The Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a World Health Organization and UNICEF project with the following criteria for participating hospitals:
While Bridgeport Hospital fully endorses breastfeeding, we also value each new mother’s right to choose how she wishes to feed and nurture her baby. We believe that this is a very personal decision, and we will support Mom whether she wishes to breast- or bottle-feed.
Another important choice that we give to new moms is whether or not Baby should sleep in her room or in our beautiful nursery. This too is a personal decision which is respected by every member of the Birthplace team. Our goal is that when you return home you feel well-rested and confident in your ability to care for yourself and your new baby. The Birthplace at Bridgeport Hospital is fully committed to supporting the decisions you make regarding breastfeeding and utilizing the nursery.
The Birthplace at Bridgeport Hospitals many classes to prepare moms, dads and entire families for the birth of a new baby. Please click here for full descriptions.
We love to give tours of our beautiful Birthplace. These are scheduled with one of the advisors who you can reach at 1(888) 357-2396. They'll have all of the specifics regarding available dates, timing and any other questions you may have. Please feel free to call them anytime -- they're available to you 24/7.
It's a great idea to pre-register, and all of the necessary materials should be available at your physician's office. Just ask at your next appointment. Currently, pre-registration is not available on-line or by phone.
The very special occasion of a baby’s birth has always brought excitement, but now it also brings expectant parents many options and choices. With your physician, midwife or physician assistant you need to decide what type of birth setting and experience will satisfy your wants and expectations. Discuss your hopes and plans with your healthcare provider throughout your pregnancy so that everyone involved in your care can prepare for your special needs and wishes.
We are happy to wait to apply the erythromycin ointment until you and your baby have seen each other.
Please make sure you let your nurse know your wishes. To best protect your baby’s eyes, the medication should be given in the 1st hour after of birth.
The only thing that could prevent this from happening is if you require emergency surgery. In that case you would be under anesthesia during the first hour.
If you have any further questions regarding the ointment and/or your infant not receiving it, please discuss the risks and benefits with your pediatrician.
Our care team can review breathing techniques with you that can help with pain. Additional non-pharmacological methods – showers, walking, back massage, etc. – can also ease labor. You may also consider taking our Childbirth Preparation Class – call, toll free, 24/7 at 1-888-357-2396 for information, which includes Lamaze breathing and relaxation techniques.
Once you here in The Birthplace we typically do not use heating pads due to the high risk of burns especially if a patient has had an epidural (pain medication that numbs the area from waist to toes). If you would like this therapy, you would need to talk with your doctor, and we would only use a hospital approved device. The most common therapy is a warm shower or heated blanket from our blanket warmer – these are warmed to a temperature that will not burn the skin.
That’s right. We have two whirlpool/Jacuzzi tubs in The Birthplace. Moms with intact membranes can use these tubs for comfort and pain relief. Deliveries are not conducted in the tubs.
If you are interested in using the tubs for pain relief during delivery please let your physician/provider know so it is indicated on the medical record sent to us. This helps us make sure you are admitted to one of those rooms when we hear you are on your way.
No. To ensure your safety and comfort, we only use birthing pools that have been developed and tested for hospital use.
Typically, midwives are part of the physician group you go to and you would see the midwife or physician during your stay. If you are interested having a doula accompany you, you would need to hire your own. Please speak with your physician for a referral.
While you are in the hospital, Bridgeport Hospital will provide hospital gowns for your use. Some additional items you will want to bring are:
During your hospital stay, your baby will be dressed in a T-shirt and receiving blanket. The clothing is not intended to go home with the baby and should stay at the hospital. Please bring in clothing for the baby to wear home from the hospital.
You will probably want to have some pocket money with you to cover incidental expenses, such as a newspaper and small items from the gift shop. For your peace of mind, do not bring large sums of cash or other valuables to the hospital.
At the request of our medical staff, use of video and audio equipment is not allowed in the delivery/recovery rooms, operating rooms or the circumcision room while the birth or medical procedure is in progress. However, this equipment is permitted in these areas during labor and after the birth of the baby or completion of the medical procedure. Still photography is not permitted during the actual birth but is permitted before, immediately after or at any other time during the hospital stay.
Due to privacy issues for all infants, no pictures may be taken of the baby while in the nursery.
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.
We do not post baby photos on the web site.
When you first arrive you will be evaluated to see if you are in labor. This takes place in the Triage Area. For your safety, one person can be with you at this point.
Once it is determined that you are in labor, you will be moved to a birthing room. You may choose to have a Care Partner with you here. If you are having a c-section delivery, only one person is allowed to be with you in the operating and recovery rooms. This will help you recover from your anesthetic.
All post-partum (after delivery) rooms are private, with private bathrooms and showers.
Wireless access is available in all patient rooms via your own laptop equipped with a wireless card.
Everyone working at the Women's Care Center has been trained to teach you everything you will need to know about breastfeeding. And we have pumps here if you need to use one.
Most new mothers will be able to breastfeed their baby without any problems and will not need the use of a pump. But we have all the supplies and information you will need to help you along the way. The best thing that you can do to prepare is to read everything you can about breastfeeding and speak to your doctor and let him or her know that you are planning on breastfeeding. They can also help you prepare for the arrival of your precious new baby.
If you have any questions, or would like to speak to the breastfeeding specialist, please do not hesitate to call 203-384-3705 and we can arrange a meeting with her before you deliver. She can answer any questions or concerns you may have before you come in to deliver.
Hospital grade electric pumps (Medela Symphony, Lactina) are available at the pump rental stations listed below, or call 1-800-TELL-YOU (1-800-835-5968) for more rental stations in the area.
In most cases, rental stations offer a weekly or monthly rental contract. In addition, you will need to purchase the pump kit (which includes the tubing, bottles, valves and breastshields necessary to operate the pump). A deposit may also be required.
Please call your insurance company’s (800) number to see if the rental or purchase of a breastpump will be covered.
Small Personal Electric Breast Pumps are available for purchase at Babies-R-Us, Burlington Coat Factory (Baby Depot), Target; or check your local stores that carry infant products and supplies. The best pump is the one that works for you!
Medela Brand
Pump In Style (Backpack or Metro Bag): $250 - $280
Swing (Single Electric): $135 - $150
Harmony (manual): $35
Avent Brand
Isis iQ Duo (Double): $250 - $280
Isis iQ Uno (Single): $140 - $150
Isis (manual): $40
For your convenience the gift shop in the Bridgeport Hospital lobby sells manual Medela pumps.
Birth Certificates are available from The City of Bridgeport Vital Records Department, 999 Broad Street, First Floor, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Phone: 203-576-7445 or 203-576-8208.
