I use for my baby? Breast, bottle, or both?

In most cases, breast milk is best, but you should consider your options to make the best choice for you and your baby. For more information about the health benefits of breastfeeding, consider taking a breastfeeding class. Help will be available from our team.

While I'm in labor and delivery, who will provide my medical care?

Our dedicated team works together to provide care. Each team member will introduce themselves when you arrive to give you a personal experience.

What role will medical students play in my care?

Students at all levels are a valuable part of our team and may be involved in your care. Research shows that academic medical centers provide safer and higher quality care than non-academic centers. You and your baby will receive the best care from our team of experienced providers.

Care After Delivery 

A dedicated team of nurses will care for both you and your baby, keep you comfortable and answer all your questions. Our postpartum care includes:

  • Rooming-in with your baby. After delivery, you and your baby will stay together in a private room. It lets you rest and start fresh with your routine together. It helps you spend quiet time with each other, develop a strong connection, and sleep better.
  • Baby care education. Our nurses show you how to care for your newborn, including feeding, bathing, and breastfeeding. At Reading Hospital, you can watch on-demand education videos from the comfort of your room.
  • Newborn screenings. We check your baby’s breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and other vital signs to ensure they’re healthy. We use a blood test to check your baby for health problems that aren’t noticeable. These problems include genetic, hormonal, blood, or metabolic disorders as part of a statewide newborn screening program.
  • Postpartum depression screening. Birth is exciting but can also be overwhelming. We check in with you about your emotional health and refer you to our behavioral health team if you need extra support. Phoenixville Hospital also offers a Postpartum Adjustment Group.
  • The circumcision decision. If you have a son, you will need to decide whether to have him circumcised before leaving the hospital. Your baby’s doctor will explain the procedure, recommendations, benefits, risks, and complications before you decide. Additionally, you should check if your health insurance covers this procedure.
  • Hug your baby "skin-to-skin". After delivery, we place all healthy babies "skin-to-skin" according to the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics. This "birthday hug" lasts until the first feeding is finished and has many benefits. Skin-to-skin contact promotes breastfeeding and bonding as well as keeping your baby warm and calm, while stabilizing body temperature and blood sugar. It is sometimes necessary for babies to spend some time in a warmer after delivery to support their health and safety. If this happens, your nurse will offer skin-to-skin contact as soon as it is safe. We also encourage your birth partner to offer skin-to-skin contact. We look forward to seeing you give your baby their first birthday hug!

To-Do List After Delivery

  • Birth certificate. During your hospital stay, you will need to complete a birth certificate worksheet, which requires your social security number to complete. Our nursing staff can answer questions and provide special forms for unique circumstances.
  • Safe sleep safety alert. New parents can get very sleepy after labor and delivery. It is important to place your baby on its back in their crib when you feel sleepy, or if you plan to nap. If you nod off while snuggling with your newborn, there is a risk of your baby falling off the bed and being seriously injured. You can also call your nurse to help put your baby in the crib when you are sleepy. To prevent a fall, make the call!
  • Photography. Beginnings Maternity Center offers a photography service to take pictures of your newborn in the first days of life. You will receive more information about this service after your baby is born. If you would like more information about the package and pricing options, visit Welcome Baby.
  • Car seats. You must have an infant car seat to take your baby home. Babies less than five pounds need a car seat designed for small babies. It is a good idea to read the manufacturers' directions and know how to adjust the car seat to fit your baby before your due date. You can get more information about car seat safety by visiting the American Academy of Pediatrics. You can call your local state police barracks to make an appointment for an infant car seat safety check. Watch out for counterfeit car seats and be assured that the seat you buy meets US safety standards. You will receive more information about Pennsylvania's child car seat laws and car seat safety during your stay.

Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding benefits moms and babies. It improves mother-baby bonding and protects your baby from common illnesses like diarrhea and infections. Breastfeeding can lower your risk of gynecologic cancers and help you return to your pre-pregnancy weight faster.

Breastfeeding takes practice. Our trained nurses and international board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) help you begin breastfeeding and answer your questions. Together, we provide comprehensive support to help you breastfeed successfully, including:

  • Education. We offer prenatal classes, workshops, and support groups to teach you about breastfeeding and breast care. This includes approaches to managing breast pain, mastitis, engorgement, and more.
  • Instruction. We offer bedside consultations and support after birth to help you get started. We provide individual attention to show you how to recognize feeding cues and develop a feeding schedule. Practice technique and positioning and receive help with breast pumps and other breastfeeding equipment.
  • NICU breastfeeding support. If your baby is in the NICU, we offer specialized breastfeeding support to help you develop a routine and bond with your baby.
  • Lactation support line. We’re available to answer your breastfeeding questions every day. Call our lactation consultants at 484-628-9299 (Reading Hospital) or 610-983-1266 (Phoenixville Hospital).

More Breastfeeding Resources

Breast Pumps. Check with your insurance provider before obtaining a pump. Verify if this service is covered and follow the instructions provided. If you are a WIC participant and have no health insurance, please call your WIC office to request a pump. If you have specific pump questions, call our lactation consultants.

Women Infants and Children (WIC). Helps pregnant and breastfeeding women with supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding counseling at WIC clinics.

Latch and Learn. Nursing mothers' group meets weekly on Thursdays at 11 a.m.

Community Lactation Consultants. Many insurance plans cover outpatient visits with lactation consultants. To find a lactation consultant, visit one of the following websites:

Suggested Reading

  • "Defining Your Own Success: Breastfeeding After Breast Reduction Surgery" - Diane West
  • "The Happiest Baby on the Block" - Harvey Karp
  • "Breastfeeding Premature Babies" - La Leche League International
  • "Working and Breastfeeding made Simple" - Nancy Morhbacher

Websites