Building the Future, Baby by Baby
Our patients come from as far away as New Haven, CT, and Poughkeepsie, NY, for access to our superior technology and expert staff.
Every baby changes the world. At Stamford Hospital, our highly skilled and well-credentialed perinatologists (specialists in maternal-fetal medicine) build the future by providing consultative support to the OB/GYNs on staff to ensure excellent prenatal care to all mothers-to-be … especially those at greatest risk for complications - a category that includes older mothers, women who have experienced infertility or miscarriages, and those with complex medical conditions. Our patients come from as far away as New Haven, CT, and Poughkeepsie, NY, for access to our superior technology and expert staff.
Known for Excellence in Perinatology
In Stamford Hospital's Obstetrical Department, the Labor and Delivery Unit continues to grow, with nearly 3,000 deliveries each year. The Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine is accredited by the American Institute for Ultrasound Medicine and The Fetal Medicine Foundation, and the director of Perinatology heads an antepartum testing unit capable of conducting sophisticated ultrasound techniques and procedures.
The Dr. Milton B. and Betty Ruth Hollander Family Birthing Center at the Whittingham Pavilion is a patient-centered, family-friendly environment…designed to provide exceptional care to mothers and their new babies.
The Dr. Milton B. and Betty Ruth Hollander Family Birthing Center at the Whittingham Pavilion is a patient-centered, family-friendly environment. It was designed to provide exceptional care to mothers and their new babies. Every detail - from our spacious labor and delivery rooms, to the convenient location of the medical offices…even a floor plan that facilitates access to emergency care when required - was designed by medical professionals with the comfort of our patients in mind.
The facility includes 14 labor and delivery rooms, two operating rooms, spacious and private postpartum rooms, a nursery, and a state-of-the-art Level III neonatal ICU (NICU) with diagnostic and testing equipment. A full-service professional lactation consulting service is also available, as well as a wide variety of classes and support groups to educate the entire family during this time of transition.
Conceiving Life
Preparing for Pregnancy
Getting pregnant used to be like a throw of the dice; when it happened, it just happened. But nowadays, women who are ready to try to conceive are more aware of their fertility cycles than ever before; and they have access to far more information than their mothers or grandmothers did about how to maximize their child's chances for optimum health. They've also got more extensive technological resources to help them along the way. Women who want to begin trying to become pregnant should have a healthy lifestyle, but need not necessarily rearrange their lives around their conception efforts.
Know when to seek help
Women under age 35 are advised to seek infertility treatment if they have tried unsuccessfully to conceive for a year; women over age 35 should see an infertility specialist after six months of trying.
Be smart about supplements
Taking a multivitamin with folic acid (400 mcg per day) for three months before conception reduces the incidence of severe birth defects, such as spina bifida. However, women hoping to conceive should avoid taking herbal supplements and megadoses of vitamins, which may be toxic.
Decaffeinate
Limit coffee to two 8-ounce cups per day. Excessive caffeine may cause infertility, miscarriage or low birth weight.
Make wise lifestyle choices
Stay away from alcohol, recreational drugs and tobacco - all of which are linked to birth defects. Get as healthy as you can. Eat a variety of nutritious foods, including plenty of fresh vegetables. Lose excess weight and exercise regularly. See your physician. Discuss your medical history, family history and immunization status. Ask about the safety of medications you take regularly (with regard to the health of your anticipated or developing fetus).
Evaluate medical conditions
Women with specific medical conditions may require special vigilance in pregnancy. Some of these conditions include diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, kidney disease and autoimmune diseases. In addition, women who have coagulation defects, seizure disorders, asthma, obesity or a history of eating disorders should seek the advice of their physicians before trying to become pregnant.
Consider genetic counseling
Prior to trying to conceive, genetic screening is recommended for women over 35 and for couples who are close blood relatives. Likewise, members of ethnic groups with a higher incidence of disease should consider screenings to determine the likelihood of passing on a genetic condition or illness to their children. Women with a history of three or more miscarriages and/or a family history of inherited disorders should also consult with a genetic counseling specialist.
Check immunization status
Women who plan to get pregnant should have been vaccinated for rubella, varicella and hepatitis. Vaccines should be given at least one to three months prior to conception. Flu shots are safe and are highly recommended for pregnant women.
Coping with Infertility Issues
"Infertility is stressful, time-intensive and emotionally consuming for individuals and couples." - Dr. Frances Ginsburg
Whether your particular difficulty lies within achieving or sustaining a pregnancy, infertility can be among life's most painful challenges. The root cause may be in the female or the male; it may be a naturally occurring problem or, in some cases, due to previously performed sterilization procedures. In every case, says Dr. Frances Ginsburg, director of reproductive endocrinology and infertility services at Stamford Hospital, patients need sensitivity and individual attention during these times. "Infertility is stressful, time-intensive and emotionally consuming for individuals and couples," she says.
Stamford Hospital provides evaluation and treatment for:
- Ovulatory disturbances, including polycystic ovarian syndrome and premature menopause
- Pelvic pain and endometriosis
- Tubal disease
- Male factor issues (with urologic consultation)
- Other reproductive hormonal disorders
Specialized reproductive services and technology include:
- IVF
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection
- Donor sperm program
- An on-site certified lab for semen testing and prep for IUIs and post-coital testing
- 365-day-per-year coverage
The Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility also performs full surgical services, including noninvasive and minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy and hysteroscopy.
For information about programs and services offered through the Family Birthing Center, please call toll-free: (877) 233-WELL (9355).
Expertise in High-Risk Pregnancy Care
Although pregnancy is the most natural of conditions, some mothers and babies need extra help along the way. Certain medical issues may put a pregnant woman into the category of "high risk." These issues include diabetes and hypertension, illnesses like lupus or cancer, or a history of miscarriages and other pregnancy-related problems. "High risk" means these women need additional testing and monitoring throughout the pregnancy. Mothers carrying twins, triplets or other multiples also face challenges, as they are more likely to encounter complications. Stamford Hospital's Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine is a state-of-the-art facility that offers the most sophisticated level of testing as early as possible in the pregnancy.
Specialized Services
Genetic screening and counseling: Stamford Hospital was the first hospital in the State of Connecticut to offer a comprehensive genetic screening program for high-risk pregnancy, which includes first-trimester screens for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities; ultrasound measurement and blood tests; and a calculation-of-risk assessment based on family history, age and screening results.
Invasive and noninvasive fetal testing: Our state-of-the-art 3-D ultrasound facilitates early diagnosis of genetic abnormalities.
Antepartum fetal testing: For comprehensive evaluation of babies beyond 26 weeks' gestation.
Specialized Care for Multiple Pregnancies
It's not just your imagination: Multiple pregnancies are on the rise. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, in the past two decades, multiple pregnancies in this country have increased 400% among women in their 30s, and 1000% among women in their 40s. The increase is primarily age related, due in large part to the fact that many older women must undergo treatment for infertility in order to get pregnant.
While many women carrying more than one baby encounter no difficulties, these multiple pregnancies always require some degree of special attention. The mother carrying more than one fetus is more likely to face pregnancy-related complications such as gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure; miscarriages are more common; and there is a greater risk of preterm labor and delivery. These infants need special monitoring as well, since there is a greater incidence of low birth weight and birth defects.
High Tech, High Touch: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
An estimated 8% of infants are born prematurely. That can be worrisome for any family, but it's especially heart-wrenching for those parents whose baby requires transfer to another facility for the technology and expertise necessary to survive. Stamford Hospital's Level III Leslie and Roslyn Goldstein Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is designed to meet the complex needs of even extremely tiny premature infants, so mother and baby won't have to be separated.
This serene, sunlit facility was designed by Stamford Hospital nurses and neonatologists; it showcases high-tech care within a warm, personal environment. The unit has 16 state-of-the-art infant stations with monitoring equipment. Each baby is cared for in a private space. The unit also provides private accommodations for moms and dads in the last few nights before they take their babies home, to enable them to gain confidence in their parenting and caregiving skills while still having access to the supportive care and attention of our NICU's experienced nursing staff. The Resource Room at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is sponsored by the Tiny Miracles Foundation and offers information and respite for visiting families.
Education Support and Classes
When you give birth at the Family Birthing Center, you can learn virtually everything you need to know to care for your new baby from our wide range of childbirth and parenting classes.
Programs for Expecting Families
A Special Place for a Special Time
The Dr. Milton B. and Betty Ruth Hollander Family Birthing Center at Stamford Hospital offers a variety of programs and activities to support you through this period of transition from pregnancy to parenthood.
Our trained professionals offer education, advice and reassurance every step of the way - from pre-conception planning, through pregnancy and childbirth, to new motherhood. This program guide describes our regular offerings. Unless otherwise noted, classes are held at the Whittingham Pavilion Education Center, on the ground floor.
For program and fee information, and to register for classes, call toll-free (877) 233-WELL (9355), unless otherwise indicated. For most classes pre-registration is not necessary; but it is always a good idea to confirm dates and times in advance. Please arrive promptly for all programs, and try to give notice if you need to cancel a reservation. (In case of inclement weather, please listen to WSTC 1400 AM or WNLK 1350 AM, or tune to Cablevision Channel 12 for cancellations.)
Tours
Maternity Tours
This tour is recommended for all expectant families considering having their babies at Stamford Hospital's Family Birthing Center. You will get an overview of our support services and a look at our oversized labor, delivery and recovery rooms; visit our postpartum unit and have an opportunity to meet and ask questions of our nursing staff. Tour schedule: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month, 7:30 p.m. Pre-registration is not required.
Sibling Tours
This child-friendly tour provides an opportunity for brothers- and sisters-to-be to visit the Family Birth Center prior to mom's admission to the hospital. Tour includes a short video. Tour schedule: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4:30 p.m. Pre-registration is not required.
Preparing for Pregnancy & Childbirth
Healthy Start: Planning for Pregnancy
This class is for women who plan to get pregnant within the next year. Topics covered include choosing an obstetrician, nutrition, fitness, conception and how to prepare for the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy. For dates and times, please call toll-free (877) 233-WELL (9355).
Childbirth Preparation Class
Taught by experienced labor and delivery nurses, this class should be taken 6 to 8 weeks before your due date. Please call to register during your 24th week of pregnancy. Through slides, demonstrations, practice and discussion, you and your birth partner will learn about:
- The process of labor and childbirth
- Relaxation and breathing techniques to help you through labor
- Positioning and comfort measures
- Options for pain medication and anesthesia
- Variations of normal labor and caesarean birth
You will also see a film on childbirth and tour the Family Birthing Center. Sessions of two and three weeks in length are available on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, at 7 p.m. There is also a one-session, all-day class that meets one Sunday each month. Fees range from $175 - $225, depending on the class. Please call toll-free (877) 233-WELL (9355) for registration.
Refresher Childbirth Class
Women who have already given birth to a child or taken a prenatal class will find this to be a helpful review of what to expect during labor. You will review relaxation and breathing techniques, and discuss pain management options. This single-session class is held once a month; please call (877) 233-WELL (9355) for dates, times and reservations.
VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean)
This class is for women who have previously had a caesarean delivery. It includes a short video and discussion with a labor and delivery nurse. The course covers the risks and benefits of both caesarean and VBAC, with the aim of helping parents to have realistic expectations and make an informed decision. Dates and times vary; please call (877) 233-WELL (9355) for information and reservations.
Preparation for Breastfeeding Class
This class is taught by a certified International Board of Lactation Consultants instructor, with emphasis on helping families to prepare for a successful start with breastfeeding. Topics include factors to consider when deciding to breastfeed, prenatal breast assessment, how lactation works, and techniques to get you started. Dads and other family members are welcome to attend. Class schedule: 4th Tuesday of every month, 7:30 p.m. Pre-registration is not required. Fee: $25.
Caring for Your Baby
Basics of Infant Care
Presented by registered nurses from our Family Birthing Center, this program is designed to answer new parents' many questions about infant care. Included in the demonstration and discussion are infant feeding, bathing/clothing, soothing, sleep patterns and safety. Class schedule: 2nd Tuesday of every month, 7:30 p.m. Fee: $20.
Infant and Child CPR & First Aid
These classes are taught by the EMS Institute at Stamford Hospital. For information about class schedules, please call (877) 233-WELL (9355). Fee.
Connection with Other New Mothers
Just bring your baby; we'll handle all the rest! At Stamford Hospital, we know just about all there is to know about babies. And we bring that wealth of knowledge (and anything else you might need) together for new moms to forge connections and friendships based on community and the common bond of new parenthood. Each session begins with a brief presentation and informal discussion on parenting topics, including family adjustment, infant growth and development, nutrition, and returning to work. And you don't have to worry about parking your car and lugging your new infant in a carrier. With our free valet parking, just grab your infant carrier and go; we'll park your car and retrieve it after class. It's just another way we try to make your life less stressful. Class schedule: Fridays, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. for moms with babies age newborn to four months. Wednesdays, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., for moms with babies age four months to one year. Pre-registration is not required. Fee: $50 for the 6-session series, or $10/session.
Preemie Parents Talk
This support group welcomes parents of premature babies of all ages, whether their babies are currently in the NICU or have transitioned home. The groups, which are free of charge, are designed to be a forum where parents of preemies can connect with each other. Led by The Tiny Miracle Foundation's parent mentors, with guidance from licensed social workers, the support groups will also feature guest speakers in alternating months to address preemie-related topics such as developmental delays, physical therapy, nutrition, reflux, sensory integration, and having another baby after having a preemie.
Preemie Parents Talk meets the last Tuesday of every month at 7:00PM in the Whittingham Group Room, on the ground floor of the Whittingham Pavilion. Free.