Can I bring my older children in to meet the baby in postpartum at the hospital during the pandemic?
Worrying all of us, this is one of the number one questions being asked by expecting families right now. The pandemic is technically over, or almost over, isn’t it? The entire world has seemingly returned to “normal” yet there are still some restrictions here and there, especially at medical facilities.
As of March 2023, Baptist Boca Raton Regional Hospital updated their visiting policies:
While the Labor and Delivery link still states “We are temporarily limiting hospital visitors to one person, age 18 years and older, per patient.” This is why I always say, don’t go by what the website says, ask a Charge Nurse in Labor and Delivery by calling the Toppel Family Place Labor and Delivery phone number directly 561-955-5118, or speak with the Director of Labor and Delivery.
The main Visiting Hours link to the Baptist Boca Raton Regional Hospital states: “Labor & Delivery: One visitor at all times. Two additional visitors are permitted during regular visiting hours (8:00a.m. - 8:00p.m.). Siblings are permitted.
* Please note that one minor, at least 10 years old, is permitted to accompany an adult visitor into our patient care areas. Masks will be provided and must be worn at all times during the visit. Visitor guidelines are subject to change.” (Patient-Visitors)
Families birthing for the last three years have been waiting for this exact moment. It has been devastating to miss out on those Sibling Meetings in the hospital and while some families welcomes the quiet and the peace, a rare opportunity to bond with their baby before heading home, other families were devastated, a feeling that will stay with them forever.
Big Brother Meeting Baby Brother for the First Time at Baptist Boca Raton Regional Hospital
Where to register for labor and delivery at Boca Regional Hospital?
There is an option on the Baptist Boca Raton Regional Hospital website that allows you to use an online tool to do Pre-registration only. You will need to physically go into the hospital for formal registration from what I am hearing from all of my birth clients. You don’t need to go through the main entrance of the hospital, there is a side entrance behind the Emergency Room, where the Toppel Family Place is, although it can still be confusing. Firstly, leave your car with the valet, let them know you are going into Labor and Delivery, you can even ask them if they can point you to the right door.
Then, if you are looking AT the hospital (Toppel Family Place) there are two double doors. The double doors on the left is an employees-only entrance to the hospital, the double doors on the right is to the Toppel Family Place and when you go through those, you’ll be in the corridor / hallway leading to security and check in for Labor and Delivery (that is then found on the third floor but you’ll need security clearance to use an elevator in the future when you return to give birth).
You can always call Labor and Delivery directly for questions/concerns about your delivery at 561-955-5118. The Boca Regional Labor and Delivery registration page indicates that after you complete your online maternity registration, for you to take a moment to view their website as they offer registration for Childbirth Classes and other resources, including a Pre and Postpartum Program.
Nearly every birth client of mine has asked me about tours at the hospital. While Baptist Boca Raton Regional Hospital does indicate on their website that for the health and safety of their patients and employees, in-person tours have been temporarily suspended and they are encouraging everyone to take a virtual tour by visiting BRRH.com/maternitytour. However, I do recommend reaching out to them directly to confirm this information is up to date as caring for patients is always a priority over updated info on the web, and there may be exceptions to this depending on the unique circumstances surrounding your delivery. There’s no way to know unless you ask.
