Birth with Benefits: NJ Hospitals That Offer Perks for Moms and Families
Free massages. Aromatherapy. Complimentary fruit baskets. Getting pampered while you push is the latest trend to hit maternity wards around the Garden State. Forget about birth plans consisting of no more than an iTunes playlist—many NJ hospitals are helping moms get through the pains of labor with personalized spa-like services that offer much-needed distraction and natural pain support. They also provide plenty of perks for moms and family members after baby arrives. Here are some maternity units that are wowing moms-to-be with some extra-special services.
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AtlantiCare Regional Center For Childbirth offers a personalized birthing experience. Photo courtesy of ARMC
AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Mainland Campus — Pomona
For a personalized birthing experience, this hospital offers private deluxe birthing suites with a rocking chair, whirlpool bathtub and spa shower, a sleeping chair for birth partners, television, and WiFi access. During labor, moms can try using birthing balls and aromatherapy in a variety of scents that promote relaxation. Delayed cord clamping is also encouraged, and the hospital offers 24-hour rooming in with baby to promote bonding.
Chilton Medical Center — Pompton Plains
This modern medical center features unique comforts and amenities for the entire family, and encourages moms-to-be to personalize their birthing experience. This site supports water birth and hydrotherapy as well as allowing moms in labor to bring in their own aromatherapy, birth balls, and music. For siblings, there's a playroom filled with toys, games, and a giant saltwater fish tank, while moms have access to a spa room. After the baby arrives, new moms are treated to a celebratory gourmet dinner.
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All rooms are private and equipped with sleeping accommodations to encourage partners to stay with mom and baby. Photo courtesy of Carepoint Health
Christ Hospital and Hoboken University Medical Center — Jersey City, Hoboken
These hospitals offer family birth units, where you can welcome your little one surrounded by loved ones. This facility welcomes patients to bring a birthing ball (or use one of theirs), use a massage stick for back pain, or try water labor to ease labor pain. Midwives and doulas are also allowed as birthing partners. For those that require a c-section, the hospitals offer "gentle," or family-centered, c-sections, where the sterile drape is lowered so parents can watch the birth. Depending on the situation, some moms can even hold, bond with, or nurse their babies immediately after birth.
Morristown Medical Center provides birthing tubs for waterbirths. Photo courtesy of Morristown Medical Center
Morristown Medical Center — Morristown
In addition to getting top-notch medical care, moms in labor have tons of options for getting through contractions. The hospital accommodates hydrotherapy, birthing tubs for water births, birthing balls, aromatherapy, and music from home. Free massages are offered pre- and post-delivery. Once the baby arrives, rooms in the maternity unit have spa-like bathrooms, and there's a common play area for sibling visits.
Newton Medical Center — Newton
Patient perks are plentiful at this hospital. Birthing moms are offered massages and hot tubs for relaxation; birth partners can get a massage, too, if time permits! Before leaving the hospital, moms are given a pizza, cookie tray, or fresh fruit basket to share with their family.
Overlook Medical Center — Summit
Staff at Overlook Hospital take great care to help you follow the birthing plan you want, whether you're looking to use hydrotherapy, birthing balls, peanut balls, squatting bars, or birthing stools. New moms can also opt for massages or bring their own aromatherapy and soothing music.
Southern Ocean Medical Center — Manahawkin
Planning to give birth at Southern Ocean? Expect a warm, caring atmosphere. Natural pain-relief options for L&D include a whirlpool bath, birthing balls, breathing techniques, and more.
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The private recovery rooms at Riverview Medical Center in Redbank offer beautiful views. Photo courtesy of Riverview Medical Center
Other perks at NJ hospitals include:
- Tea at Three is served to new moms at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick.
- Families can connect with babies staying in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Saint Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick with live-streaming cameras through a secure online portal.
- Riverview Medical Center in Redbank has gorgeous views and a concierge service for helping moms and guests book services.
- At St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, mother-baby post-partum units have personal refrigerators stocked with refreshments, upscale toiletries, a snack basket, and daily newspaper.
Top photo courtesy of AtlantiCare Medical Center
Places featured in this article:
Morristown Medical Center
Overlook Medical Center
Newton Medical Center
Chilton Medical Center
Christ Hospital
Hoboken University Medical Center
Southern Ocean Medical Center
AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Mainland Campus