Women and Childrens' Services

Thousands of expectant Eastern Kentucky families have chosen The Birth Place for their childbirth experience. And it’s easy to see why. Since patients first were admitted in 1971, The Birth Place has grown to become one of the largest, most progressive centers in the region.

The highly trained staff includes both obstetrical and nursing specialists. They receive training which allows them to use the latest techniques to make new mothers as comfortable as possible. Just as important, they are skilled listeners, trained to focus on the unique needs of individual families. The staff is a valuable resource on topics ranging from pain management to baby baths.

The Birth Place has birthing suites for any woman who is anticipating a normal vaginal delivery. The suite allows the mother to labor, deliver and recover in one quiet, comfortable room. All suites are attractive and fully equipped with a telephone, television and private bathroom.

After baby arrives, parents have a choice to where he/she will spend the majority of time. Some parents prefer that baby remain in the nursery and is brought to mom at regular feeding times. Others prefer rooming in, a practice of keeping baby in mother’s room except during the night when mom is encouraged to rest. The baby is cared for by its parents, with nursing assistance.

In the Newborn Nursery, baby spends the first few hours of life getting warm and snugly under an infant warmer until his/her body temperature is stabilized. Then baby gets the first bath, has a hearing test and is ready to visit with mom and family. In addition, baby wears a leg sensor that is part of an infant security system at The Birth Place.

NICU

The overwhelming majority of newborns arrive healthy, the result of uncomplicated births. But for the approximate ten percent of newborns who are born with special medical needs, an intensive care nursery is essential. The Birth Place is served by an eight-bed Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit equipped to care for premature and sick newborns weighing 1250 grams ( 3 lbs.) or more. It is the only licensed neonatal intensive care unit in southeastern Kentucky. The special care nursery is staffed by board certified Neonatologists and a staff of highly skilled nurses. The staff is assisted by state-of-the-art equipment that regulates and monitors the progress of sick infants. Through such intensive, round the clock care, it is out ultimate goal that our patients recover and lead normal lives. Attention to infant development begins as soon as the baby is medically stable. The babies are seen by a team of therapists (occupational and physical) who are trained to work with newborns. The special care nursery encourages parent involvement and education. Parents are instructed in the care of their newborn and specialized care of their high risk infant. Social Services is also involved to help find needed resources and coordinate plans with agencies and follow-up programs.