Pre-Registration
One of the most important things you should take care of before your baby's birth is pre-registration. We offer this service as a convenience that enables you to experience the joy of your "big day" without the need for filling out excessive paperwork. To facilitate the process, we request that you pre-register prior to your fifth month of pregnancy.
A pre-registration form may be obtained by calling us at (954) 587-5010 ext. 6466 or click here to download the form. You can mail the completed form to us or register in person in the Admitting Office, Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
Once the pre-registration form is completed, you will be asked to sign various consent forms. If you have any questions about pre-registration, feel free to call (954) 587-5010 ext. 6466.
In addition, you are encouraged to notify your insurance carrier that you are pregnant. This gives you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with what your plan covers long before your baby is due.
What To Bring On Your Special Day
Because babies have a timetable of their own, we suggest you have an overnight bag packed and ready to go well in advance of your due date. Some of the items you may want to bring include:
- Nightgowns, underwear and nursing bras if you plan to nurse
- A comfortable robe and slippers
- Personal items like "that special pillow"
- Toiletries and cosmetics
- A comfortable going home outfit for you and your baby
- Important phone numbers and information such as your Social Security number
- An approved infant car seat
Choose Your Baby's Name In Advance
We encourage you to select your preferred choices of male and female baby names in advance, since Florida law requires your baby's name be registered within five days of his or her birth. A representative from our Medical Records Department will visit during your stay to register your baby's name with the State of Florida. The sooner you choose a name, the sooner we can process your child's official Birth Certificate. If you have questions, you can call us at (954) 513-6419.
Choose A Pediatrician
During admission, you will be asked to provide the name and phone number of your chosen pediatrician. We will notify him or her as soon as your baby is born. If your pediatrician or family practice physician is not on staff at Plantation General Hospital, your new baby will be cared for by our in-house pediatrician during your stay.
If you need help selecting a doctor, we will be happy to provide you with a list of obstetricians and pediatricians who are on staff at Plantation General Hospital, or you can call the Healthcare Referral at 1-866-4HCA-DOCS.
When It's Time To Be Admitted
When you think you are in labor or your water breaks, call your obstetrician immediately. He or she will notify us to prepare for your arrival.
PGH offers a desginated OB Emergency Room. When you arrive at the hospital, you may use the main hospital entrance from Monday-Friday between 6 A.M. and 8 P.M., or the Emergency Room entrance after hours. The Maternity Services Department is on the first floor. Upon your arrival our staff will greet you and escort you to a suite where your labor status will be assessed. It is best to discuss with your obstetrician in advance who you would like present during the delivery. During labor, other family and friends are welcome to wait in our waiting area.
Maternity Care In Our Labor-Delivery-Recovery Rooms
With our one-room birthing procedure, your labor, delivery and recovery will be a coordinated series of events taking place within the same private, comfortable room.
Each Labor-Delivery-Recovery (LDR) room is equipped with the most sophisticated medical technology available and beautifully appointed with home-like décor. The LDR room provides a warm, loving environment where the family can relax and bond with the new arrival in comfort and safety.
Should your physician determine that a Cesarean Section is necessary, our state-of-the-art C-section and recovery rooms are located adjacent to the birthing suites.
Mother And Baby Care
We encourage "rooming in." In keeping with our philosophy of family-centered maternity care, you will have your baby with you throughout your entire hospital stay. Our skilled maternity staff will be available to monitor and care for your newborn during those times that you prefer to rest. Our state-of-the-art nursery also includes an advanced infant security system.
Visiting Hours
Recognizing the importance of bonding with newborns, a support person of your choice is welcome to stay overnight, provided you have chosen a private room.
Our maternity staff encourages family and close friends to visit. However, proper rest for both you and your baby is important so we ask that visitors come between 11:00 A.M. and 8 P.M. We recommend that healthy siblings be the only children visiting. Individuals with colds or other illnesses are strongly discouraged from visiting during your stay.
Going Home
Your obstetrician and pediatrician will determine when is the best time for you and your baby to go home. Once you have been discharged, your nurse will provide you with instructions and any assistance you need.
Please keep in mind that in the State of Florida, it is a law that you must provide an approved infant car seat for your baby's ride home from the hospital and all subsequent car trips.
As You Baby Grows, So Will Your Relationship With Us
Plantation General Hospital offers a full range of children's services to care for your child from birth through adolescence.
Our Pediatric Services Department includes in-house pediatricians 24 hours a day who will see your child in the Emergency Department. They are also available to care for your child should hospitalization be necessary, providing your child with continuity of care throughout their hospital stay.
Our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for critically ill children of all ages.
The Pediatric Services nursing staff are all trained in Pediatric Advanced Life Support and will provide a warm, comforting, home-like environment for patients and their families. Cable TV, VCRs, a playroom, video games and a kitchen are all available. A child life specialist and a social worker are on staff to make your child's stay as comfortable as possible.
Our Children's Services also include pediatric subspecialists, pediatric surgery, general anesthesia and a Pediatric Emergency Department with minimum waiting times.
We're Here For You
The Maternity Services staff at Plantation General Hospital is committed to making your birthing experience a truly joyful and memorable one. If there is anything we can do, please give us a call. We are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We look forward to sharing the first impressions of your new baby with you and your family.
Congratulations once again from all of us at PGH!
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