While You're Here

• When You Arrive

  Upon your arrival at the medical center, each patient should obtain an outpatient record from the Patient Services Department, Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m.– 9:15 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.–9:15 p.m. After 9:15 p.m. you will enter from the emergency department entrance. If you are sent directly from your doctor or midwife’s office with admission orders, you or your family member will be directed to the business office.  Pre-admission forms are available from your doctor or midwife. These forms are not required, but completing them will save time. Upon entering the labor and delivery suite, registered nurses (RNs) under the direction of your doctor or midwife will be responsible for your care at all times. 

  

  After an examination by the RN or your doctor or midwife, they will determine if you will be admitted to the medical center. An exam includes monitoring the baby’s heart rate, your blood pressure, contractions, and other vital signs. You may then be assigned a room in The BirthPlace labor and delivery unit.

  To protect your privacy, no information will be given about your labor progress or delivery on the telephone by staff. Family members or friends should be asked to call The BirthPlace waiting room and talk with your family. The number to call is 843-347-8286.

  

• Birthing Coach

  The birthing experience is a special one and wanting to share it with your family is only natural. The staff’s goal is to assist you and your family in having a safe and satisfying birth experience. You can have up to three support people with you while giving birth, however, the nurse responsible for your care may need to limit this number. Other friends and family members may stay in The BirthPlace waiting room.  Video cameras are not allowed in the Birthing/Delivery rooms.

  Children under the age of 12

  Visitors in the Birthing/Delivery rooms must be at least 12 years of age.  Children under the age of 12 can visit after the baby is delivered.

• Cesarean Delivery

  If it should become necessary for your doctor to deliver your baby by cesarean section, your abdomen will be shaved, and a catheter inserted in your bladder. You may receive a preoperative injection. Jewelry, makeup, dentures, and contact lenses must be removed before you leave for surgery.

• Delivery

  When your baby is delivered, identification bracelets will be placed on you and your infant. A security tag will be affixed to your baby’s ankle. You will be able to hold your baby skin-to-skin immediately after birth as long as you and your infant are medically stable.  We encourage one hour of skin-to-skin bonding after birth.  Photographs of you and your baby may be taken. Video cameras are not allowed in the birthing/delivery rooms.

  Your baby’s weight will be obtained shortly after birth. Following the assessment of your newborn by the nursery staff, a set of footprints will be obtained and placed on a complimentary souvenir sheet for you to keep. Birth partners will have the opportunity to press a button to play a lullaby on the overhead sound system announcing the arrival of your newborn baby.

• Recovery

  After giving birth, mothers who have had normal deliveries will spend two hours recovering in the labor and delivery suite. This will give you the opportunity to breastfeed and enjoy skin to skin time with your baby. The lactation consultant or your nurse will be available to assist you with this first breastfeeding. After the recovery period, you will be transferred to your assigned room in The BirthPlace. Each room contains many amenities for your comfort including a television, personal storage space, a self-regulated adjustable bed, and a private bathroom with a shower. Throughout CMC, all guests are able to access free Wi-Fi so you can immediately announce your happy news.

• Who's at the Door?

  In the short time you are a patient at The BirthPlace, you can expect a variety of people to visit your room during your stay. Staff at the hospital must check in to ensure you have all of the information and support you need.
  The following people may stop in your room while you are here:

  • Nurses or nursing assistants check on you to make sure you are safe, comfortable, and have everything you need.
  • Maternal Child Health Services managers or hospital administrators may stop by to make sure you are happy with your stay and the care you are receiving.
  • Physicians, pediatricians, and midwives will monitor your recovery, your baby’s health, and discuss ongoing care and your transition home.
  • Lactation consultants will help you if you are breastfeeding.
  • Housekeepers will keep your room and bathroom clean.
  • Dietary staff will assist you with ordering meals, delivering your meals, and obtaining feedback on your dining experience.
  • Chaplains may visit to offer spiritual support.
• Breastfeeding

  

  CMC has achieved the prestigious Baby-Friendly Designation, a commitment to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. We are proud to promote evidence-based practices for optimal infant feeding support in the precious first days of a newborn’s life. We strive to provide every woman who delivers a baby at CMC with the resources, information, and support she needs for her health and for a happy, healthy start for her baby.

  Our nursing staff are qualified and always available to assist you with any special needs you may have in feeding your newborn. In addition, we offer Prenatal Breastfeeding classes every other month taught by one of our nurses who is also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. The classes are free and you can attend before or after your delivery as needed. Our lactation consultant is available to provide outpatient assistance as needed after you are discharged as ordered by your physician or midwife.

  Register for a Breastfeeding Class.

• Visiting

  After delivery, one support person may stay with you at all times including overnight. All other visitors must come during visiting hours of 8 a.m.– 9:30 p.m.

  Siblings who are not experiencing illness may visit between 8 a.m.– 9:30 p.m. Children are not permitted to stay overnight. A waiting room for family and friends is located in The BirthPlace across from the nursery.

  The medical center’s main entrance and The BirthPlace entrance are open from 8 a.m.– 9:30 p.m.

  Children under the age of 12

  Visitors in the Birthing/Delivery rooms must be at least 12 years of age.  Children under the age of 12 can visit after the baby is delivered.

• Rooming In

  During your hospital stay, we encourage “rooming-in”.  Your infant will be with you except for required newborn tests.  Rooming-in promotes breastfeeding, bonding, and helps you to learn your newborn’s needs. Our nursing staff will assist you should you have any questions or concerns. 

• Birth Certificate

  Information for the birth certificate will be collected during your stay in the medical center. Also, you will be able to apply for your baby’s social security card. A copy of the official birth certificate may be obtained from the Horry County Health Department approximately two (2) months after your baby’s birth. For questions regarding this, please call 843-248-3958.

• Meals

  Your meals will be served during the following hours:
  Breakfast: 8-9:30 a.m.
  Lunch: 12–1:30 p.m.
  Dinner: 5–6 p.m.

  You may request other nourishment when you wish.

  One complimentary guest tray is available after delivery. Please ask the staff of The BirthPlace to order your tray for the guest of your choice, giving the time you will have your guest tray. Dietary asks for at least three (3) hours notice when a guest tray is desired. CMC has a full service cafe located on the first floor of the hospital for any food needs of guests.

• Going Home

  You will be given instructions by your doctor or midwife about follow-up visits and the opportunity to ask any additional questions.

  When you are ready to leave, you may dress your baby for the trip home. Be sure to have an infant car seat to take your baby home at discharge. Infant care and postpartum care instructions will be provided to you. You will be taken by wheelchair to the front of the medical center where family or friends may pick you up.