Obstetrics & Newborn Care

Childbirth Education Online Class 
Can’t fit a childbirth class into your busy schedule or prefer to learn online at your own pace?  We’ll bring the class to you!  The Understanding Birth eClass is your go-to guide for answers you can trust on childbirth.  This interactive online course covers essential information on labor and more and highlights ways partners can help.  You’ll also get a sense of what labor is really like as you watch several birth stories.  You’ll even have an opportunity to create your own birth plan.

You can access the eClass from any computer or mobile device with an Internet connection.  Allow 6-8 hours to complete.  The Understanding Birth eClass covers topics such as: Pregnancy, Labor, Birth Stories, Comfort Techniques, Medical Procedures, Cesarean Birth, Newborns and Postpartum. 

The class offered at no charge to those delivering at Butler County Health.  To register for Understanding Birth eClass, contact Yenni Schroeder at 402.367.1206. 

Preregistration
Preregistration is recommended at 36 weeks. To preregister please call the Outpatient Services to schedule an appointment at 402.367.1375.

Doctor Approved Medication
Talk to your provider prior to taking any current or new medication during pregnancy. Some safe and approved doctors medications include Tylenol (for pain or fever); Anything OTC Pepcid and Zantac (for heartburn); Robitussin (cough and congestion); Claritin, Tylenol, or plain Sudafed (for congestion); Benadryl, Claritin, Claritin-D, or pseudoephedrine (for allergies); Colace or Miralax (for constipation); ginger snaps, ginger tea, ginger cookies, ginger ale, or vitamin B6 (for nausea). For depression or anxiety medication, ask your provider if your antidepressant is safe to continue.

Proper Nutrition and Fluid Intake
Nutrition is crucial for both you and your baby during pregnancy, but maintaining a balanced diet can be challenging with certain restrictions. Consider talking with BCH dietician Sandra Burwell for more information about nutrition or visit myplate.gov to create a personalized nutrition plan.

Better Your Sleep
Sleep during pregnancy can be difficult, especially if you normally like to sleep on your back or stomach. Getting restful sleep is important during your pregnancy; we are here to help you with some tips and tricks. Safe sleep positions during pregnancy include sideline sleep, reclined supine sleep, or a semi-supine position. 
 

Sideline                                                  Reclined Supine                     Semi-supine             

Exercising During Pregnancy
Exercise supports both physical and mental health. If you exercised before pregnancy, you can usually continue your routine—just avoid adding intense new workouts. If you’re new to exercise, talk to your healthcare provider about starting safely; walking is a great option. Always check with your provider before exercising for two, and avoid risky activities like horseback riding, scuba diving, and contact sports.

Support your Mental Health
Motherhood is a big adjustment that can bring stress, anxiety, or depression. These feelings are normal, but you don’t have to face them alone. BCH is here to support your mental health during this transition. Reach out to your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns. Screen your mental health by going to Mental Health America and selecting the “take a mental health test” tab.

Medical Conditions During Pregnancy 
During your pregnancy you could be faced with different medical conditions. Talk to your primary care provider about any questions or concerns related to any of these medical conditions and identify if you may be at risk. Some of these conditions include preeclampsia, chronic high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, anemia, hyperemesis gravidarum.

OB Team

The OB Core Team consists of twelve registered nurses, six from the dayshift and six from the nightshift.  The goal is to ensure all members of the team are knowledgeable in the process of labor, birth and the care of the newborn after delivery.   

Each member of the Butler County Health medical staff, registered nurses (RN), licensed practical nurses (LPN) and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA) are certified in Neonatal Advance Life Support.  All registered nurses complete a fetal monitor training course at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center and an annual fetal monitor strip interpretation course.  The facility is also a certified Safe Sleep Hospital Champion and Abusive Head/ Shaken Baby Prevention Education Champion. 

The nurses that are part of the OB Core Team receive additional training for obstetrics, to ensure that our obstetric patients are receiving the best evidence-based and standardized care.  This training includes: Advance Life Support in Obstetrics and Intermediate and Advanced Fetal Heart Monitoring Class, as well as eight hours of additional continuing education in OB related topics each year.

Butler County Health is an active participant in the national Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM)  We are committed to the highest level of safety and quality to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.

Labor & Delivery Suite
The Labor and Delivery Suite at Butler County Health was designed to create a home like environment for the mother and family. Adjacent to the suite is the nursery, which provides a secure environment for the newborns.

Delivery Support

• One-on-one labor and delivery support by nursing staff
• Skin-to-skin contact
• Immediate post-delivery breastfeeding support
• Newborn Screening
• Newborn screenings provided are: Congenital Heart, Hearing, and Metabolic.

Newborn Keepsakes
Complimentary keepsakes are given in honor of our special deliveries. These include: baby picture announcements, safe sleep sacks, baby’s first year calendar, and handmade infant caps.

Ongoing Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding offers the best nutrition and bonding for your baby, but it can be challenging and may not suit every mother. Talk with your provider about the best options for you and your baby. BCH provides one-on-one breastfeeding support and education is provided at Butler County Health. The OB Core Team has three certified lactation consultants.  A lactation consultant specializes in breastfeeding issues. They assist parents and infants with issues like milk supply, sore nipples and breastfeeding positions. This support continues after dismissal in person or by phone. 

Outpatient & Surgical Services
Butler County Health offers Outpatient and Surgical services to meet all of your family’s health and wellness needs.

Audiology Services
Butler County Health Audiology Services provides newborn hearing screening follow ups.  For more information please call 402.367.1340 or click HERE to be directed to BCH Audiology Services.

Self-Care Following Birth
Self-care following birth is essential for promoting healing and preventing infections. After childbirth, new parents should prioritize gentle cleaning of the body, paying close attention to the perineal area, especially if there are stitches or tears. Here are a few items to have once you return home from the hospital to complete your peri-cares: Pads, Medicated cooling pads, pain-burn-itch spray (Dermoplast), peri bottle or bidet, hemorrhoid cream, iodine (if recommended by your doctor), sitz bath, ice packs.

Exercise Following Birth
Exercise is a healthy routine that helps balance your body and mind. Exercising can also help to improve your mood. Before beginning your postpartum exercise journey talk to your provider about a timeline in which you should wait before starting exercise. A common rule of thumb is to hold off on exercising until your 6-week postpartum appointment to ensure your body is healing properly. Walking is sufficient exercise during the first 6 weeks postpartum however don’t overdo it and be mindful of what your body is telling you.

Better Your Sleep
Sleeping with a newborn can be tough, especially with frequent feedings and diaper changes. Establishing a routine with your baby can ease the transition. Just like everyone else, babies do best when a consistent sleep routine is in place. Every child will be different however as a parent, consistency is key. Tasks to consider for a consistent bedtime routine: bath time, infant massage, reading a book, giving a bottle once laid down or as rocking to sleep, time of bedtime.

Nutrition
Proper nutrition is key following birth and especially if you plan to breastfeed your child. There are no specific foods that you should be eating however eating healthy foods are best to support you and your child during your breastfeeding journey. Staying hydrated is also important, try drinking 8 oz of juice, water, or milk as you breastfeed your child. Consider talking with BCH dietician Sandra Burwell for more information about nutrition or visit myplate.gov to create a personalized nutrition plan.

Support your Mental Health
Becoming a mother is a major life transition that can bring stress, anxiety, or even depression. It’s normal to experience a range of emotions, but you may need extra support during this time. Many new mothers experience the “baby blues” or postpartum depression (PPD), which are more common than you might think. The baby blues typically last 1–2 weeks after birth and may include mood swings, anxiety, or restlessness. Postpartum depression lasts longer and can include more intense symptoms, such as persistent sadness, intrusive thoughts, or feelings of wanting to harm yourself. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider. They can help you navigate your options, including safe medications while breastfeeding, and ensure you get the support you need.

Medical Conditions After Birth 
After giving birth, you can experience different medical conditions that can be life threatening. Talk to your primary care provider about any questions or concerns related to any of these medical conditions and identify if you may be at risk. Some of these conditions include postpartum, blood clots, postpartum hemorrhage.

Pelvic Floor Therapy
Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles after birth can improve bladder and bowel control. During labor and delivery, your pelvic muscles are stretched and can even be damaged which is known as DRA. This can cause issues with bladder or bowel control, sexual function, and can cause the postpartum recovery to be more challenging. Pelvic floor therapists Lindsey Crook and Natalie Hartman have special training in treating pelvic floor conditions that may arise in pregnancy and post-partum including incontinence, constipation and pelvic pain.

What is DRA?
DRA stands for Diastasis Rectus Abdominis. DRA can occur within mom following birth resulting in a separation of your tummy muscles.
 

Symptoms of DRA
-Feelings of "flabbiness" in the stomach muscles
-Lower back or pelvic hip pain
-Poor posture
-Feelings weak through the midsection
-Bulging of the stomach
-Separation of the stomach muscles (visual or felt by touch)

How To Check For DRA
Lay on your back with your knees bent; place your fingers in the middle of your stomach as you slightly lift your shoulders and your head. You will feel a “hole” in the middle of your stomach when you complete this task.

Daily tasks to avoid with DRA
-Sitting straight up to get out of bed when laying on your back.
-Pick up items by bending at your hips instead of bending at your knees
-Completing tasks while carrying your child in one hand and doing the task with the other hand. Using your hip as a “chair” to hold your baby up can cause more damage to your abdomen, instead, use a carrier. 
 
For more information please contact Butler County Health Therapy Department at 402-367-1250 or visit our Therapy Services page.