Pediatrics and Maternity Visiting Policies

What is the current visitor policy in Labor & Delivery and Mother Baby?

Based upon the recent spike in respiratory illnesses, especially influenza, mask use is encouraged on all Mount Sinai South Nassau patient units for staff, patients and visitors. Masks will be available at the hospital's entrance. Thank you for your cooperation.

Two (2) healthy support persons, including a doula, are permitted on the Labor and Delivery Unit for all admitted patients. We welcome support persons and doulas to accompany our patients in labor.  We value the role of the support person/doula in providing additional comfort and support to the laboring person. Mount Sinai South Nassau operates within evidence-based policies and guidelines for laboring persons to optimize a safe delivery for the patient and the baby. We request that all support persons and doulas provide additional support and comfort to the laboring patient within the auspices of Mount Sinai South Nassau’s policies and procedures.

• Labor and Delivery, including immediate postpartum period: all birthing people may be accompanied by a doula in addition to their designated support person. Doulas are trained professionals who provide emotional and physical support to individuals during labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum period.
  
• A healthy support person can stay until patient’s discharge from the hospital
  
• Patient’s support person will be able to come and go to and from the hospital during the time of the patient’s hospitalization
  
• After delivery, the patient’s support person or doula will be allowed to stay with the patient on Mother Baby Unit until discharge
  
• When the patient is on the Mother Baby unit, visitations are welcomed from 9am-9pm. Healthy siblings are welcome to visit their newborn brother or sister as well.
  
• If the baby is in the NICU, both parents are allowed at the bedside. Masks must be worn in NICU.
  

In the event your partner/support person is not able to enter the Labor and Delivery Unit, you are encouraged to have another healthy support person that you can contact to be present with you during labor and birth. Your obstetric provider will discuss these options with you. A member of our team is always available to provide labor support to you on our Labor and Delivery Unit.

Will I receive COVID-19 testing?

Patients with a scheduled cesarean delivery will receive COVID-19 testing prior to admission. Each patient with a scheduled cesarean delivery will receive a phone call with information regarding the appointment time.

If you arrive at the hospital for labor evaluation or for induction of labor, you will receive testing on the Labor and Delivery Unit if/when you are admitted.

What will happen following delivery?

Your partner/support person can stay with you and your newborn. Additional visitors can see you during visiting hours of 9am-9pm. Healthy siblings are welcome to visit their newborn baby sister or brother as well.

How will my newborn and I be kept safe while in the hospital?

We are committed to ensuring the safety of you, your support persons and your newborn. Within our hospital, health care workers utilize the appropriate personal protective equipment in all areas. Everybody is strongly encouraged to wash hands.

What if I test positive for COVID-19? What happens after leaving the hospital?

You will be provided with instructions regarding the recommended care for you and your newborn while in the hospital. When you are discharged from the hospital you will also receive written instructions with information on caring for you and your newborn when you return home.

There are many resources for information and recommended care for patients with COVID-19. The Mount Sinai Health System provides valuable information which can be found here.

The best resource for information on COVID-19 is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Comprehensive information can be found here.

Is there support available if I have questions or concerns?

Yes, we are here for you. Please feel free to contact your obstetric provider for any questions or concerns.

Pediatric Unit Visitation Policy

• Each pediatric patient (under 18 years of age) may have two (2) healthy adult parents/caregivers remain with them throughout their stay.
• Additional visitors are welcome during hospital visiting hours.
  

Learn More

Parent-child education, for mother and family before and after birth
Lactation (breastfeeding) Resource Center
Expert care for high-risk pregnancies
Tour our Maternity Unit
In-Person Childbirth Preparation Class
Sign up for our Online Prepared Childbirth eClass
Obstetrics Visitor Policy During COVID-19 (FAQ)