Pre-Registration
We encourage you to pre-register for your admission to Saint Mary's. If you have already pre-registered, your information will be in our system, greatly simplifying the admission process when you arrive for delivery.
Pre-registration takes place at the medical center. You do not need an appointment, however if you have questions, please call (775)770-6559. During pre-registration, we will also discuss estimated charges and make financial arrangements with you.
When you pre-register, we are required by federal law to speak to you about Advance Directives, the instructions you give about the care you would want to receive if a situation should arise where you become unable to give those instructions yourself. We'll need to know the name of your baby's doctor at the time of registration. If you need assistance in finding a physician, call (775) 770-7100.
Your Labor
You will be admitted to Labor and Delivery and experience labor and deliver your baby in the same room to ensure a comfortable and personalized birth experience with the state-of-the-art technology and staff close at hand.
Sometimes it's difficult to identify true labor. If there are doubts or concerns about your pregnancy and you're pre-registered with us, come in and our staff will examine you to determine if it's time for your delivery.
If it is not time, you will be given further instructions and sent home or admitted for observation. If you are admitted, you will stay in a specially designed area for expectant mothers who may need a little extra care and monitoring prior to delivery. As part of our health care team, your partner is encouraged to stay with you during the entire labor and delivery process.
You will have the opportunity to breastfeed and bond with your infant. After the immediate recovery time your infant will go to the transition nursery to be stabilized. Discharge is one to two days after a vaginal delivery and three to four days after a cesarean delivery.
A birth certificate will be prepared during your stay and sent to the Washoe County Health Department after it is signed by you. We encourage the purchase of a copy within a month after your baby is born from the Washoe County Health Department. You will also receive information on obtaining a social security card at this time.
Visiting Policies
Our family-centered care philosophy encourages your partner to be with you anytime at Saint Mary's. You'll find a sleeper chair in your room just for your partner. Your other children and family members are also encouraged to visit during our regular visiting hours of 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Please let your nurse know if your children will be visiting.
Remember, we do require that all children be continually supervised and accompanied by an adult at all times during their visit.
We strongly advise that you ask people who are ill or who have been exposed to contagious diseases (chicken pox, for example), not to visit. This protects the health of your new baby.
Infant Security
Your child's security while in the hospital is a priority for Saint Mary's. All staff in our Maternal/Child units wear photo identification badges and should be the only staff caring for your baby. Our security system limits access to the maternity unit and requires that your visitors identify themselves and have your permission to visit.
Preparing To Go Home
While you're in the hospital, you'll receive educational materials that will help you understand the special needs of your new baby, as well as the changes occurring in your body.
Our closed-circuit television system also provides the opportunity for 24-hour education. Programs are presented in English and Spanish and include: breastfeeding, soothing your baby and infant immunizations.
If you are breastfeeding your baby, your nurse is available to assist you. Our nutrition specialist works with mothers and families to encourage and assist with breastfeeding and will address other infant nutrition issues.
