While you’re in the hospital having your baby
The day has finally arrived. It's time to welcome your baby into the world.
When you arrive at your HonorHealth hospital in labor:
- Check in at the OB unit where you’ll be assessed in a triage room.
- If you’re in active labor, you’ll be taken to a birthing suite where you’ll continue to labor, deliver and recover in the same comfortable space.
- After delivery, you’ll move to a postpartum room. Most families stay in the hospital for 24-48 hours.
- If you’re arriving for a scheduled cesarean section, check in at the OB unit. The typical hospital stay for this type of delivery is 72-96 hours.
Expert newborn care from day one
HonorHealth collaborates with Phoenix Children’s to bring nationally recognized pediatric expertise to families delivering at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea and Sonoran Crossing medical centers.
During your baby’s hospital stay, pediatric providers from Phoenix Children’s evaluate newborns daily as part of routine newborn care. If your baby needs additional support, Phoenix Children’s neonatologists provide specialized care in the NICU.
Together, our teams work closely to provide seamless care for both you and your baby from the very first moments.
Learn more about our collaboration with Phoenix Children’s.
Greater bonding with rooming in
After delivery, your baby will room in with you, which means you’ll stay together in the same room while you recover. A nurse will care for both of you during this time.
Rooming in helps you, your baby and your family begin adjusting to life together before heading home. It also supports early bonding and helps you become more comfortable caring for your newborn.
While you’re in the hospital, your baby will wear an umbilical cord security sensor and a wrist ID band that matches each parent’s band. All OB and ancillary team members wear pink identification badges, so you know who is authorized to care for your baby. If you ever have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Newborn screenings
While you’re in the hospital, your baby will receive several routine screenings to help identify any health concerns early.
These include screenings for:
- Congenital birth defects
- Hearing
- Jaundice
- Metabolic disorders
Lactation consultants provide breastfeeding tips
Breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally, and that’s completely normal. HonorHealth’s board-certified lactation consultants are here to help.
They provide in-hospital breastfeeding guidance, answer questions and help troubleshoot challenges, so you and your baby can get off to a strong start. A consultation with a lactation expert can ease uncertainty and help your baby feed more comfortably and effectively.
Open visiting hours
HonorHealth supports a family-centered care model, meaning your newborn’s family members and siblings are encouraged to visit at any time. Other guests may visit at the mother's discretion.
To help protect new babies and families, we ask that anyone who isn’t feeling well please wait to visit.
Birth certificate and Social Security number
After your baby is born, there are two important documents to take care of: your baby’s birth certificate and Social Security number.
During your hospital stay, the Medical Records Department will:
- Review and verify information with you
- Send the completed birth registration information to the State of Arizona vital records department within seven days of birth
Once you’re home, you’ll need to request a certified copy of your baby’s birth certificate from Maricopa County. This is an important step as copies are not automatically mailed.
- Visit: MaricopaVitalRecords.com
- Call: 602-506-6805
If you choose to apply for a Social Security number, your baby’s card will be mailed to you within a few months by the Social Security Administration.
If you have questions about registering a birth, please contact the Medical Records Department at 480-882-4040.
Other to-do items for your hospital stay
Capture your baby’s first precious day with professional newborn photography right in the comfort of your room. Family members can be part of the photo session, too.
- At HonorHealth Four Peaks and Scottsdale Shea medical centers, a photographer will visit your room to see if you’d like a session.
- At HonorHealth Sonoran Crossing Medical Center, let your nurse know if you’d like newborn photos.
Family members and friends can find flowers and unique gift items in the gift shop. All proceeds support HonorHealth patient care programs.
Essential Touch Wellness Center
Whether you’re recovering or simply need a moment to relax, you deserve time to recharge. At HonorHealth's Essential Touch Wellness Center, you can enjoy soothing services like massages, facials, body wraps and pedicures — available in your room or in the Wellness Center.
Need essentials? The boutique offers thoughtfully selected health and wellness items for new and expecting parents, including breast pumps, rentals, nursing bras and more.