Congratulations–your newborn is here! At the United Memorial Maternity Unity, we encourage skin-to-skin contact after your baby is born, and support the practice of delayed cord-clamping when possible.
As a "Baby-Friendly" hospital, we adhere to and promote the World Health Organization's initiative to support a mother's choice to breastfeed, and we practice "rooming-in," where the baby is kept in a hospital-supplied bassinet by the side of the mother's bed. Additionally, we have internationally certified nurse lactation consultants on staff ready to assist new moms in all aspects of breastfeeding.
Pediatrics on Site
All newborns will receive a general physical exam within 24 hours of birth to check their appearance and vital signs.
Should your baby require additional attention or special care, we have a Level II Special Care Nursery on site with neonatologists and pediatricians available 24 hours a day.
Testing & Evaluations
As required by New York State, all newborns receive a series of health screening tests, including a blood test (taken from a small prick on your baby's heel) that screens for over 30 different disorders, a hearing test, a screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease, a blood sugar screening, and a screening for jaundice. New York State also mandates the use of erythromycin eye ointment after birth to protect against potential serious eye infections and a vitamin K injection to reduce the risk of Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB). The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that all newborns receive the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. If you have any questions or concerns about these screenings or medications, please discuss them with your family's pediatrician or family doctor.
