Tips for preparing for this important life event.
Some cesarean deliveries are planned and scheduled accordingly, while others may be performed as a result of complications that occur during labor.
It's important to think about your lifestyle and health habits during pregnancy.
Our experienced labor and delivery physicians provide everything from prenatal to postpartum care, including specialized care for high-risk deliveries.
Mark Alkass, MD
Edmund K. Andah, MD
LaReesa M. Ferdinand, MD
Edwin M. Salamanca, MD
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Hospitals Enact Policies to Curb Early Childbirth
Goal is to reduce elective C-sections, inductions before 39 weeks, study says
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Preemies' Increased Survival Comes With No Rise in Disabilities: Study
Still, better care recommended for very early babies, researchers say
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U.S. Infant Mortality Rates Finally Dropping Again: Report
After years of no change, overall rate declined 12 percent from 2005 to 2011
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Lullabies Soothe Preemies, Parents Alike
Study looked at music therapy combining songs and special womb-like sounds
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Working While Pregnant Won't Harm the Baby, Study Finds
Employment didn't raise risk of preterm, low birth-weight baby, researchers report
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Plastics Chemical BPA Common in 'Preemie' ICU: Study
Banned in sippy cups and baby bottles, it's present in hospital equipment; health risk unclear
Here are some tips and guidance for safe travels while you’re pregnant.
A healthy, well-balanced diet during pregnancy can also help to minimize some pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and constipation.
Regular exercise, with the approval of your physician or midwife, can often help to minimize the physical discomforts of pregnancy and help with the recovery after the baby is born.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), monkeypox, and a host of diseases can find their way into people from animals.
Certain medical conditions may complicate a pregnancy.
Certain symptoms should be reported to your physician immediately, during any stage of the pregnancy.
About Center for Women's Health at Heart of Florida
Spacious birthing suites and private rooms: Our all-new Center for Women’s Health on the fifth floor of Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center offers beautiful, spacious birthing suites. All rooms are private to help create an intimate and memorable birthing experience.
Board-certified obstetricians, gynecologists and Certified Nurse Midwives: Experienced, caring physicians and nurse midwives care for you at the Center for Women’s Health. Click here to learn more about the providers on staff at our women’s center or call our Physician Referral Line at (863) 419-2341 for additional assistance.
Optional VIP Package for new moms: For new moms who want to create an even more memorable experience, our optional VIP Package delivers many comforting amenities. This selection can be made through your medical provider’s office or at the hospital, and includes:
- Special VIP treatment for you and your partner
- Welcome basket
- Robe and slipper socks
- Scrubs for coach
- Upgraded bath products & linens for use in your private suite
- Celebration dinner for two on day of delivery
- Candlelight dinner the day of discharge
- Memento blanket and infant onesie
- Luggage tag/diaper bag tag
- Refrigerator in each suite
- Free photo package of your new arrival
- Concierge service (scheduling OB/Pediatric appointments)
- VIP Package fee is just $200
Delicious Celebration Dinner: Served in your room with white linens – complete with a rose – your meal arrives hot and fresh. You and your partner are treated to this private dinner, which you select from our specially prepared menu, to celebrate your new arrival together.
Licensed lactation consultant: The Center for Women’s Health has a licensed lactation consultant on staff for new moms who need a little assistance with breastfeeding. While it’s a natural occurrence, breastfeeding does not always come easily and often requires some coaching. Our lactation consultant is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. for one-on-one assistance, and offers a class once each month as part of the Childbirth Education Series. Additionally, a breastfeeding support group is held monthly at the Davenport office of our partner, Heart of Florida OB/GYN Associates. It is lead by the Center for Women’s Health breastfeeding specialist and offers discussion of the benefits, technique and helpful hints from other local moms.
Expanded nursery: With our new fifth floor location comes a new, expanded nursery for our beautiful newborns. An expansive viewing area allows family members to admire your baby when he/she is not in the room with you. The Overnight Nursery is available with the Pamper Package. This secure area always has safety as a first priority.
Special Hugs® security system: As part of the floor’s construction, a Hugs® security system has been installed. Babies wear a lightweight ankle bracelet while in our Center which causes the doors to close and lock if carried too close to them. Rest assured that comfort and safety are our priorities for your healthcare experience at the Center for Women’s Health.
Nationally certified registered nurses: Our nurses at the Center for Women’s Health at Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center have specialized training in birthing and women’s care. They have an average of 23 years obstetrical experience and are experts at caring for you before, during and after the delivery of your baby. In addition, we are trained to meet the needs of all women from motherhood to maturity. Our nurses have passed a national certification exam (RNC) to demonstrate their expertise in the field of obstetrics, infant care and women’s health. In addition to meeting this rigorous requirement, all nurses must continue the education process annually in order to be knowledgeable of current research and advances. We provide you with the most expert care to meet your unique health care needs.
Childbirth Education Classes: There are so many things to know when transforming from pregnancy to motherhood, and our Childbirth Education Classes help prepare you for your new role. Offered monthly over four evenings, the class package is $40 per couple. You may attend the breastfeeding class only for $15. To register, call (863) 419-BABY. You will be asked to pay at the hospital’s Business Office, open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and bring your receipt to the first day of class. The classes cover many topics including:
- True labor vs. false labor; when to come to the hospital
- What to expect during labor
- Pain medications or natural labor?
- What to expect postpartum and at home
- Breastfeeding
- What is normal for a newborn?
CuddleBugs® free maternity program: CuddleBugs® is a free program designed to provide answers to new and expectant moms from the earliest stages of pregnancy through post-delivery – including guidance for newborn care. For more information or to enroll in the free program visit CuddlebugsBaby.com.
Baby Photos: You want to capture every memory possible from this special time and our in-house photography service, provided by Our365, is on hand to help you do that. Professional photographers offer photography sessions to every mom and family at no charge. Photos are uploaded to a secure online nursery and can only be accessed with a name and password that you provide. If you choose to purchase print packages, they are available in all price ranges. No purchase is ever required. (A photo package is included with the VIP Package.)
Becoming a mother is a special time in a woman’s life, and at the Center for Women's Health at Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center, we are dedicated to providing women and newborns with exceptional care. Our experienced labor and delivery specialists provide everything from prenatal to postpartum care plus a full range of educational resources and support to meet the needs of new parents.
