Obstetrical Services
Special treatment for mothers and babies
By choosing to have your baby here, you are in good company. Over 50,000 babies have been delivered at the BirthPlace - that's more babies born here every month than at any other hospital in Hampton Roads. The reason is simple. Our staff has a sincere concern for your well-being. They carefully follow procedures that ensure each newborn is kept safe and properly monitored. They have a level of skill that puts even the most nervous new mother or father at ease. And they deliver that care in a warm, homey atmosphere that is comfortable and nurturing. In fact, area doctors rate us as one of their most preferred places to deliver babies. Take our tour, meet our staff and you'll understand why.
Let us help you find a doctor
If you need an obstetrician, pediatrician or other physician, call us at 757.547.7800 and we'll be happy to send you a directory of physicians. You can make a selection based on your specific needs and preferred location. For immediate service see our complete list of OB/GYNs, midwives and pediatricians.
Classes to help you before and after delivery
Having a baby may be natural, but you can count on having plenty of questions - at least nine months worth, and then some. Our classes can make a world of difference in helping you feel more relaxed about motherhood. For current schedules or more information on our variety of classes offered, call 757.312.6508 or visit the BirthPlace.
Prepared childbirth class
This class explains how your baby is developing throughout pregnancy and what to expect throughout the birth process. You'll learn relaxation methods and breathing techniques. And we'll talk about what happens during each stage of labor. Hospital procedures, anesthesia options for labor and Cesarean delivery will also be on the agenda.
Support for gestational diabetes
Approximately 10 percent of women with no history of diabetes develop a temporary condition during pregnancy called "gestational diabetes." If you should develop it, we can provide complete support to ensure the health of you and your baby. Classes are held twice weekly at the Lifestyle Center. You'll learn about proper nutrition, exercise and how to control your blood sugars. We'll loan you a glucose meter and show you how to monitor your levels at home. For more information, call 757.312.6132.
Parenting your newborn
In two sessions, you'll learn about feeding, bathing, diapering, dressing, taking a baby's temperature and lots of other handy tips. If you've never had a baby, this class is a worthwhile investment for both parents.
Breastfeeding classes
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding during your baby's first six months for the best health, growth and development of body and brain. Whether you plan to breast feed or are still unsure, this class will help get you off to a good start and answer your questions. As always, dads are encouraged to attend, too.
Boot camp for new dads
This nationally recognized program will tell you about newborn behaviors, practical strategies for living with a baby, what kind of support mom needs, parenting as a team and much more. It's taught by "veteran" dads who bring their own babies to practice with.
Baby massage
Learn massage techniques tailored especially for infants, and you'll help your little one eat and sleep better and experience fewer stomach upsets. The two-part class is open to both parents, and the techniques are appropriate for infants from one to six months.
Infant/child CPR and safety
Anyone who looks after a baby should take this important course. Parents, family members, babysitters and daycare workers will benefit immeasurably from the life-saving techniques discussed. This class is taught in accordance with the standards of the American Heart Association.
Tour our BirthPlace - You'll feel right at home
You're going to spend some of the most memorable days of your life in our BirthPlace. You may want to look around ahead of time and get comfortable with the surroundings. Take our 45-minute tour and get a preview of all the homey facilities you'll be using when the big day arrives. Or prepare yourself online with our virtual tour. A separate tour just for siblings helps kids feel comfortable with the upcoming delivery. And every child receives a special gift. To schedule a BirthPlace or sibling tour, contact Rhonda Jenkins by email at rhonda.jenkins@chealth.org or call 757.312.6508.
Learn all about babies - 24 hours a day
To help you feel comfortable with your new role as a mom, we offer in-room video programming that provides baby care information 24 hours a day. Turn on The Newborn Channel to learn about dressing and bathing your baby, immunizations, breastfeeding, baby health, exercises to help you get back in shape and more.
We'll check your baby's hearing before you leave the hospital
Newborn infants go through many simple tests during their first two days of life. One of the most important is a screening for hearing. Required by Virginia State Law since July 2000, this screening has been routine at Chesapeake General since June 1999. It's a simple test that makes sure your baby responds to sound. The test is completely painless and takes place while your baby is relaxing or sleeping. Your pediatrician receives the results and reviews them with you. Should your baby need a referral, your doctor can recommend treatment or therapy. Early intervention helps prevent developmental and learning delays caused by hearing loss.
Early breastfeeding is a natural learning time for mothers and babies
Both may benefit from some time with a good teacher. Getting off to a good start is the key to successful breastfeeding. Our professional lactation consultants can help - in the hospital and afterward. All have advanced training in breastfeeding support, and they're certified by an international board of examiners. They'll help you learn effective positioning techniques, solve problems, and guide you over the bumps on the road to success. Call 757.312.6132 for personal counseling or appointments.
BreastPumps and accessories
In the outpatient lactation center (located in the Lifestyle Center Store), we carry an entire line of high-quality breastpumps and accessories for purchase or rental. A high-quality breast pump is especially important for women returning to work or for those experiencing difficulties. Our lactation consultants are also certified nursing bra fitters and can help you select a properly fitted maternity or nursing bra. Maternity support belts, slings, pillows and other items are also available. Fittings and consultations are scheduled by appointment only. Please call 757.312.6132 for more information.
MomsMobile brings help to first-time and breastfeeding moms
You've just come home from the hospital with your first baby. You have lots of questions. And you may be learning to breast feed. Don't worry. The Chesapeake Regional Medical Center MomsMobile is on the way. This free service sends a specially trained nurse to visit you and the baby to answer breastfeeding and care questions and make sure that everything is going well.
Getting ready for the big day
At Chesapeake Regional Medical Center , our physicians and staff are dedicated to easing your way through the journey of pregnancy, labor and delivery, and parenting. Rely on us to answer your questions, take care of your health and help you get ready physically, emotionally and medically for the big day.
If you're thinking of getting pregnant, we encourage you to consult a doctor to get the healthiest possible start. And if you're already pregnant, congratulations. You're in for an incredible journey. Let us help make it a healthy one.
Comprehensive women's care - for Every Woman Every Day
The BirthPlace at Chesapeake General Hospital was created especially for women starting their families. Now every woman can expect this level of care for all kinds of conditions during all stages of her life. Chesapeake Regional Medical Center's Women's Unit is the only hospital facility in the region dedicated solely to the care of women. You'll find services and resources there which are tailored specifically to women's needs, whether they are gynecological, diagnostic, surgical, nutritional or other concerns. As with the BirthPlace, you'll find discreet care in a comfortable and warm atmosphere, alongside state-of-the-art technology and procedures.