A Miracle on the WayThe essential planning guide for expecting moms

Table of Contents

A Nurturing Environment for Moms and Babies ................................................ 1

Our Promise ......................................................... 2

Patient and Family Centered Care ............. 3

Tending to the Mother’s Needs ................... 4

Nurses Who Love to Nurture ........................ 5

Incomparable Services .................................... 6

Care by the Best ................................................ 7

A Mother’s Choice ............................................ 9

Preparing for Baby ........................................... 11

NICU Care ............................................................ 12

What Comes Next? .......................................... 13

Paper Moon Photography ............................. 14

Understanding Your Covenant Bill ............ 16

Keeping in Touch .............................................. 17

A Nurturing Environment for Moms and Babies

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you are already well on your way to a miraculous and

life-changing destination. At Covenant Health, we do all we can to make you feel confident, comfortable

and pampered throughout your pregnancy.

We invite you to make this planning guide your own as you explore all of your maternity care options

along with the changes taking place in your body during this exciting time.

About Us

At Covenant Health, you will find the most advanced technology for moms and babies in West Texas

and Eastern New Mexico along with a staff dedicated to providing the most comfortable, beautiful and

memorable birthing experience imaginable. You will also find an elite group of accredited mother–baby

specialists. Our team includes perinatologists, neonatologists, pediatric specialists, and other highly

specialized clinical areas — all with experience in emergencies and high-risk pregnancies.

Exquisite Facilities

• 24-hour monitoring of mother and baby by some of the country’s most experienced, accredited mother– baby specialists

• One-on-one nursing care during delivery

• Private, state-of-the-art birthing suites with flat-panel TVs and wireless Internet access

• 24-hour pain management options by board-certified anesthesiologists

• Antepartum rooms for moms and babies needing special care before labor starts

• 33 postpartum suites

• Specialized operating-room suites located in the unit for c-sections

• Level IIIC Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (highest rated NICU in the region)

• OB Traceview so physicians can monitor patients at any time

• 4D ultrasounds

• Ambient Suite for patients who choose natural labor and delivery

• A celebration dinner honoring mother and father or special guest will be provided during your stay. Selections may be made from a menu prepared especially for you as a thank you for choosing Covenant.

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Pre-registrationTo ensure prompt admission to Covenant — and to access our many educational programs throughout your pregnancy — we encourage hospital pre-registration by the seventh month of pregnancy. To download a pre-registration form online, visit: www.covenanthealth.org/Our-Services/Womens-Services/Maternity-Services.aspx For pre-registration information contact your doctor, our admitting department or call (806) 725-6667.

Couplet Care Covenant Health is innovating the delivery experience by offering families couplet care. This family-centered maternity focus allows mothers and their babies to remain together throughout their hospital stay. To promote bonding between you and your baby, we encourage your baby to room-in.

Studies have shown babies, in their mother’s presence:

• Cry less

• Have lower blood pressure and stable temperature, pulse and respirations

• Have greater success with breastfeeding

This allows you to learn about your baby’s needs right away and help transition between hospital to home by having your baby by your side for the entirety of your stay. Our nurses and parent educators will make sure you feel confident in your infant care skills.

Skin to SkinResearch shows that mother and baby will benefit from this easy, enjoyable time together. After delivery, moms and dads are encouraged to spend time skin to skin with their new baby.

Breastfeeding ProgramWhile Covenant Health supports each mothers’ choice in how she chooses to feed her baby, we offer the region’s premier lactation specialist team to ensure your success in breastfeeding. You will receive personalized education and support — including optional one-on-one assistance. At Covenant Health, we understand that the breastfeeding experience touches all aspects of body, mind and spirit, therefore we provide a post-dismissal breastfeeding support group to all community moms. Call (806) 725-6403 for more information.

Our Promise

Benefits of Skin to Skin

• Your baby stays warmer

• Your baby stays calmer and more relaxed

• Your baby hears your heartbeat

• Your baby’s breathing and heart rate stabilize

• Increased sensitivity of the mother/infant bond

• Breastfeeding is established more easily

• Dads are encouraged to spend special time skin to skin, enjoying this experience also

We recognize that every birthing experience is unique, and we want to ensure you experience your child’s birth in a supportive, nurturing environment. Covenant Health promises to provide you and your newborn with personalized, superior care. We back up this pledge with state-of-the-art technological advances and our highly specialized and caring staff.

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Spiritual CareSpiritual support, of all faiths, is available during this special time.

Infant SecurityUpon admission, mother and support person receive identification bands. Infants receive a corresponding identification band immediately at birth. This, along with a number of other security measures, ensures the safety of you and your newborn during your stay.

Patient and Family Centered Care

Fathers, siblings and other special people in your life are encouraged to play active roles in the arrival of

your newborn. To ensure infection prevention, infant security and much needed rest for you,

Covenant Health recommends the following:

• Family hours are from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• One support person is encouraged to stay in labor and delivery room 24 hours a day

• Labor and Delivery Unit: Two adult visitors may stay in the room at all times

• Mother/Baby Unit: Four adult visitors may stay in the room at all times

• Siblings and children under 14 must be supervised at all times

• “Rest and Rejuvenation” from 1 to 3 p.m. if desired for family bonding and patient rest

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Tending to the Mother’s Needs

With pregnancy comes the realization you are about to become responsible for the care, nurturing and

protection of another precious life. The first step of properly caring for your baby is caring for yourself —

physically, emotionally and spiritually.

To help prepare you for your journey, Covenant offers prenatal education classes taught by registered

nurses certified in childbirth education. For first-time moms, our comprehensive classes are designed to

discuss all aspects of childbirth, newborn care and parenting.

Prepared Childbirth Education

• What to Expect in Labor and Delivery

• Pregnancy Changes and Measures to

Relieve Discomfort

• Breathing Techniques, Medications and

Epidural Anesthesia

• Cesarean Birth

• Breastfeeding

• Postpartum Care

• Parenting Skills and Infant Care

Experienced moms can take refresher

courses in these areas, and sibling support

is also available.

For more information, dates and times, visit covenanthealth.org/maternityclasses or

call (806) 725-6667 for questions and info.

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Plan to bring your new baby into the world in style by participating in the many educational

opportunities available at Covenant Health. Take an informative virtual tour of our maternity services

and learn more about the facility and people helping in your child’s sacred birth. Empower your

birthing experience by participating in the following programs dedicated to making you a confident

and prepared new family:

• Prepared Childbirth Class — 5 Week Series

• Prepared Childbirth Fast — Track Class

• Breastfeeding Class

• Infant CPR

• Road-Rules: Car Seat Safety

• Sibling Tour

Nurses Who Love to NurtureWhen you arrive at Covenant, you will be taken into the care of our nurses,

who will attend to you and your baby. Our nurses are among the most experienced

you will find anywhere. In addition to their nursing qualifications, many have

certifications specific to their areas of expertise. These certifications may

include: IBCLC Breastfeeding certified nurses, Inpatient Obstetrics certified

nurses, Low-Risk Obstetrics certified nurses, and Certification of Fetal Monitoring.

Most importantly, our nurses specialize in you. They’ll make every effort to

accommodate your wishes before, during and after your delivery. They provide

a safe, secure environment, which will give you peace of mind. Additionally, they

offer comprehensive bedside education when it comes to the choices you may

face, including pain management. You can also count on our nurses to make every

effort to involve the family member or supporter you’ve chosen to be by your side.

Together, our team will provide compassionate care to you and your little one.

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Incomparable Services

Highly Specialized Staff

Supporting your physician is an obstetrics team

of parent educators, nurses and other health

professionals specially trained in all aspects of

the birthing process and newborn care. Our

staff is continually educated on the newest

technological advances and trends in neonatal

care. Additionally, we are ready to handle any

emergency, and anesthesiology services are

available around the clock. We have specialized

obstetricians (Laborists) who remain in the

hospital 24 hours a day for any emergency or

outpatient needs.

Laborist ProgramLaborists ensure every expectant mother is

consistently and unconditionally seen by a

board-certified OB/GYN when she arrives at the

Labor and Delivery Unit. The greatest benefits

of the Laborists program are increased quality

of care, decreased wait times for patients, and

our ability to rapidly manage any emergencies

that may arise for mom and baby.

Antepartum and High-Risk Pregnancy Care

Covenant provides expert care throughout

pregnancy with a range of perinatal services

for women who may be at increased risk for

complications. These women include: expectant

mothers over age 35, those with medical

conditions such as high blood pressure or

diabetes, women expecting multiple births and

women who experience pre-term labor or have

a history of pregnancy-related complications.

From diagnostic ultrasound and amniocentesis

to antepartum fetal testing, Covenant takes

a proactive approach to keep mothers and

newborns healthy and safe.

We all know to expect the unexpected. That’s why it is so important to make sure the doctor and birthing

facility you choose are prepared to handle any emergency.

At Covenant Health, you will find:

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Covenant Prenatal Care Center

The Prenatal Care Center provides comprehensive prenatal care under certified family Nurse Practitioner, Casey Owings. She works with the premier obstetricians of Covenant Medical Group to provide the best personalized care for you and your baby, with decreased wait times. The Clinic is conveniently located in Suite 303 in the Medical Office Building next to Covenant Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The Prenatal Care Center accepts most commercial insurance plans, Texas Medicaid, and self-funded patients.

Call (806) 725-7625 for more information.

Newborn Hospitalists

Newborn Hospitalists are physicians who specialize in newborn care in the hospital setting and do not have private-practice patients. These physicians are board-certified and have continued training in caring for the smallest of hospitalized patients. Your infant might receive Hospitalist care if your pre-selected Pediatrician either foregos evaluating newborns, or is unavailable to make hospital rounds at the time of your delivery.

The benefits of Hospitalist care include: enhanced communication and quality outcomes, more time for your Pediatrician to spend with patients in the clinic setting,

and more efficient hospital services.

Care by the Best

Information About Policies and Procedures

Associated with the Newborn Nursery

• Your pediatrician will be contacted

following delivery

• A circumcision permit will be signed

and the procedure will be performed

in the nursery

• Only the two individuals with

wristbands matching the infant

band are allowed to transport

infant in hallways

• For questions and concerns, call:

(806) 725-6471

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New Serenity Suite Available

Accomodations include:* Hydrotherapy Tub

* Ambulatory Monitoring* Ambient Lighting

* Sound System for music therapy* Flat Screen TV and DVD

* ...and many other accommodations for those wishing to deliver naturally.

Covenant Women’s ServicesBirth Doula Program4000 24th StLubbock, TX 79410806.725.0000www.covenanthealth.org

Women’s Services Coordinator806.725.6667

Birth Doula Benefits:(source: DONA International)

* Labors tend to be shorter and have fewer complications.

* Negative feelings about the birth experience are reduced.

* The need for pitocin (a labor-in-ducing drug), forceps/vacuum extraction, and cesareans are

reduced.* Mothers and families feel more

secure and cared for. * Family dynamics are more easily adapted to.

* Greater breastfeeding success and sustainment.

* Overall greater confidence in mothers and families.

* Less tendency for postpartum depression and therefore less

incidence of abuse.

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The Ambient Suite features many amenities to support a natural or low-intervention childbirth, including:

• “More Like Home” soft decor

• Bathtub

• Large flat screen TV

• Glider rocker

• Birthing ball

• Squatting bar

• XM radio with surround sound

• Alternative lighting

• Mats for alternative birthing positions

• Portable monitors

A Mother’s Choice

At Covenant Women’s Center, we support our patients and work to accommodate each family’s requests. To fulfill a more natural birth experience, patients

may stay in the Ambient Birthing Suite, located in the Labor and Delivery Unit. The suite gives you and your family the opportunity for a low or no-

intervention birth in a warm, comfortable setting. Along with the Ambient Suite, you may wish to take part in our Birth Doula Program. A doula is a person

trained in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to expectant mothers and their families before, during, and

after birth. DONA trained doulas are available for any patient (natural delivery, low-intervention, induction or cesarean), completely free of charge.

Birth Doula benefits include:

• Labors tend to be shorter and have fewer complications

• Negative feelings about the birth experience are reduced

• The need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps/vacuum extraction, and cesareans are reduced

• Mothers and families feel more secure and cared for

• Family dynamics are more easily accomodated

• Greater breastfeeding success and sustainment

• Increased confidence in mothers and families

• Less tendency for postpartum depression

(source - DONA International)

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Here are some of the essentials:

Bringing Your Baby Home

___ Baby blankets

___ Bibs

___ Crib

___ Diapers

___ Feeding supplies

___ Front baby pack or “sling”

___ Infant safety car seat

___ One-piece body suits or “onesies”

___ Plastic bathtub

___ Reclining stroller

___ Socks and booties

___ Soft cotton shirts

___ Safety Items (monitor system,

electrical plug covers, etc.)

Preparing for Baby

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Mom and Family Hospital Needs

___ Family and personal picture ID

___ Insurance card and hospital paperwork

___ Birth Plan, if applicable

___ Eyeglasses

___ Toiletries (toothbrush, lotion, hair tie, etc.)

___ Bathrobe

___ Nightgown

___ Suitable underwear

___ Nursing bra

___ Slippers/socks

___ Helpful relaxation items (pillow, music, reading

material, DVD videos, etc.)

___ Camera

___ Suggested items from Doula

___ Baby book for guests to sign

___ Infant safety car seat

___ Infant personal items (clothing, blankets, pacifier, etc.)

NICU Care

Premature and critically ill babies are

given immediate attention by our team of

neonatologists. Covenant Children’s operates

the highest possible level IIIC Neonatal Intensive

Care Unit (NICU).

The new 38-bed, state-of-the-art unit is

equipped with a sophisticated monitoring

system, respiratory therapy equipment,

transport equipment, special isolettes and

minimal stimulation rooms for the most

fragile patients — all designed especially for

infants. Three comfortably furnished Dismissal

Preparation Rooms are dedicated for NICU

parents to stay overnight with their infant

before being dismissed from the hospital. Here,

parents are given much needed support and

confidence by the highly specialized staff as

they learn to care for their precious little ones.

The NICU transport team is on stand-by

for immediate stabilization and transfer

of a newborn throughout the region, if

special circumstances arise during labor

or after delivery.

Additionally, this highly trained transport team,

registered nurses and respiratory therapists

respond to regional requests for transfer

of critical newborns to Covenant Children’s

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. This specialized

team quickly travels throughout West Texas and

Eastern New Mexico by helicopter, fixed wing

aircraft or ground transportation.

At Covenant Children’s, we understand that

sometimes being the parent of a baby in NICU

can be overwhelming. We also feel it is very

important for you to be involved in the care of

your baby. That is why our NICU staff is always

available to answer questions and listen to

your concerns.

Information about the NICU

• If your baby is transferred to NICU from the region or within Covenant Children’s, you will be informed of all details and important information regarding your baby’s location in the unit

• Two people are encouraged at the bedside at any one time

• Parents may designate two additional support people outside the immediate family

• Grandparents and siblings are welcome to visit the NICU

• Children under 10 years old are discouraged in the NICU during RSV season to protect the health of your little one

• NICU families may visit the Ronald McDonald Family Room (RMFR) for rest, relaxation, snacks, laundry amenities or to use the business center

• A healing garden is located outside the RMFR

• Our NICU team includes: neonatologists, registered nurses, respiratory therapists, speech and language therapists, physical/occupational therapists, case management and certified lactation specialists

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About Covenant Children’sCovenant Children’s is one of only eight licensed

children’s hospitals in the state of Texas. We

operate as the region’s only full-service licensed

hospital dedicated exclusively to children. The

facility is designed specifically for the diagnosis

and treatment of young patients from infancy

to adolescence and features accredited centers

and units such as: Children’s Emergency

Department, Designated Level II Trauma Center

(the region’s only Level II trauma center),

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive

Care Unit, and Pediatric Med/Surg Unit.

Patient RoomsWhile the hospital setting cannot replace

the comforts of home, the pediatric unit is

specifically designed to soothe, reassure and

invigorate the process of healing children.

Patient rooms are equipped with pull out sofas

and rocker-recliners for parents. Flat screen

TV’s and DVD’s are designed specifically for our

youngest patients. Computer and game system

access is also available.

A large, child-friendly playroom provides much

needed family down time and a homelike

environment to stimulate a healthy spirit.

Pediatric SpecialistsCovenant Children’s medical staff includes

pediatricians as well as physicians representing

numerous pediatric sub-specialties: intensive

care, surgery, cardiology, cardiovascular surgery,

neurology, neurosurgery, oncology/hematology,

urology, gastroenterology, neonatology, allergy

and immunology, endocrinology, infectious

disease, palliative care, orthopedics, trauma,

plastics and reconstructive surgery, anesthesia,

radiology, craniofacial surgery, and neurology

with autism specialty.

Child Life SpecialistsIn order for young patients to continue to

learn and develop, our Child Life Specialist

Team provides families with a multidisciplinary

program for making productive use of the

child’s time in fun ways, using methods

to soothe patients, provide pain distraction

and create smiles.

What comes next?

We understand the birth of your baby marks the end of one journey and the start of another. Along the way,

your newborn, as well as other family members, will need care. We hope you will consider our dedicated

physicians and the state-of-the-art facilities at Covenant Children’s to meet those needs.

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Paper Moon Photography - Sharing Your Joy

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Paper Moon Photography are not your point and shoot photography company. We dedicate 30 minutes exclusively for your newborn’s session to guarantee exquisite, quality photographs you are proud to show to loved ones.

Each of our photographers is extensively trained under Lubbock’s premier photographer, Cyndi duPont, who has nearly two decades of experience photographing newborns. Staff works with you one-on-one to develop and meet your photography needs.

Dozens of outfits are available for you, so if you did not bring anything that is photo-ready you have plenty of options to fit any style. There is no sitting fee and no photographer’s fee. Covenant graciously covers those costs so your photography session is complimentary to you during your stay.

Our company provides basic skin softening and blemish removal to each photograph purchased so that you truly see your baby in each photograph. View your photographs the same day, and let the knowledgeable staff help you select a package that is the perfect option for you and your family.

Maternity sessions are also an option to you. Our basic session is complimentary with a Prepared Childbirth Education Class taken at Covenant. You have three different session options to select, ranging from 30 to 60 minutes and up to three outfit changes.

Maternity images receive skin softening and retouching so you remember and can show the joys of expecting, without worries of stretch marks or other signs typical of a mother-to-be. The prenatal Paper Moon Photography studio is located on the 5th Floor directly south of the central elevators.

How to book an appointment with Paper Moon PhotographyA photography representative will come by your room where they will schedule an appointment that works best for you, and you may select your outfit.

The newborn Paper Moon Photography studio is located on the 4th floor in room 442. If we are not in a session, stop in and talk with one of our staff about an appointment.

Contact the office directly at (806) 725-6411 or email us at papermoonbaby@yahoo.com.

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Newborn and Prenatal Photography

At Covenant Health, our commitment to best care extends through the

billing process. We realize a medical bill is not something anyone necessarily

looks forward to opening at the end of the day. Covenant Business Services

is your partner in providing the ultimate in customer care. Our team is

driven to explain billing and payment procedures clearly, ensure billing and

payments are handled properly, and provide a bill that is easy to understand.

InsuranceCovenant Health accepts many HMO and PPO insurance plans. Most

managed care plans have strict provisions and policies in regard to seeking

and receiving care. We encourage all our patients to understand their plan

and be sure they have met all requirements to avoid unexpected financial

responsibilities. Covenant Health accepts Medicare Parts A and B for

provided services.

• Medicare Part A: insurance covers inpatient hospitalization.

• Medicare Part B: provides benefits for medical services including:

ambulatory surgery, emergency services, physician services and

outpatient diagnostic testing.

Your Medicare card lists coverage information and effective dates. For

assistance, contact Medicare at www.medicare.gov or (800)MEDICARE /

(800) 633-4273. As a courtesy, Covenant Health will file your health care

insurance claim. Hospital charges are generally billed within 7 to 10 days

from the time of service.

Private PayIf you are not covered by insurance, a required deposit and prompt payment

helps Covenant Health to continue our mission.

Your responsibility as a patient• Deductibles / Co-Payments: Your insurance company and policy

benefits determine your deductibles and co-payment amounts. Please

be prepared to pay at the time of service.

• Patient Statement: a monthly statement will be mailed to keep you

informed of outstanding balances due from you and/or your

insurance company.

• Financial Assistance: As a faith-based, not-for-profit health care system

dedicated to our mission of healing, Covenant Health has a Financial

Assistance program available for those who qualify.

• Other Health Care Bills: Your physician, anesthesiologist, radiologist and

pathologist will bill you separately.

• For Expectant Moms: Please remember to add your newborn to

your insurance policy within 30 days of delivery to ensure

insurance coverage.

Understanding your Covenant Bill

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Please call: (806) 725-5873 for any questions regarding your financial expectations.

Covenant Health

Women’s & Children’s Services ................................................................................................... (806) 725-6667

Labor and Delivery Unit.................................................................................................................. (806) 725-6494

Mom/Baby Unit.................................................................................................................................. (806) 725-6490

NICU........................................................................................................................................................ (806) 725-6477

Pre-registration Information & Admitting Department....................................................... (806) 725-6171

Covenant Prenatal Care Center ................................................................................................... (806) 725-7625

Childbirth Education Class Registration................................................................................... (806) 725-6667

LifeStyle Center.................................................................................................................................. (806) 725-4386

Parent Education/Lactation Specialists.................................................................................... (806) 725-6403

Non-emergency Question Line for New Parents/Nursery................................................. (806) 725-6471

Business Office.................................................................................................................................... (806) 725-5773

Medicaid Assistance.......................................................................................................................... (806) 725-8348

Financial Counselor........................................................................................................................... (806) 725-0343

Medicaid recipients are welcome at Covenant Children’s. We are sensitive to private pay patients. Please call the Financial Counselor for further financial details.

Covenant Children’s

Covenant Children’s Emergency Center................................................................................... (806) 725-0030

Covenant Children’s Hospital........................................................................................................ (806) 725-0000

Covenant Children’s Dental Clinic

Texas............................................................................................................................................ (806) 725-5825

New Mexico............................................................................................................................... (575) 748-8760

Keeping in Touch

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covenanthealth.org

Caring for women across the generations.