Visitation

We want our mothers and infants to have the family support they want and need, however privacy, safety, and security are of utmost importance as well. Visitation for mother's and infants does require some restrictions, which may not be necessary in other areas of the hospital.

Visitors who are ill may not visit the Childbirth Center .

During Labor

Laboring mothers may have two primary support people at all times. Other visitors may visit for short periods of time (up to one hour). Further visitation restrictions may be set based on the mother's preference or based upon her medical condition. Visitors are asked to wait in designated waiting areas when procedures are being performed or when the physician visits the patient. Fathers or the primary support person have priority over other visitors at all times.

During Delivery

The number of people who may attend a vaginal birth is based on the patient and physician preference, the patient's medical condition, and the availability of adequate space for hospital staff and physicians to perform normal and emergency procedures. Children 13 and older may attend a delivery per the patient and physician's consent. Children under the age of 13 who would like to be present during delivery, must be approved by the attending physician prior to the patient's admission to the hospital. An adult, other than the mother's primary support person, must accompany the children at all times and must assume responsibility for the children's care and conduct. For cesarean delivery: one support person who meets SJRMC cesarean delivery attendance criteria may attend the birth.

After Delivery

The father or primary support person may visit 24 hours a day, per the mother's desire. Visitation for all others is from 11:30am to 8pm. Visitors should limit the length of their visit so mothers will not become too tired. The only visitors under age 14 that are allowed to visit are the brothers and sisters of the baby. An adult visitor is expected to accompany all children under the age of 14 and must assume responsibility for the child's care and conduct. Siblings may hold the baby if parents supervise them at all times.

Fathers and primary support people, grandparents and siblings of the new baby may enter the patient room when the baby is present. They must, however, wash their hands prior to touching the baby. Please do not visit if you are ill.

The safety and security of all family members is very important to us.  For that reason, guests are asked to not bring other infants -- either in carriers or in their arms -- when they visit. Bringing large packages to the Childbirth Center is also discouraged.

All visitors (including siblings) must wash their hands
before touching or holding the baby.

Further visitation restrictions may be set
based on the mother's preferences and her medical condition.