Ashtabula County Medical Center | ACMC Pulse | Summer 2019

ACMC Pulse  • Anniversary Issue • acmchealth.org 9 with birthing beds so that a mother could stay in the same room throughout the birthing process. Each room was designed to be more homelike, with a sleeper sofa for an overnight stay by a family member, a television and VCR, a rocking chair, and a private bathroom with a shower. Security for the unit was also upgraded, with a locked-entry hallway to protect moms and babies. Support for moms and families At ACMC, moms and parents-to-be don’t have to go it alone. There are educational classes and groups available to provide instruction and support for moms and families. Baby boom and renovations Then the post- World War II baby boom hit Ashtabula County. Ashtabula General Hospital quickly adapted by using its entire second floor as a maternity ward. In 1952, 1973 and 1985, Ashtabula General Hospital added maternity rooms and made them more homelike to increase the comfort of mothers and babies. The most extensive renovation of the maternity unit occurred from 2004 to 2006, after the ACMC Foundation raised $800,000 to modernize it. Renovations included making each room a single-occupant, private room with a shower. Special labor, delivery and recovery rooms were added Classes cover topics such as changes your body experiences now that you’re pregnant, what you need to know about labor and delivery, help from family and friends, post-delivery issues, and special classes for siblings or grandparents. For example, in one class parents can learn the latest breathing techniques to ease pain during childbirth or learn why skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth improves the baby’s comfort, regulates skin temperature and improves the baby’s immune system. These classes aren’t just for first-time parents. Any parent, sibling or grandparent is welcome to attend. To schedule a tour of ACMC’s maternity suites, sign up for a class, or for more information, visit acmchealth.org/havingababy .