Women and Children

WebNursery

Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System was the first single-room maternity care in the region. Labor and delivery take place in one comfortable, attractive room with specially designed lighting, acoustics and furniture — a nurturing, homelike setting for the pregnant patient and her family.

Care for mothers and newborns

• There are twenty-two private rooms with the warmth and comfort of home in a technologically advanced environment.
• Most newborns stay with their mothers, but for those babies who require extra care, a newborn nursery is ready and available.
• A multi-disciplinary team of obstetricians, nursing staff, obstetrics technologists and support services are continuously available.

Care for ill and premature babies

The Norman P. Andresen, MD, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit-a Level III newborn nursery for premature or seriously ill babies- is immediately adjacent to the single room maternity center. Eight intensive care beds and isolettes in the new neonatal Level II nursery are ready for special treatment for the newborn.

Lactation services & preparation

We have a board certified lactation consultant on staff. Telephone counseling/support and education provided for expectant and nursing mothers and families. Call 757-4333, ext. 2852 for more information. Weekly breastfeeding support group facilitated by Shawna Helmuth, RN, IBCLC, on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. Meets every Tuesday for nursing mothers and their babies (birth to 12 months of age) only. Participants will be able to receive breastfeeding support from a board certified lactation consultant and each other. There is no fee to attend. Call 757-4333, ext. 2852 for more information.

Newborns' hearing testing

Hearing problems often go undetected during the first two years of a child's life. We give newborns a fast and painless test for hearing, because early detection is the key to preventing a lifetime of hardships.

Childbirth preparation classes

We embrace all aspects of health and healing with classes that enrich the experience of giving birth and that nurture the life of the whole family.

Child Birth Preparation Series is recommended for all expectant women and their birth partners. Participants will learn the signs and stages of normal labor and birth, how to prepare for it, both on a physical and emotional level. Healthy lifestyles for pregancy and postpartum, comfort measures such as positioning, massage, hydrotherapy and relaxation skills to use during labor, and after pregnancy, to relieve stress will be practiced. Pregnant women and their partners will also learn communication skills and guidance to make informed decisions relating to anethesia and medical procedures or problems that can arise during labor and birth.

Breastfeeding Made Easy is taught to teach women how to successfully breastfeed their babies. Participants will learn breast anatomy and physiology, how to identify problems and solutions related to breastfeeding. Fathers and coaches are strongly encouraged to attend. Classes are co-sponsored by and held on Saturdays at the Salinas Adult School. It is recommended that you complete this class at least one month prior to your due date.

Sibling Preparation Classe is an enjoyable session designed to help parents and children prepare for the arrival of a new brother or sister. Classes are held on Saturday mornings and are co-sponsored by the Salinas Adult School.

Infant & Parent Communication and Massage

Touch communication is a chance to learn your baby's very own personal language. Communication and massage will help build lifelong emotional and physical health for your baby. This class is for parents and their NON-CRAWLING infant. Learn infant massage during four fun classes. Three sessions listed below will be offered. Each session will include four individual classes. Instructors: Bettye Piña, PT, CIIM and Mary Neimy, OT, CIIM All class times: 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Classes are held in Physical Therapy, 4th Floor Cost is $50 for one session (four classes) Contact Babyline/Childbirth Education at 753-2229 to reserve your place in this wonderful class. Each session is limited to the first five families that call and pre-register per session.