Maternity (Obstetrics)

St.Joseph Hospital has been delivering babies for more than 90 years and our staff provides personalized care and attention to each patient that comes through our doors. The staff in our Obstetrics/Gynecological Center includes your physician, a team of highly-trained nurses and a support staff who are there for you during your delivery and recovery.

We provide newborns, mothers and families with exceptional care before, during and after pregnancy. We also offer a complete newborn care program that is designed to educate new and experienced mothers and families.

Location and Facility

Obstetrics/Gynecological Center
St. Joseph Hospital, Third floor
1907 West Sycamore Street
Kokomo, IN 46901
(765) 456-5000

Our facility has amenities centered on your convenience and family involvement in conjunction with a homelike environment within the safety of a hospital setting. A tour of the facility can be scheduled by calling (765) 456-5030. Amenities include:

• 8 labor beds
• 12 postpartum beds
• State-of-the-art infant security system
• Labor rooms equipped with state-of-the-art fetal surveillance and monitoring systems
• Labor recovery rooms with the latest technology
• C-section suite on the unit
• Certified lactation consultant on staff
• Newborn hearing screens on all infants
• Private post-partum rooms with private bathrooms and showers
• Rocking chair and reclining chair for guests
• Private room with extra bed for a guest after delivery
• Television and VCR/DVD in every patient room
• Telephone to keep you connected with family and friends
• Refrigerator in every patient room
• At-Your-Request room service from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• At-Your-Request complimentary meals only for dad
• Comfortable family lounge with full kitchenette, television, Internet access, couch and recliners
• Fresh-baked bread and cookies available in the family lounge on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Visitors are always welcome

Newborn Nursery

The nursery is always open for those accompanied by a parent with a hospital wrist band. After your delivery and bonding time with your “new addition,” your baby will likely visit our newborn nursery for the first time. During this visit an admission assessment and baby bath is given. It is also a time when the first photo and an Internet photo may be taken. The first visit to the nursery may take one to two hours.

Routine newborn care means the baby is able to spend as much time with you as you desire. Parents may also have their baby brought to the nursery at any time. Our care is family oriented as we try to meet your needs and expectations.  

Special Care Nursery Level II

Most deliveries are uncomplicated, but it is reassuring to know that the Level II Nursery at St.Joseph is equipped to provide an advanced level of care for your baby, if at any time your infant requires it. Our Level II Nursery is designed to meet the immediate needs of all our babies. Our staff nurses, doctors and pediatricians provide the extra level of attention your little one may need with a family-centered approach. The nurses have years of experience in meeting the needs of our small patients in a professional, caring manner. Specialized training and continuing education enable our staff to care for your baby in the best way possible.

The Level II Nursery has state-of-the-art medical equipment to facilitate your baby’s care. As a member of St.Vincent Health, St.Joseph Hospital has access to the services of St.Vincent Carmel's High Risk Labor & Delivery unit and St.Vincent Women's Hospital'sl Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Indianapolis. There, neonatologists, perinatologists and support staff are available to assist in your baby’s care when necessary.  

Classes

A variety of Maternity and Newborn classes are provided at St.Joseph Hospital to prepare new and veteran mothers, dads and siblings for the arrival of the new addition(s) to the family. Most classes are free or charge a nominal fee and are taught by an obstetrical registered nurse. Boot Camp for Dads, however, is facilitated by an experienced father with assistance from new dads. The following is a list of educational opportunities offered:

• Baby Basics
• Boot Camp for Dads
• Breastfeeding
• Childbirth Preparation
• Infant CPR
• Mother’s Reunion
• Prenatal Refresher
• Sibling Classes

Registration is required to participate in prenatal classes. To register, call (765) 456-5000. Early registration is recommended due to class popularity.

What to Bring to the Hospital

For Labor 

• 2 bed pillows with favorite cases
• Lotion/oil for massages
• Warm socks
• Lip balm for moisture
• Picture or item for focal point
• Massage tools
• Camera and memory card
• Aromatherapy
• Contact supplies and glasses
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• CD’s (music)
• Baby book for foot printing

For Partner 

• Insurance information
• Snacks for labor
• Change of clothes/toiletries
• Phone numbers of friends/relatives for you to call
• Cell phone or calling card for long distance friends/family

For Mom’s Stay 

• Toiletries
• Panties/nursing bras (no underwires)/nursing pads
• PJ’s for support person if they are staying overnight
• Personal snacks for your room (optional)
• Robe & slippers
• Treats for siblings (videos, snacks, etc.)
• Loose fitting clothing for your trip home

For Baby 

• Going home clothes/receiving blanket
• Sweater/cap/extra blanket (if needed for cold weather)
• Infant car seat, correctly installed

Prenatal Planning Guide

We want to make sure you know what to plan for throughout your pregnancy experience. You can use this prenatal planning guide to assist you in every step of the way.

1st Trimester (weeks 1-12) 

• Visit physician
• Start/continue prenatal vitamins

2nd Trimester (weeks 13–24) 

• Register for prenatal classes during your fourth month by calling (765) 456-5000
• Mail obstetrical preadmission form by your sixth month
• Contact insurance company to verify benefits, coverage, deductibles, etc.
• Keep physician appointments
• Tour the hospital facility if you are not taking childbirth classes by calling the unit at (765) 456-5030

3rd Trimester (weeks 25–40) 

• Attend childbirth classes
• Plan driving route to St.Joseph Hospital
• Keep physician appointments
• Post physician phone numbers (day and night) by phone
• Select a St.Joseph pediatrician for the baby
• Pack your bag
• Purchase infant car seat and read car owner manual prior to purchasing

During Labor and Delivery 

• Experienced and knowledgeable nursing staff to monitor your labor and delivery process
• Anesthesia services available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
• Fully adjustable birthing beds for labor and delivery
• You will remain in one of our labor/delivery/recovery rooms throughout your labor and delivery, and for the initial recovery period
• Support persons are welcome as desired throughout the birthing process. We suggest a maximum of three visitors
• If an emergency arises, an OB physician is available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week to assist with your needs
• Most complications can be safely managed here, but if the need arises we have ready access to the St.Vincent Carmel's High Risk Labor & Delivery unit and Indianapolis' St.Vincent Women's Hospital.

After Delivery 

• Staff will ensure that mom and baby are doing well, providing plenty of time for mothers to bond with baby.
• Brahm’s Lullaby is played on the hospital intercom in celebration of each baby’s birth.
• A breast-feeding help line is provided to assist mothers

Especially for baby 

• Diapers
• Wipes
• Baby shirt
• Blankets
• Formula and bottles
• Rubbing alcohol
• Q-tips
• Bulb syringe
• Hat
• Pacifier
• Crib

Breast Feeding Help Line: (765) 456-5655

The breast-feeding help line can assist mothers who have questions or concerns about breastfeeding after returning home from the hospital. Please leave a message at (765) 456-5655, and a nurse will respond to your concerns within 48 hours. If the concern is urgent, please contact your physician.

Here are some guidelines for visitors who are visiting a mom and new baby, (i.e. dad, grandparents, siblings, etc.):

• St.Joseph has open visitation hours.
• Stop at the main desk to obtain patient room number. Have the patient’s first and last name available when asking for the room number.
• If you or a family member is sick, please do not come to the hospital to visit mom and baby.
• No children under 14 are allowed in the nursery (siblings are allowed with a parent).
• No children under 12 are allowed to stay the night with mom.
• Do not leave children unattended in the family lounge.
• Please be courteous to other patients. Deliveries occur during all hours of the day and night.
• Wash hands before touching baby.
• There is an extra bed in the room for one person to stay overnight with mom.
• Phone calls to patient rooms are allowed from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Staff cannot give patient information out over the phone.
• Be courteous to breastfeeding moms. (i.e., Do we need to step out so you can nurse your baby?)
• Let mom get plenty of rest. Try to get together with other family members and plan short group trips.
• A family lounge is available with full kitchenette, television, Internet access, couch and recliners.
• Baby’s picture will be posted on the St.Joseph Hospital website if consent form is signed. Picture is available within 24-48 hours.
• Gift Shop hours:
  Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
  Saturday and Sunday 1–5 p.m.
• Directions to vending machines and ATM on the first floor.
• Staff is always available to answer questions or listen to recommendations on how we might improve our facilities.