The Family Birthplace at Forrest General
As a mother, you deserve your birthing experience to be positive and memorable. We know that where and how you have your baby is your choice, and it is one that you do not take lightly. From the moment you come in the door to the time you take your baby home, we want you to feel comfortable and confident in your choice of choosing Forrest General to be a part of your special life moments.
The Family Birthplace Advantage
The Family Birthplace was designed with the expectant mother and her family's priorities in mind. The Women and Children's entrance is conveniently located on the 4th floor of the parking garage for easy and stress-free access. You'll also experience the unique attentiveness and compassion from our specialized staff, who are solely dedicated to the care and well-being of you, your newborn, and your family.
Forrest General was the first hospital in Mississippi to achieve
Baby-Friendly designation, which recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding and mother/baby bonding.
What to Bring
Labor Items:
lip balm
lotion
hard candy
Personal Items:
two nightgowns
robe
slippers
deodorant
toothbrush
toothpaste
shampoo
support bras
panties
your "going home" outfit
Baby Items:
baby blanket
federally approved rear-facing car seat
baby book
baby outfit
(Remember that nightgowns are difficult
to manage in a car seat)
Labor and Delivery Suites
- Private labor and delivery rooms with birthing beds, surgical suites and a recovery room.
- Labor, delivery and recovery occur in the same room for your comfort and ease of transition.
- We welcome birthing coaches, and they may stay with you throughout labor and delivery.
Mother-Baby Unit
- These suites create a soothing atmosphere with all the comforts of home. The unit includes larger rooms to encourage family bonding, as well as allow the staff to continue providing family-centered patient care.
- At the Family Birthplace, we care for infants and their mothers together. Mothers and newborns remain together for the entire hospital stay. This is "couplet" care, and it enhances bonding between the mother, baby, and the family.
- Postpartum is the time when your family begins to bond, and it is a time for you and your newborn to stabilize after delivery. During postpartum, you may experience a range of emotions due to changes which occur following childbirth. Rest is important during the postpartum period, and our staff is here 24/7 to accommodate your needs during this time.
- The Family Birthplace staff will also help you with breastfeeding techniques, and other aspects of your newborn's care such as holding, feeding, bathing, and dressing.
Nursery
- The Family Birthplace has a newborn transition nursery for stabilization after birth and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for babies needing specialized care.
- Under normal circumstances, we encourage babies to stay in the room with the mother. This "rooming in" concept allows for unlimited bonding time between you and your baby.
Childbirth and Breastfeeding Education
Our childbirth and breastfeeding educational videos give you a chance to learn about a variety of topics. Please click the link below to view the topics and learn more about childbirth and breastfeeding.
View Childbirth and Breastfeeding Education
