Erlanger Baroness Women's Services

The convenience of Women's Services begins the moment a mother arrives. Loved ones are offered convenient parking in the Health Department garage, directly across the street from the West Wing II entrance, or they may park in the expectant mothers drop-off area and take the "baby express' elevator to the newly remodeled registration desk and triage area. The triage area now offers four private rooms— giving mothers more privacy and less noise when being evaluated.

Family members are able to relax and await baby's arrival in the larger, more comfortable waiting area. The unit also features 11 new single room birthing suites, decorated with light airy colors, new furniture— including a custom designed sleeper sofa—as well as an abundance of natural light. The new suites also offer more convenience for mothers, allowing labor, delivery and recovery in the same room. The unit has an additional birthing suite that can double as an operating room when needed. In addition, the unit will offer a separate, newly renovated postnatal unit, making the stay more comfortable for mom, dad, and visitors. An additional nursery provides more space for babies.

Regional Level III Perinatal Center

The Erlanger Baroness Campus is a designated Level III Perinatal Center for both expectant mothers and infants. "Erlanger provides mothers with immediate access to high-risk obstetricians who are specifically trained in maternal and fetal medicine," says Ms. McClure. "Mothers can receive 100 percent of their care here without having to be transported to another facility." The designated 12-room Perinatal Unit will have all the capabilities for care of mothers experiencing complications during their pregnancy or recuperating from complications during labor and delivery. According to Ms. McClure, the rooms are equipped with the latest technology and monitoring systems. Anesthesia capabilities are also available.

Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Just as important as treating expectant and new mothers, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at T.C. Thompson Children's Hospital takes care of the sickest and smallest newborns. The NICU, part of the Regional Perinatal Center at Erlanger, is a designated Level III NICU, the highest level assigned by the State of Tennessee and the highest level designated in our region. The 50-bed unit provides immediate access to pediatric and surgical subspecialists, all backed by specially trained neonatalogists and nurses, and a neonatal nurse practitioner. "Children's Hospital's mission is to improve pediatric and adolescent health in a family-centered environment, and we strongly encourage parents to become involved in their child's care," says Terri Woodruff, NICU nurse manager. "Parents can visit the unit as long as they like anytime except 6 to 8 a.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and we especially encourage parents to attend medical rounds on their baby."

The NICU also offers a "Care by Parent" room that gives parents an opportunity to care for their child before discharge. "The Care by Parent room is a home-like setting, complete with a bed and bathroom, where moms and dads have the opportunity to feed, diaper, and care for their child during the night," says Ms. Woodruff. "This gives parents the independence of caring for their child with peace of mind, knowing that the child's vital signs are being monitored at the nursing station."

Services

The Erlanger Baroness Campus offers tours and a wide variety of childbirth education classes; including Grandparenting, Sibling, CPR, Father's Only, Baby Care, and Car Seat Safety. To find out more and to register, call 778-LINK. Erlanger's LINK line can also assist in helping you find an OB/GYN and Pediatrician.