Obstetrics
Fifteen years ago, St. Francis redefined the way babies were born in the Upstate.
At ST. FRANCIS eastside, we combined a then-innovative LDPR concept with the highest quality nursing
and neonatal care available. In short, we know how to care for you. And for the
most important person in the world ... your new baby.
Customized LDRP Suites
Moms labor, deliver, recover and experience post-partum in the same private room (a room with enough space for dad). The St. Francis approach focuses on family:
parents, siblings and other family members and friends may participate in the
birth experience – to whatever extent the parents desire – with expert staff to support them. Once you've delivered, your baby will remain
in your room with you.
24/7 Neonatal Care
St. Francis offers 24/7 neonataology care in our Neonatal Care Unit, giving you a 'round the clock comfort level. For babies with unexpected difficulties
and special needs, this unit provides rescusitation, oxygen therapy, short-term
breathing assistance, intravaneous therapies, and respiratory monitoring/observation
as a result of premature birth.
Board-Certified Neonatologist
Our board-certified neonatologist (specialized in newborn intensive care) is on call 'round the clock and directs
the Neonatal Care Unit and its skilled infant support team. The team includes
neonatal nurse practitioners with an average experience level of 17+ years.
NeonatalCam
This unique service allows parents to stay close to their newborns in the Neonatal Care Unit, even when mom and dad are away from the hospital. Using a tiny private camera,
a password-protected internet site, a specially wired laptop computer, and online
video technology, parents can log in and check on their baby 24 hours a day from
home. (We provide all the software and hardware, including the laptop computer).
Medical Services
For pain management during delivery, we have an anesthesiologist on call 'round
the clock. In addition, should a Cesarean section become necessary, two dedicated
operating suites are only seconds away.
Doula Services
Our qualified Doulas, trained by the nationally-certified Doulas of North America (DONA), serve as labor assistants for mothers-to-be who request this unique
childbirth option. The Doula provides both emotional and physical support for
the mother and the husband/support person during the birthing process. (Statistics
have proven that doula-attended labors positively affect the lengths of labor,
Cesarean section rates, lengths of stay, and overall patient satisfaction).
Lactation Center
Designed specifically to aid and support moms who breastfeed, our Lactation Center provides prenatal breast assessment, prenatal breastfeeding classes, a support
group, inpatient support, outpatient services, weight checks, and phone consultations
for lactating mothers. St. Francis also offers specialty services such as supplies
and pump rentals, bra fittings, and hard-to-find items, like nursing gowns and
Medela nursing bras and products.
Gestational Diabetes Program
Through the St. Francis Diabetes Center, pre-pregnancy counseling is available for women with diabetes, or those who have had gestational diabetes with a previous pregnancy. Certified diabetes educators work closely with patients and their obstetricians to provide individualized gestational diabetes treatment plans.
In-Home Nurse Visits
First-time mothers and mothers of multiples qualify for a one-time in-home visit
from a St. Francis nurse within a few days of discharge. The nurse is available
to answer any questions about the baby's health as well as mom's well-being.
Parent Education Programs
St. Francis offers the largest breath of parent education opportunities in the Upstate, including an extensive roster of classes and St. Francis Great Expectations, an annual educational event for parents-to-be.
Online Baby Nursery
We'll post pictures of your newborn online for family and friends (your baby's
photos will be password-protected, of course). With your permission, a professional
photographer will take pictures of your baby and make them viewable in the Online Baby Nursery after your departure. Best of all, this service is free!
CarePages
CarePages is healthcare’s largest social network to provide the emotional support needed for healing and well-being. At CarePages.com, you can create your own personal CarePage – a free, private, personalized web page that allows you to share updates with family and friends, receive messages of encouragement and support, read stories and tips and meet others in similar situations. Create or visit a CarePage now!