Newborn care

After delivery, some babies go home within a couple of days while others may need to stay with us for a longer period of time. For as long as your little one needs to stay with us, The Mother Baby Center believes that every family deserves the best for their baby.

Our nurseries

At The Mother Baby Center, we promote “rooming in.” After delivery, you and baby stay in the same private room, where you can get to know the baby’s schedule and be closest to your comfort. However, we know that sometimes you need time to yourself to shower or to nap.

Our newborn nursery is the place your baby will be if he or she is not with you. Your nurse will observe the baby both in the nursery and in your room. When you are ready, they will help you care for your newborn in your room. If you need extra recovery time, know that your baby will receive expert care.

Sometimes, a baby needs a higher level of care, which we are proud to offer at Children’s Minnesota special care nursery or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), which is conveniently connected to The Mother Baby Center. As the largest high-risk neonatal referral center in the Upper Midwest, we bring together more than 500 experts specially trained in caring for babies who arrive early or with unique needs. Learn more about the neonatal care program at Children’s Minnesota.

Newborn screenings

Even if your baby seems healthy, he or she needs to be tested for several rare disorders that may not be visible at birth. These disorders can be treated or helped through interventions if diagnosed early. This can mean preventing illness, physical and mental disabilities, or even death. Newborn screenings take place at The Mother Baby Center within 24 to 48 hours after your baby is born.

Your nurse or health care provider will let you know when the screening will happen and answer any questions you may have. A few drops of blood will be drawn from your baby’s heel for the test. The drops will be preserved on a special card and sent to the Minnesota Department of Health for testing. At the same time, a simple test to check your baby’s hearing will be conducted by a staff member. In Minnesota, newborn screening is required by law, unless a parent objects in writing.

If the results are negative (which indicates that an abnormality was not detected), the results will be sent to The Mother Baby Center and added to your baby’s health records. If your baby’s screenings test positive or borderline, you may be asked to schedule a follow-up appointment. If your baby does not pass the hearing test, you may be referred to an audiologist or specialist in hearing loss for further testing.

To learn more about the Minnesota Newborn Screening Program, please call 1-800-664-7772 or visit their website.

Infant safety resources: Making Safe Simple

The health and safety of you and your family is important to us. We’re here to help prepare for life with a new baby with safety resources at home, at play, and on the way.

Learn more about car seat use, things to consider to keep baby safe at home, or even taking care of you during this time of transition. We’re here as a partner in raising healthy and safe kids.

You can find more information on car seat guidelines and car seat safety checks: https://buckleupkids.dps.mn.gov/.