After Your Baby is Born

Once the baby is born, mother and child are moved to an attractive, spacious room that is equipped with color televisions, internet access, telephones and private lavatories. When possible, all patients are given private rooms.

We encourage rooming-in so that parents and babies may become familiar and comfortable with each other before going home. Arrangements can be made to have the baby remain in the mother’s room around the clock.

The hospital joins in celebrating the birth of each baby by offering the mother and guest a complimentary gourmet dinner. This meal is normally served on the evening before the mother goes home, but it can also be delivered it as a mid-day meal.

Occasionally, a baby will require extra care after birth and stay in the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. This unit is located next to the Maternity unit so parents can be near their babies.

Infant security is at the forefront of everyone's mind. We have designed an unobtrusive, multi-level security system to protect babies in the hospital.

Professional third-party photographers are available for in-room newborn photo sessions. If you are interested in having portrait photos of your baby taken, ask your nurse for more information.

The nurses on the maternity unit are flexible and helpful. They will make all accommodations to ensure that mothers and babies are as comfortable as possible. During the hospital stay, the nursing staff provides individual instruction on baby care as needed.

The nurses also offer help and support with breastfeeding. Our staff includes certified lactation consultants who can assist with special situations. Educational videos and other instructional materials are available for parents to use at any time.

In addition, the pediatrician will visit your baby every day and assess his or her progress.

The Newborn Channel, a 24/7 television service, provides up-to-date baby care and postpartum education for new parents.

• Visitation policy is subject to change, please visit our visitor FAQ page for the most up-to-date information. 
• Hospital visiting hours are 12:30 - 9 pm.
• Fathers or partners are welcome to visit any time.
• Grandparents and siblings may also visit with the new mother and baby. We feel it is important to establish a close family unit during the first few days of the baby’s life. This will be a special time for older children to meet the new baby in the privacy of the mother’s room.
• Please remember that quiet time is very important. Please limit visitors so mother and baby can rest.
• Good hand washing is essential before anyone handles the new baby. Ask your nurse to instruct you and your partner in the proper technique. Please explain the procedure to your visitors and assist your older children in proper hand washing.

Discharge time is 11 am. It is helpful to send gifts and flowers home the night before discharge. The hospital's front entrance on Perryridge Road should be used for departure.

For more information on discharge planning, documents to be signed before your departure, services available to you after you leave, or billing and insurance, visit our Patients section.

The use of infant car seats is mandated by Connecticut state law, so please be sure to have one set up in your car before it's time to go home. Learn more about infant car seats, including recalls and an upcoming schedule of free car seat check events, visit the Connecticut Safe Kids website.

Birth Certificates and Social Security Cards

Upon admission to the Maternity unit, you will receive a "Welcome Folder" containing Birth Certificate worksheets and Social Security forms. Please return the completed forms to the maternity staff prior to discharge. The hospital will then submit this information appropriately.

Your newborn's Social Security card will be sent directly to your home. Copies of the birth certificate may be obtained for a fee from Greenwich Town Hall, Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Connecticut law mandates that all newborns be tested for eight rare but serious conditions. Many of these conditions can be treated successfully through medicine and/or diet. This screening is performed before the baby goes home or by the 4th day after birth. Blood is drawn from the newborn’s heel and sent to the state for analysis of metabolic (biochemical) abnormalities. Results are mailed to the baby’s pediatrician. The test screens for the following disorders:

Biotinidase Deficiency

With this condition, the body cannot make enough free biotin, a complex vitamin. Taking this vitamin daily helps to prevent severe skin rashes, eyesight and hearing problems, and brain damage.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

With this condition, the body cannot make enough of certain hormones. Taking the missing hormones helps to prevent severe illness or death.

Congenital Hypothyroidism

This condition is caused by a lack of thyroid hormone. Taking the missing hormone helps to prevent slow growth and mental retardation.

Galactosemia

With this condition, the body cannot use a sugar found in milk, infant formula, breast milk, and other foods. A special diet helps prevent damage to the brain, eyes and liver.

Hemoglobinopathies

These conditions cause problems with red blood cells and can lead to anemia, infections, pain, slow growth and even death. Special medical care and penicillin help to prevent these problems.

Amino Acid Disorders

Babies with one of these disorders cannot break down certain amino acids. The amino acids build up in the urine or blood. Amino acids are found in foods like meat, milk, baby formulas, and breast milk. Special diets, vitamins, and special medicines help to prevent serious problems.

Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders (FAOD)

Babies with one of these disorders are missing an enzyme needed to turn fat into energy. Treatment depends on the disorder a baby has but may include avoiding fasting, a special low fat diet, and a medicine called carnitine.

Organic Aciduria Disorders (OA)

Babies with one of these disorders cannot use certain amino acids and fatty acids. Treatment may include a special low protein diet and/or medication. Propionic Acidemia (PPA) is an example of an organic aciduria disorder.

PKU testing is used to detect an inherited disease that stops the body from metabolizing a protein called phenylalanine. This is a condition that can be corrected by diet. The state mandates that the test be done at two and fourteen days of age. The first test will be done in the hospital, and the second at your pediatrician's office.

A newborn hearing test is required by Connecticut law and performed before the baby leaves the hospital. Early detection is essential to address hearing defects and hearing loss. This is especially important because most language-based development takes place during the first few years of life.

Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B Virus. The virus can be transmitted at birth from a mother to a baby. Greenwich Hospital, in compliance with the State of Connecticut, offers the first dose of the three-part Hepatitis B vaccine series. The first dose, and only the first dose, is given at no charge to all infants during their hospital stay. The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective. The two subsequent doses will be administered by your pediatric healthcare provider at appropriate intervals for maximum effect.

This test uses a sensitive light meter placed on top of the baby's skin. It determines if the baby has jaundice and, if so, whether the level of jaundice is sufficient to require treatment.

When you first come home, you may wish to just be alone with your new family. Accept offers of help, but leave enough time to rest. "Sleep when the baby sleeps" is also a good rule to follow.

See safe sleep guidelines for baby here

Many people have normal discomfort after giving birth. Below are common things you may experience:

• After pains: These slightly crampy pains in your uterus last a few days. Those who breastfeed may notice these pains coincide with feedings.
• Episiotomy or tear: If you had an episiotomy or tear, this area will be very sensitive when you first come home. Your doctor or midwife may recommend a cream or medication.
• Hemorrhoids: Because of pushing during labor, hemorrhoids may now be a problem. Drink lots of fluids and eat enough fruits and fiber to keep your stools soft.
• Breast discomfort: Whether you are breastfeeding or not, your breasts will become tender and enlarged as your milk comes in a few days after delivery. Breastfeeding frequently will relieve the discomfort. Even for those who are not breastfeeding, wearing a supportive bra—even when you sleep—will help.

Below are common things that are normal for newborns in the first days home:

• Sleep: Newborns sleep a lot,16 or more hours total in a day. You may wish for your baby to start sleeping through the night right away, but he/she needs to eat frequently and will likely want to sleep more during the day rather than at night.
• Feedings: Breastfeeding babies will need to feed 8 or more times in a 24-hour period. They naturally will want to feed more frequently between 3 pm and 3 am than at any other times. Formula-feeding babies usually eat at least 6 times in 24 hours.
• Diaper changes: Your baby's urination will increase each day, to the point when he/she will have 6-8 wet diapers per day. His or her stool will change color, from black/green, meconium, to brown or yellow stools. Especially in the first weeks of life, your baby's diaper will frequently contain stool.

Call your healthcare provider, physician's office or midwife immediately if you experience:

• Fever
• Increase in vaginal discharge
• Increase in vaginal bleeding
• Intense pain or cramping
• Feelings of depression
• Damaged nipples from breastfeeding
• Engorged/hard breasts that do not soften when breastfeeding
• Red parts of your breasts that are warm to the touch or painful

Call your baby's pediatrician or healthcare provider if you see:

• Sleepiness that leads to fewer than 8 feedings in 24 hours (if breastfeeding); or fewer than 6 feedings in 24 hours (if formula feeding)
• Fussiness or crying that lasts for long periods of time
• Frequent spitting up
• Less frequent urination or defecation than during the hospital stay
• Yellow or orange color to the baby's skin or whites of the eyes

You will need to see your health care provider about six weeks after the delivery of your baby or sooner if you had complications. During this visit, your doctor or midwife will check your weight, blood pressure, size of the uterus, any stitches or discharge you may have and your general health. It's a good time to ask questions and discuss birth control options with your health care provider too.

Your baby will need to be seen by a healthcare provider within days of going home. During this visit, your baby's healthcare provider will check the baby's weight and talk with you about your baby's feedings. This is a great time to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have.

When you first come home, you may wish to just be alone with your new family. Accept offers of help, but leave enough time to rest. "Sleep when the baby sleeps" is also a good rule to follow.

See safe sleep guidelines for baby here

Many people have normal discomfort after giving birth. Below are common things you may experience:

• After pains: These slightly crampy pains in your uterus last a few days. Those who breastfeed may notice these pains coincide with feedings.
• Episiotomy or tear: If you had an episiotomy or tear, this area will be very sensitive when you first come home. Your doctor or midwife may recommend a cream or medication.
• Hemorrhoids: Because of pushing during labor, hemorrhoids may now be a problem. Drink lots of fluids and eat enough fruits and fiber to keep your stools soft.
• Breast discomfort: Whether you are breastfeeding or not, your breasts will become tender and enlarged as your milk comes in a few days after delivery. Breastfeeding frequently will relieve the discomfort. Even for those who are not breastfeeding, wearing a supportive bra—even when you sleep—will help.

Below are common things that are normal for newborns in the first days home:

• Sleep: Newborns sleep a lot,16 or more hours total in a day. You may wish for your baby to start sleeping through the night right away, but he/she needs to eat frequently and will likely want to sleep more during the day rather than at night.
• Feedings: Breastfeeding babies will need to feed 8 or more times in a 24-hour period. They naturally will want to feed more frequently between 3 pm and 3 am than at any other times. Formula-feeding babies usually eat at least 6 times in 24 hours.
• Diaper changes: Your baby's urination will increase each day, to the point when he/she will have 6-8 wet diapers per day. His or her stool will change color, from black/green, meconium, to brown or yellow stools. Especially in the first weeks of life, your baby's diaper will frequently contain stool.

Call your healthcare provider, physician's office or midwife immediately if you experience:

• Fever
• Increase in vaginal discharge
• Increase in vaginal bleeding
• Intense pain or cramping
• Feelings of depression
• Damaged nipples from breastfeeding
• Engorged/hard breasts that do not soften when breastfeeding
• Red parts of your breasts that are warm to the touch or painful

Call your baby's pediatrician or healthcare provider if you see:

• Sleepiness that leads to fewer than 8 feedings in 24 hours (if breastfeeding); or fewer than 6 feedings in 24 hours (if formula feeding)
• Fussiness or crying that lasts for long periods of time
• Frequent spitting up
• Less frequent urination or defecation than during the hospital stay
• Yellow or orange color to the baby's skin or whites of the eyes

You will need to see your health care provider about six weeks after the delivery of your baby or sooner if you had complications. During this visit, your doctor or midwife will check your weight, blood pressure, size of the uterus, any stitches or discharge you may have and your general health. It's a good time to ask questions and discuss birth control options with your health care provider too.

Your baby will need to be seen by a healthcare provider within days of going home. During this visit, your baby's healthcare provider will check the baby's weight and talk with you about your baby's feedings. This is a great time to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have.