Having a baby is one of life's most joyous experiences. It can also be overwhelming. While you are looking forward to becoming a family, you are also faced with many important tasks and decisions: finding the right doctor; enrolling in the proper childbirth classes; and choosing the best hospital in which to give birth.
Please click on one of the topics below to learn more about our services:
 Mother-Infant Pavilion
At Newark Beth Israel Medical Center's Mother-Infant Pavilion, we have the physicians, technology and facilities to help you have a healthy pregnancy and successful delivery.
Our wide range of obstetrical services include:
- Monitoring your baby's health during pregnancy (this is known as antepartum testing)
- Collaborative Practice Midwifery Program
- Labor and Delivery
- Parent Education Programs
- Preventative health care for your baby (well-baby care)
- Natural Childbirth Options
- High-Risk Obstetrics
- Intensive and Intermediate Care units
- A state-designated Regional Perinatal Center for the special care
required for premature infants
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center participates in most insurance plans and managed care programs.
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Labor and Delivery Suite
Our highly skilled and compassionate staff will keep you well cared for and as comfortable as possible during your labor, delivery and recovery. We understand the anticipation and discomfort that can accompany childbirth. We will guide you through the process based on your needs.
 Each private labor room includes a private bathroom and shower, a telephone, and a remote control color television. It also has equipment that can monitor your labor. The suite has three delivery rooms and a recovery room. These rooms also serve mothers who need cesarean sections. Birthing rooms are available for parents interested in natural childbirth. Family members are welcome to wait in our lounge area located on the same floor. A team of obstetricians, perinatologists, midwives and anesthesiologists are on call 24 hours a day. They are assisted by a dedicated nursing staff specially trained in childbirth.
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Newborn Nursery
 When your baby is not rooming in with you, he or she will stay in our newborn nursery. The nursery is located next to the postpartum unit and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your baby will be cared for by registered nurses who are specially trained in newborn care.
While in the nursery, your baby will be examined daily by your personal pediatrician or a staff pediatrician. The pediatrician will give you specific instructions about the care of your infant.
At The Beth, our top priority is keeping you and your baby safe. We give all babies and mothers matching identification bracelets right in the delivery room. Fathers or significant others get ID bracelets too. Our dedicated, full time, professional security staff helps us ensure the safest environment for you and your baby.
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Going Home with Your Baby
Perhaps the most exciting moment of your birthing experience will be bringing your baby home.
 Before you go home, the staff taking care of you and your baby will show you how to take care of both the baby and yourself. You will learn how to bathe your baby, how to take care of your baby's umbilicus (belly button), and how to position your baby safely in the crib. You'll also learn what to expect for yourself as your body recovers, and how you can help things go smoothly.
The State of New Jersey requires that all infants ride in an approved car safety seat. You must have a car seat to drive your baby home safely.
Home Health Care
Our home care coordinators can help you arrange nursing care at home, if you need it, and can show you how to contact your insurance company to see what is covered.
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Care for High-risk Moms and Newborns
 Newark Beth Israel Medical Center is a leader in diagnosing and managing high-risk pregnancies. We have been a state designated Regional Perinatal Center since 1981 and provide expert intensive care for mothers and infants in a compassionate environment. Babies are referred to us by some 30 hospitals in four counties.
Diabetes Program
Expectant mothers who are diabetic or have gestational diabetes are referred to our on-site center by their doctor. Special medical and nutritional counseling is given by a certified diabetes educator and a registered dietitian.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
A state-of-the-art intensive care nursery and staff of experts at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center offer the best care available for premature and seriously ill infants. Through our Children's Hospital of New Jersey we are able to offer access to physicians in more than 30pediatric subspecialties. Click here for more information.
High-risk Transportation
As a regionally designated referral center for seriously ill newborns, NBIMC maintains a transport team of doctors and nurses. A specially equipped ambulance is available 24 hours a day to bring infants to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Regional SIDS and Apnea Program
This program provides consultation, evaluation, monitoring equipment and outpatient follow-up for babies who are at risk for developing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or who suffer from breathing irregularities or apnea.
High-risk Infant Follow-up Program
Through this comprehensive program, each infant discharged from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is periodically evaluated for at least two years. The evaluations help detect any possible developmental delays or other problems associated with prematurity while in the nursery and after discharge. Multidisciplinary staff assesses each child's growth and development. The staff makes any necessary recommendations for consultation or therapy.
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Childbirth Education
A variety of childbirth education classes are offered including a four-week series using the Lamaze method of childbirth, breast-feeding class, infant care and safety class, a Brunch and Birth at the Beth orientation program and a new Mothers Group. Please call (973) 926-2642 for more information and to register.
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Feeding Your Newborn
 There are two options for feeding your newborn; breast milk and formula feeding. We support your choice and are here to provide any advice and instruction you may need.
If you decide to breast feed, it is important that you understand that successful breast feeding is the combined result of practice, patience and proper technique. Early breast feeding sessions are important as mother and baby work together to establish nursing patterns that will become routine.
Unless a medical condition prevents it, breast feeding should begin as soon as possible after the birth of your baby. Early initiation of breast feeding begins the important cycle of supply and demand and allows the baby to receive the benefits of colostrum, the first milk available to the baby. Colostrum is a highly concentrated food that is high in protein and low in sugar and fat and is easily digested. It contains some special properties that are capable of attacking harmful bacteria; it acts to seal the lining of the baby’s intestine and provides the baby with increased levels of antibodies from the mother.
There are a variety of options for formula feeding your baby; talk to your pediatrician and decide which one is best for you and your infant.
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Pre- and Postpartum Depression
 Newark Beth Israel Medical Center offers a support group for pre- and postpartum mothers who are experiencing depression. As members of your healthcare team, Behavioral Health Counselors will work with you to address your needs.
The following information was provided courtesy of the National Mental Health Association
The birth of a child can be a joyous and exciting time, but following childbirth, some women may experience postpartum disorders that can adversely affect a woman's mental health. Mothers commonly experience what is called "the baby blues," mood swings that are the result of high hormonal fluctuations that occur during and immediately after childbirth. They may also experience more serious mental health disorders such as postpartum depression, birth-related post-traumatic stress disorder or a severe but rare condition called postpartum psychosis.
Postpartum blues are very common, occurring in up to 80 percent of new mothers. Characterized by mood swings, postpartum blues or "baby blues" are normal reactions that many mothers experience following childbirth. The onset of postpartum blues usually occurs three to five days after delivery, and should subside as hormone levels begin to stabilize. Symptoms generally do not last for more than a few weeks. If a person continues to experience moods swings or feelings of depression for more than two weeks after childbirth, the problem may be more serious.
Symptoms of postpartum depression are the same as those for clinical depression and may include specific fears such as excessive preoccupation with the child's health or intrusive thoughts of harming the baby. Given the stressful circumstances of caring for a new baby, it is understandable that new mothers may be more tired, irritable and anxious. But when a new mother is experiencing drastic changes in motivation, appetite or mood she should seek the help of a mental health professional. For a clinical diagnosis of postpartum depression to be made, symptoms of depression generally must be present for more than two weeks following childbirth to distinguish them from postpartum blues.
The Maternal Depression Support Network consists of a group of women who are feeling depressed at a time of life when they expected to feel wonderful. The meetings are a place to share feelings and get needed support. If you are feeling down, agitated or out-of-control come find out that you are not alone!
Meetings are held at the Behavioral Health Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 201 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
For more information or to schedule an initial appointment, please
call: Andrea Goldberg, LCSW 973-926-7289. Most health insurance plans provide coverage.
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Testing
While you are pregnant, your doctor may request certain tests to check the health of your baby. These are called antepartum tests. Many of these tests are peformed on an outpatient basis in our antepartum testing center. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Staff include board-certified perinatologists, who specialize in the care of mothers and infants before, during and after birth. Registered diagnostic medical sonographers and certified genetic counselors complete the antepartum team.
The sections below answer common questions about fetal testing.
What is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a procedure that uses sound waves to show a picture of a baby in the womb. Ultrasound is an important pat of your prenatal care, providing information that assists your physician with your care. Our unit is accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, which ensures our advanced capabilities and superior quality.
A routine ultrasound can be used to:
- Identify the number of fetuses
- Date a pregnancy
- Measure fetal growth and size
- Identify location of the placenta
- Check for the need for further exams
What is an amniocentesis (amnio)?
Amniocentesis is a common prenatal test in which a sample of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus is removed and examined. The test is performed by inserting a needle through the abdominal wall of the mother; under ultrasound guidance. This test is used to diagnose chromosomal abnormalities and certain birth defects typically between 16 and 18 weeks gestation. It is offered under the following circumstances:
- In women 35 years or older
- A previous pregnancy or child with a birth defect
- Suggestive screening test results
- Other family history
What is genetic counseling?
Genetic Counseling is a communication session to educate the patient about prenatal testing options. The genetic counselor will provide you with general risks for birth defects and genetic abnormalities, review your medical and family history and discuss the risks, benefits and limitations of specific testing and answer your questions.
Counseling is offered to patients who:
- Are 35 years and older
- Have abnormal screening tests or ultrasounds
- Have exposure to certain medicines, drugs, etc. during pregnancy
- Have a history of genetic conditions in the family
What is a non-stress test?
A non-stress test is performed in the later stages of pregnancy to ensure fetal well-being. Indications for testing include problems in a previous pregnancy as well as high-risk factors such as diabetes or fetal intrauterine growth restriction.
The procedure is preformed by lying on a table with fetal monitoring equipment placed on your abdomen. The monitor records your baby's heartbeat and uterine activity.
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Midwifery
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center also offers a comprehensive midwifery program. Each year, more than 500 babies are born at The Beth through our distinguished Nurse Midwifery Program.
Expectant mothers can take advantage of our Collaborative Practice comprised of board-certified nurse midwives and board-certified obstetricians. As part of this new practice, prenatal care is provided by both nurse midwives and physicians. Our nurse midwives are experts in normal pregnancy and birth. If complications develop during the pregnancy or birth, an obstetrician, who is in-house is called in to assist.
The nurse midwives at NBIMC are available through 24-hour beeper access at (973) 312-5017.
For more information about the Collaborative Practice
call (973) 926-7112.
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