When you are in labor, or need to come to the Birthing Center, please call ahead to 802-728-2257. You will be directed to the regular Birthing Center entrance on the south side of the hospital. The inside door is locked and you will need to push the call button to be let in. Proceed to the Birthing Center and use the phone on the wall to dial in and let us know that you have arrived. You and your support person will be verbally screened and a nurse will escort you to your room. If your support person is ill or potentially exposed to COVID-19, they will not be allowed in the hospital.
All hospital staff and providers are required to wear masks and eye protection at all times. Both you and your support person will also be required to wear masks when any member of the hospital staff is in your room. We are also following handwashing guidelines to ensure that we are protecting you, your baby, and ourselves.
In order to comply with state and federal directives, women in labor may bring one consistent support person with them. This person will be the only person allowed on the unit — they cannot swap out with someone else. If the support person chooses to leave the building between the hours of 10AM – 6PM, they are allowed to do so. However, if they return after 6PM they will not be allowed to reenter the building until 10 AM the following morning. Support persons MUST exit the building from the main entrance on Level 1 of the hospital and re-enter the same way, they are not allowed to enter or leave the building through any other doors. Upon reentry, the support person will be re-screened by Patient Registration staff before being allowed to return to the Birthing Center. Support persons are not allowed in common public areas.
We realize this may cause some hardship in the event that you are here for more than a few days. We hear you and continue to explore creative ways to help make it easier; at the same time, we must comply with regulations. Regular meals will still be available but we recognize that babies don’t keep regular schedules. So, please plan to bring snacks, changes of clothing, personal items, etc., for your comfort during your stay. And please make arrangements for pets and other children in advance of your visit to the Birthing Center. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on hospital grounds. Support people who use tobacco and/or nicotine are encouraged to bring nicotine replacement gum, lozenges, or patches with them.
Thank you.
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For more information about coronavirus, visit cdc.gov or healthvermont.gov. Additionally, you may call 2-1-1 with questions.
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