Departments & Services

Nursery

Intro

Nursery 180x250Our nursery is the first home for more than 1,300 babies more each year at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Babies receive their first bath, and, if parents request, their first photography session!

On admission to the nursery, your baby is weighed, measured and bathed, and has his/her identity checked. The father or support person may remain in the nursery to watch these procedures.

Bottle-fed babies are fed on demand but need to be fed at least every four hours. Breast-fed babies are also fed on demand, at least eight to 12 times in 24 hours. Inaddition, parents of breast- and bottle-fed babies should feed their babies at least once a night.

All babies are weighed daily. Your pediatrician will assess and manage the clinical care of your infant.

Security

For your baby's protection, a special security bracelet linked to the Medical Center's maternity alarm system will be placed on your baby. If this bracelet is removed or tampered with, or if your infant is taken too close to the sensors near the entrance of the unit, security actions will immediately go into effect. This bracelet will be removed by nursery staff just before discharge.

Lab Tests

Blood tests and supplemental newborn testing will be done on all babies. These lab tests are done to screen for certain RARE metabolic and hormonal disorders which, when treated immediately, can protect your child's future health and development. The reports are sent to your physician, usually within three weeks. These tests must be done after your infant is at least 24 hours old.

Hearing Tests

Newborn hearing screening is offered to all newborns in the nursery. The nurse or physician will explain this screening and give you a consent form to sign before this is done. This screening tests for the rare possibility of hearing problems. The test usually takes between five and 30 minutes. Nothing goes into the baby's ears, and there are no needles. Most babies sleep through the test. There is no extra charge for this test. You are given information about your baby's hearing and test results after the test is done.

Infection Prevention

The following policies and procedures are strictly enforced to protect all babies in the nursery from infection:

  • Wash your hands and ask anyone who holds your baby to wash hands before doing so.
  • Do not handle other babies or allow other parents or visitors to handle your baby.
  • Do not carry your baby out of your room. When walking in the corridor, keep the baby in the bassinet.
  • Any person with a cold, sore throat or other infection may not visit.
  • New mothers must remain on the maternity floor during their hospital stay.

Rooming In

Our rooming-in program is flexible to meet your needs. Rooming-in allows your baby to remain in your room. This program gives you, your family and your baby more time to get acquainted. This provides hands-on training in infant care and helps you gain confidence in understanding your baby's needs.

You and your support person are responsible for routine care of your baby, such as diaper changing and feeding. The nursing staff is available to help as needed and to answer any questions you have.

Department Physicians