If you're having a baby, we want to make every aspect of your experience a miraculous one. Our philosophy of care goes beyond providing the best state of the art medical facilities; our doctors, nurses, and staff at Albemarle Hospital care about you, as well as for your family. We want you to be excited, not nervous, so we'll provide you and your family with the comfort and care you need. To pre-register for your stay with us, please click here.

Home Sweet Home
In our newly redecorated Women's Center, we've created a warm, home-like atmosphere to welcome you and your family. Each room is furnished and decorated much like a bedroom, complete with comfortable accommodations for visitors. This room will be yours throughout the birthing process - our rooms are fully equipped for labor, delivery, and recovery. For a list of items you may want to pack for your stay with us, click here

All in the Family...
Families have a special place at Albemarle Hospital. Each visiting member is encouraged to lend support to the mommy-to-be.

Dad is welcome in the birthing room during the entire process. There's also a friendly, relaxed waiting area so other family members can await the arrival of your baby in comfort. After delivery, our family-centered care includes open visitation for immediate family ... especially children! Friends and extended family are also welcome to visit and lend support during normal maternity visiting hours, from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Sneak a Peak
We invite you to tour our birthing facilities at Albemarle Hospital! Our experienced and caring staff will answer any questions you and your family may have about our facility, and the care we offer. To arrange a guided tour, or receive more information, please call (252) 384-4390 or click here for a virtual tour.

Staying Healthy for You and Your Baby
This is the time to be making good physical fitness and nutritional choices for yourself and your baby, even if you aren't pregnant. Preparing for pregnancy in advance of conception has a profound effect on the health of your baby. It also improves your well-being before, during, and after your baby is born.
Stop any consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and non-prescription drugs.
Refrain from caffeine such as coffee, tea, sodas, and chocolate.

Some Habits You Need to Start:
Plan a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes foods from the four basic food groups.
If you didn't exercise before you became pregnant, start now with a moderate regimen like walking, swimming, or low-impact aerobics.
Ensure that your diet includes sufficient quantities of folic acid, iron, and vitamin D.

Nutrition
Foods rich in folic acid include citrus fruits and juices, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, fortified breads, and cereals. Iron-rich foods are meats, liver, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, and dried fruit. Some good sources of vitamin D are fortified milk, butter, margarine, eggs, liver, and seafood.

Prenatal Classes
Albemarle Hospital offers classes every other month to help mothers- and fathers-to-be prepare for childbirth. All classes are free to mothers delivering at Albemarle Hospital. For more information, click here or please call (252) 384-4639.

THE BEST FOR BABY

If you're expecting a baby, you should know the benefits of breastfeeding. The Department of Health and Human Services says a mother's breast milk is the most complete form of nutrition for infants. Breastfed babies score slightly higher on IQ tests, especially babies who were born pre-maturely, and breastfed infants tend to gain less unnecessary weight and to be leaner. Moms also benefit from breastfeeding; it lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and possibly the risk of hip fractures and osteoporosis after menopause, saves time and money, and perhaps most importantly helps create a bond between mom and baby.

Albemarle Hospital now has a board certified lactation consultant available to help new moms learn the ins and outs of breastfeeding. In addition to hosting prenatal breastfeeding classes, Jean Sawyer, RNC, BSN, IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) visits our breastfeeding mothers after delivery. She teaches them about the benefits of breastfeeding, and helps them understand the best way to breastfeed their infant. Following discharge, breastfeeding moms are encouraged to contact Jean with questions, or for consultations, and to join her for Mother/Baby Mornings, where they can share insights and experiences as they enjoy the support of other breastfeeding mothers. Click here to find a complete schedule of upcoming prenatal breastfeeding classes; mother/baby mornings; and childbirth preparation. If you would like to speak to someone directly with questions regarding breastfeeding your baby, or any of our Maternity/Obstetrics offerings, please call our Warmline, at 252-384-4745.