After Birth
Baby’s Medical Tests and Examinations
Your baby will be checked by the midwife and two identification labels will be placed on the limbs. The baby's head circumference and weight will be recorded. If there are any concerns your baby will be immediately examined by the neonatal team. Otherwise your baby will have a full medical examination including hip check on day 1 or 2 of life. The Newborn Metabolic Screen (PKU/ heel test) is carried out at 3 days of life. If you have been discharged from hospital at this stage arrangements will be made for your local Public Health Nurse to collect this sample. Beutler Testing is carried out to diagnose Galactosaemia.
It is recommended that this test be carried out on:
(a) all members of the travelling community
(b) parents who are blood relatives and
(c) siblings of known cases
This test should be done immediately after birth.
Rooming-In
Staff of the CUMH encourage rooming-in. No matter how you choose to feed your baby, you are encouraged to remain with your baby 24 hours a day. All babies (even those born by Caesarean section) stay with their mothers unless they are separated for medical reasons, for example if your baby is admitted to the Neonatal Unit. Rooming-in starts from the time mothers come to their room after delivery or from when they are able to respond to their babies in the case of Caesarean sections. Rooming-in should start no later than one hour after normal vaginal deliveries and continue until you are discharged.
Vitamin K
We recommend that all babies born at Cork University Maternity Hospital receive Vitamin K which is necessary for the clotting mechanism of the blood.
Why does the baby need Vitamin K? Babies are born with low levels of Vitamin K and are prone to a bleeding disorder which can be prevented by giving your baby Vitamin K.
How is Vitamin K given? With your consent, the midwife will give your baby an injection of Vitamin K 1 mg. (0.1ml) into the thigh.
When is Vitamin K given? Vitamin K will be given to your baby in the Delivery Suite immediately after birth.
Are there any side effects? While there are no reports of side effects from the Vitamin K some babies will have a minor swelling for a short time around the injection area.
Baby Tagging Security System
For the safety and security of all newborn infants we have a baby tagging system in CUMH. When your baby is born, the security tag is placed on his or her ankle in the birthing room or theatre. Your baby is then active on the tagging system and whenever he or she approaches a door or moves out of the safe area of the ward, the doors will lock and an alarm sounds. Security staff monitor the location of all babies within the hospital. On discharge from the hospital your baby’s tag will be suspended and removed by the midwife at ward level in your presence.
Post Natal Stay
After you have had your baby, you and your partner will be allowed time alone with him/her. The midwife will help you to breastfeed if you wish. Bottle-fed babies may have their first feed on the ward.
Length of stay in hospital after Delivery
This is flexible but on average it is:
| After first baby | 2-3 days |
| After subsequent babies | 2-3 days |
| After Caesarean section | 4-5 days |
Charges for Private Patients
Charges for private care should be discussed with your chosen consultant, the consultant’s administration staff and your private health insurer. At the time of going to press, charges for private and semi-private accommodation at CUMH are:
| Private room | €910.00 per night |
| Semi-private room | €713.00 per night |
| Day Case (semi or private) | €655.00 per night |
Please note if you choose to attend a Consultant on a Private Basis you are automatically a private patient in hospital and you will incur the above charges for your stay plus the fees of all Consultants involved in your care. In general induction nights are only covered by insurance companies if there is a medical necessity for the induction. Please clarify directly with your insurance company. These rates are subject to regular review and details of up to date charges will be available from the patient accounts department at CUMH.
Chaplains
Hospital Chaplains representing all denominations visit each ward regularly and are available to offer pastoral care and support during your stay in hospital, but will come at any time if requested through the Ward Office. There is a multi-denominational prayer room on the ground floor of the hospital. Religious services are held in the two chapels in the adjoining Cork University Hospital. These services are broadcast on CUH Radio 102FM daily at 12pm and Sundays at 8.30am, 9.15am and 10am. Holy Communion is brought to the wards following Mass in the Roman Catholic Chapel and the Eucharist in the Church of Ireland Chapel. If you would like to receive Holy Communion please let the chaplains know through the ward staff.
Women, babies and their families are the centre of our service as we strive for excellence and innovation.