Ask the Expert

There Are No Dumb Questions

When it comes to our services and treatment options, we’re making it easy for you to get the information you need. For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, give us a call. We’d be happy to find the answer.

Q:

I just found out I am pregnant and need a doctor. Can you refer me to a physician?

A:

Yes. Contact our Physician Referral Service at 1-888-550-4LHN or our Parent Education Program Assistant at (260) 435-7070 for referrals, locations and phone numbers to the area OB/GYNs and family practice physicians.

Q:

What types of services or special amenities can I expect while I am a patient at the Childbirth Suites?

A:

Aside from the highly skilled, certified nursing care you can expect while at Lutheran Childbirth Suites, we offer many services and amenities to meet the unique needs of our new moms and dads:
  • Family-oriented prenatal education
  • Individualized care and home-care education
  • Personalized tours of Childbirth Suites
  • Pre-registration – on-line, by phone, or in person
  • Labor and delivery options
  • Lactation consultations – inpatient and outpatient
  • Rooming in with baby
  • Newborn nursery – staffed 24/7
  • Obstetric special care – for high risk patients
  • Neonatal intensive care – private rooms, full service
  • C-section surgical suites & recovery
  • Breastfeeding Support Group
  • Mood Changes and Moms Support
  • Room service menu choices
  • Lactation services – pump rentals, nursing bras and retail items
  • Personalized nursing bra fitting appointments
  • Beloved Baby Boutique – featuring specialty gift items for mom, dad and baby
  • Legacy Portraits – studio quality newborn photography
  • Comfortable room with sleeping chair for support person
  • Complimentary snacks for parents
  • Private room/bath w/hand-held showers, blow dryers and complimentary toiletries
  • Celebration meal
  • Complimentary Cable TV, music
  • Child safety seat inspections by appointment
  • Newborn Channel Education
  • CarePages and BabyTalk E-newsletter

Q:

Are classes free? When should I register for classes?

A:

All Prenatal Classes for expectant parents planning to deliver at Lutheran Childbirth Suites are FREE!! However, you must register at least two weeks in advance. We’re unable to accommodate walk-in/ drop-in participants or transfers to a different class without prior notice to the Parent Education Department. Space is limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged. You may check space availability and register over the phone or by mail with the Parent Education Program Assistant. Call (260) 435-7070 for more details, personal assistance or to schedule a tour.

Q:

Is everything I need during my baby’s delivery and maternity stay in the same area of the hospital?

A:

Your labor & delivery room and postpartum room are both private and within the same unit on the 3rd floor of Lutheran Hospital. All other areas of nursing and newborn care, such as the newborn nursery, c-section & recovery area, neonatal intensive care unit, lactation services, birth certificate & parent education offices and our Beloved Baby Boutique & Legacy Portraits studio, are also just steps away on the 3rd floor within easy reach of all of our new parents.

Q:

Are your rooms private or semi-private?

A:

All patient rooms in the Childbirth Suites are private, accommodating mother, baby and dad, or 1 support person if dad is not in attendance. All patient rooms have their own private bathroom and shower.

Q:

Can my baby stay with me in my room the whole time I’m there or does he have to go to the nursery?

A:

Your baby can stay with you and dad in your room during your stay. In fact we encourage you to stay together as a family, so you can start bonding right away! There are a few times when baby needs to visit the nursery during your stay, but most reasons are for very short periods of time. Ask your nurse for more details.

Q:

Can the father of my baby stay in my hospital room with me the whole time?

A:

Yes. We encourage dad or one significant other to stay here with you if you desire their company.

Q:

Does the hospital use an alarm bracelet security system for the Childbirth Suites?

A:

No. A five band ID bracelet and umbilical cord clamp method is used for infant ID and security. Our security measures, staff identification, security cameras and many other preventive security measures are in place and will be discussed with you when you are a patient.

Q:

Will I get my baby’s birth certificate when I leave the hospital?

A:

No. Your baby’s official birth certificate and the hospital souvenir birth certificate will be mailed to you. If you need proof of delivery for WIC or any other assistance programs, notify your nurse and, with enough advance notice, the birth certificate office can provide you with the souvenir (unofficial) birth certificate before your discharge.

Q:

How long is the average stay for having a baby?

A:

Length of maternity stays vary and depend on how your baby was delivered. Vaginal deliveries are approximately 2 day stays. C-section deliveries generally stay 3-4 days depending on insurance benefits and doctor’s preferences. Many other factors will be considered when determining your length of stay in the hospital.

Q:

Is there computer access or Wi-Fi available for me to use in the room?

A:

Wi-Fi is available in all rooms of the Childbirth Suites. Be sure to bring your laptop or other Wi-Fi connected mobile device to access to this service.

Q:

Can I get food from the cafeteria or outside the hospital?

A:

Yes. However, our room service menu is extensive and conveniently meets most of the desires and, of course, nutritional needs of our patients hospital wide. Most room service meals are delivered within 45 minutes of ordering. For the convenience of visitors, families and patients the cafeteria, located in the lower level, is open 24 hours a day and offers many hot/cold entree choices, as well as quick snacks and beverages. The Treehouse Cafe and Crazy Sisters Coffee Company, located in the main lobby, offer local popular restaurant vendor menus at the lunch and dinner hours, during the weekdays only, and the variety changes daily.

Q:

Are there any support groups at the hospital? Is there a cost?

A:

Our Nursing Mothers support group meets every Tuesday from 9:15 – 10:30 am. Our Mood Changes and Moms support group meets every Wednesday from 10 am – 11:30 am. for more information. Both are FREE to you and your family. For more information on our Nursing Mothers support group, Call (260) 435-7330. For more information on our Mood Changes and Moms support group, call (260) 435-7369.

Q:

Does the hospital rent breast pumps?

A:

Yes. Breast pump rentals are available through the Lactation Department and the Beloved Baby Boutique. The Medela Symphony dual breast pump is used on the Childbirth Suites for patients and is the same model used for rental. Rental fees are per month, no pro-rated fees for weekly rentals or early returns. There is also a refundable rental security deposit. For more information, contact the Beloved Baby Boutique or the Lactation Department. Contact our Lactation Department at (260) 435-7330 and our Beloved Baby Boutique at (260) 435-6221.

Q:

Does the hospital sell breast pumps?

A:

Yes. We sell all models of the Medela personal breast pumps. They’re available through the Beloved Baby Boutique. Our hospital retail prices are usually significantly less than many area retail stores. Please call (260) 435-6221 for a personal demonstration and assistance to help you determine which breast pump may be best for your needs.

Q:

Does the hospital give me a car seat if I need one?

A:

No. However the Childbirth Suites does sell infant car seats at a reduced price to our patients who need one. Your nurse or the Parent Education Program Assistant can tell you how to buy a seat before your stay or during your stay if you need more information. You should plan to purchase your own car seat before your deliver or make arrangements to bring one with you to the hospital.

Q:

Does the hospital need to check my baby’s car seat before we go home?

A:

No. The hospital is not required to check your seat before you go home. However, you are required to leave the hospital with your infant properly secured in an appropriate car seat before you leave the Childbirth Suites. You should bring your car seat with you to the hospital when you arrive for delivery. Indiana Law requires all children 8 years and younger to comply with the Child Passenger Safety Seat Laws. We can assist you with a free car seat inspection and instruction/demonstration on how to fit your child and your car seat to the vehicle. This service is available by appointment only both before your delivery, during your stay and after you leave the hospital. Call the Parent Education Department or Lutheran Children’s Hospital at (260) 435-7070 or 435-7887 for more information about this service.

Q:

Is there a place I can stay if I am released before my baby can go home from NICU?

A:

Yes. You may contact the Mad Anthony’s Children’s Hope Hospitality House at (260) 459-8550.

Q:

Are there any hotels that give discounts or long-term rates for when babies are in the hospital a long time?

A:

Yes. We can provide you with a list of area hotels and their approximate time distances from the hospital. Many of the hospitals offer a reduced room rate for families with patients in the hospital. Contact the Information Desk or Parent Education Assistant for a copy.

Lutheran Health Network