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Exceptional Care Story - Lauren Donofrio
One bundle of joy, and two lives forever changed.
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Patient Guide
Download our helpful guide for new patients.
Having a baby is truly a life-changing event! Sometimes it seems like there are so many things to do and learn that it can be overwhelming both to first-time moms and moms of many. That is why we have included this section of our Web site. Let us help you with your preparation process.
Choosing a Prenatal Care Provider - back to top of page
Your prenatal care provider will not only care for you in the months leading up to the birth of your baby, he or she will also most likely be the one to help you deliver your child into this world. That is why choosing a care provider is such an important decision.
When choosing a provider, you may want to meet with him or her to discuss things that are important to you during the birth experience. During this meeting, you can see if he or she will be someone who makes you feel comfortable and supported during your maternity care. You should also contact your health insurance provider to ensure that this person is covered under your plan.
To help you find a care provider, please utilize St. Mary's online Physician Network search.
Prenatal Clinic - back to top of page
St. Mary’s Prenatal Clinic provides prenatal care to all women, regardless of ability to pay. Assistance is available for Public Aid or to set up a payment plan for insurance deductibles. The Prenatal Clinic is located on the ground floor (Suite G54) of the Medical Arts Building east of the hospital.
The Prenatal Clinic provides medical care by Dr. Anthony Amiewalan and Dr. Adel Hanna.
Case Managers from the Macon County Health Department and/or Community Health Improvement Center (CHIC) are available on-site to assist with non-medical concerns such as general assistance, food, housing, transportation or other needs.
Baby Talk classes are held during morning hours for those who wish to participate. A member of the Cooperative Extension Staff is also available to discuss your changing nutritional needs.
For more information about St. Mary’s Prenatal Clinic, call 464-2805.
Prenatal Classes and Tours - back to top of page Prenatal Classes
St. Mary’s offers a free Childbirth Preparation course to help you prepare for the birth of your baby. This course is offered year-round and includes topics like labor and delivery, c-section birth, infant care, breastfeeding and more. Each course meets for six consecutive Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Click here for our 2012 Childbirth Class brochure.
Click here to register for the Childbirth Preparation course.
And, we have not forgotten about those dads-to-be either. Our popular Boot Camp for Dads is taught by veteran fathers and facilitated by a local pediatrician. Offered throughout the year, this three-hour course helps build confidence in a new dad's ability to be a supportive part of the birth and care of your new baby. For more details see the 2012 Childbirth Class brochure.
Click here to register for Boot Camp for Dads.
The first session of our Childbirth Preparation course concludes with a tour of the birth center. If you are unable to attend session one of the Childbirth Preparation course, please call us so we can schedule a private tour for you.
Pre-registering at St. Mary’s - back to top of page Pre-registering at St. Mary’s
By pre-registering for your delivery at St. Mary’s Hospital, you will have to fill out much less paperwork when you arrive on the big day. This means you will be able to focus your attention to the most important matter at hand—delivering your baby!
You should pre-register during the sixth to ninth month of your pregnancy. You can do this by calling 464-2371 or by coming to the Admitting Center, located on the first floor near the visitor’s entrance. The pre-registration process is simple and takes approximately 15 minutes. You will need your insurance card or medical card to pre-register.
Remember that you may also need to pre-certify or request a pre-authorization from your insurance company to maximize your insurance coverage for the hospital stay. You can do this by calling your insurance company and providing them with the requested information. In addition, by pre-registering, you will know of any insurance issues prior to your hospital stay, thereby allowing you and St. Mary’s to resolve them prior to your delivery day.
What to Bring - back to top of page
Most moms begin packing their hospital bag toward the end of their third trimester. Here’s a list of some of the items you may want to bring.
Labor Support Materials
Personal Care Items/Clothing
Breastfeeding Supplies
Items for Baby
Keepsakes/Technology/Misc
What is Provided by St. Mary’s