Postpartum rooms in the Women's Center are being upgraded to make them cozier for mom, baby and visitors.
The birth of a baby is a cherished moment for a family. Jessica Silva, Director of Women’s Services at Fort Duncan, is acutely aware of this and works to ensure that each patient who delivers a baby at the Women’s Center has a positive memory of the special day.
"That's the day everyone will remember, even when they are older," says Silva. "We want to make sure they have a good experience."
Following delivery, a woman will typically spend two or three days at the hospital to rest and recoup while doctors address any postnatal needs and monitor the newborn. A few hours after giving birth, the patient moves to one of 14 private postpartum rooms at the Women’s Center, where she can relax and bond with her baby in peace, and visitors can come to see the newest addition to the family.
While these rooms are functional as they are, Silva knows they could be more cozy and inviting, which is why Fort Duncan will upgrade the rooms in the coming months.
“We are changing the color scheme and getting new furniture to make it more homey and comforting for mom, baby and the whole family.”
The new colors will refresh the rooms with a brighter ambiance, and new bedside tables and a couch will add home-like touches designed to put patients at ease and to welcome visitors with extra seating. Every postpartum room has a window for natural light and a bathroom en suite for privacy. If a spouse or partner wants to stay over or nap after a long night supporting mom through the labor, the hospital can provide a cot, but the new couch will provide a comfortable option for resting.
“This will be their home for two to three days,” explains Silva. “Our goal is to make it a more home-like environment.”
Quiet time!
Every day at the Women’s Center, quiet time is from 2 – 4 p.m. and again from 2 – 4 a.m. to give moms a chance to rest and bond with babies in peace. Delivering a baby is exhausting, and women need to recover their strength for when they go home with their new baby. Guests are permitted during quiet time, but the hospital staff will continue to emphasize and respect the quiet time hours each day.