The BirthPlace

We’re Delivering Joy

When your big day arrives, The BirthPlace at CMC will make giving birth to your new little one even more memorable. CMC is proud of the fact that more babies are born at The BirthPlace than at any other hospital in our area. You can trust that we have the expertise and family-oriented care to ensure that you and your baby have a beautiful start.

The BirthPlace at Conway Medical Center is located on the second floor above the patient service entrance. The BirthPlace is designed with your comfort and privacy in mind and contains three exam rooms, seven birthing rooms, a cesarean section room, a 27-bed nursery and a 16-bed postpartum unit. CMC is the only hospital in the area that provides in-house anesthesia coverage and lactation support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

CMC proudly holds the Blue Distinction Center+ designation for Maternity Care, recognizing our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional birthing experiences with superior quality outcomes and cost efficiency. CMC has also 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.

BirthPlace Tour

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.

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The Answers to All Your Questions

giving birth The birth of your baby is an exciting time and can be overwhelming. At CMC’s The BirthPlace we want to make sure you have every question answered to have the best birthing experience possible.

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you prepare for giving birth, the birthing experience, and taking care of yourself and your child after you have delivered. If you have any further questions, feel free to call The BirthPlace at 843-347-8007.

Where should I check in at the hospital when I go into labor?

If you arrive at CMC Monday-Friday, 5:30 a.m.-6 p.m. you will check in at The BirthPlace entrance at the back of the hospital. After 6 p.m. or on a Saturday or on a Sunday you will go to the emergency department entrance also located at the back of the hospital.
What items should I bring with me when I check into the hospital?
Remember to bring your photo identification and insurance card with you when you come to the hospital. It is recommended to have two bags packed when you arrive. A “labor and delivery” bag and an “after delivery” bag for you and your baby.

Suggested items to pack for labor and delivery include:

Eyeglasses

A bathrobe, nightgown, warm socks and slippers

Extra pillows

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Lip balm

Barrettes or rubber bands to tie back hair

Magazines, books, playing cards, etc.

Phone numbers of friends and family

The bag for you and your baby might include:

Toiletries, such as shampoo, cosmetics, etc.

Support or Nursing bra

Phone and camera charger

Loose fitting clothes

“Going Home” outfit for you and the baby

Baby book

Baby car seat- the state of South Carolina requires you to have an approved infant seat to take your baby home.
Will I labor and deliver in the same room?

Yes, once you go into labor you will be accompanied into one of our private delivery rooms designed for the comfort of you and your family. These rooms offer a private bathroom, flat screen television, recliner/sleeper, free Wi-Fi, and a warming bed for your baby. A special mirror allows you to watch the birthing process, if you choose.
How many people can be in the labor and delivery room with me?

Three people at a time can be in the labor and delivery room with you while you are giving birth, but no one under the age of 12 is allowed in the labor and delivery room. We have a waiting room directly across from the nursery where your other loved ones can relax and await the arrival of your new addition.
Are video cameras and cell phones allowed in the labor and delivery rooms?

Your family may want to capture memories of this joyous occasion. We allow still photos but not video (taken by cell phones, camera, etc.) and ask that you take family pictures when it does not interfere with medical care. Once your newborn is stable and in mother’s arms, you’ll probably have more time for photos.

Discuss your request for pictures of the delivery with your provider when admitted to Labor & Delivery. Health care providers – physicians, midwives, anesthesiologists, nurses – should not be photographed unless they give permission. Photographs of medical or surgical procedures are not allowed. In an emergency, we will ask that all picture taking stop. Visitors may be asked to step back or leave to give staff the room they need to care for mother and baby.
Is there an anesthesiologist available at all times? What are my pain control options?

If you choose to receive pain relief, anesthesia such as epidurals, IV pain medications or other comfort measures are available and are administered by our anesthesiologists or a CRNA who are available around-the-clock. You can learn more about anesthesia options here.

If you choose not to receive pain relief, CMC is happy to support your natural childbirth.
How soon after giving birth can I hold my baby?

As long as you and your infant are medically stable, your infant will be placed skin-to-skin immediately after giving birth. Skin-to-skin contact will help keep your baby warm and let the two of you start bonding as well. But, don’t worry about bonding if you can’t hold your baby right away because one of you may need immediate medical care. There will be plenty of time for bonding later. While you and your baby are locking eyes, he or she will be closely observed to ensure that he continues to do well. At one and five minutes after birth, an Apgar assessment will be done to evaluate your baby’s heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, reflex response, and color. If your baby is doing well, you and your baby will not be separated. Your caregiver should be able to do these simple assessments (as well as other tasks) while your baby is resting on your belly.
Once I deliver, can my baby stay in the room with me?

Most infants (unless medically unstable) “room-in” with their mothers 24/7. “Rooming-in” begins immediately after delivery. Routine bedside procedures, such as newborn assessments and baths are all conducted in your room. Nursing staff will round frequently to ensure the safety of you and your infant.
When can I nurse my baby?

Babies tend to be very alert right after birth, so that is an appropriate time to begin breastfeeding if you are both willing. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that healthy full-term infants “be placed and remain in direct skin-to-skin contact with their mothers immediately after delivery until the first feeding is accomplished.” You will be able to nurse your baby immediately after birth. Our nursing staff can assist you if you have any questions. We offer breastfeeding classes if you would like more information on how to breastfeed. Classes are held once a month on Tuesday evenings and you can call 843-347-8108 to register or for dates and information.
When will my baby get a bath?

All newborn baths are delayed for at least 8 hours after birth. This helps the vernix to absorb into your baby’s skin which moisturizes your baby’s skin. Delayed baths also help infants to stabilize their body temperature. We encourage skin-to-skin contact during this time as your infant’s vital signs will stabilize faster and breastfeeding will be off to a better start.
What security measures are in place for me and my baby?
How do I get a birth certificate and social security card for my baby?

Information for the birth certificate will be collected during your stay in The BirthPlace. 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) weeks after your baby’s birth. For questions regarding this, please call, 843-248-3958 or visit the SCHDEC website for more information.
How do I choose a pediatrician for my baby?
Choosing the right doctor for your baby is a weighty decision and we recommend choosing a pediatrician well before giving birth. You can call our physician referral line at 843-347-8108 to get information about pediatricians in the area or visit our online physician directory to see a full listing of pediatricians.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right pediatrician:

Start searching for a pediatrician before your baby is born to give yourself time to interview several doctors in person. Evaluate your doctor’s communication skills and bedside manner.

Consider the location of the pediatrician’s office. Do you want it close to home or work?

Find out the doctor’s office hours and how after-hours calls are handled.

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