Your Hospital Stay FAQ

How do I get to East Alabama Medical Center?

East Alabama Medical Center is located at 2000 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801. 

Where should I park when I arrive?

We recommend that you park in our visitor parking lot or parking deck on the right-hand side as you drive onto the East Alabama Medical Center campus from Pepperell Parkway. You may enter through the main lobby of the hospital. DO NOT enter through the Emergency Department. If you do not feel you can walk to Labor and Delivery, which is located on the third floor, please ask for a wheelchair. Please ask for immediate assistance if your water has broken, you are in severe pain or you have heavy bleeding.

What should we bring to the hospital with us?

We encourage you to bring any items that will help you stay focused and relaxed during labor, including healthy snack foods, toiletries, a breast feeding pillow, sleepwear and changes of clothes (don’t forget about clothes for dad!). You should leave all of your jewelry and money—except for small amounts for miscellaneous purchases — at home, because we cannot be responsible for looking after valuable items. However, our staff can help you make arrangements to leave valuables in the hospital safe if you wish.

Other suggested items are:

• Items for comfort such as your own pillow, music, hard candy, lip balm
• Camera with fully charged battery and adapter
• Cell phone and charger
• Personal grooming items
• Comfortable robe and house shoes
• Loose fitting clothing for the ride home
• Several outfits for the baby
• Baby car seat
• Baby blankets
• Extra room in your suitcase or an extra bag to take home any baby gifts
• Insurance card
• All medications in original containers
• Pediatrician name and contact information
• Sanitary pads of your choice
• Personal undergarments such as nursing bra

What if I need a Cesarean birth (C-section)?

If a Cesarean birth is necessary, we have two fully equipped surgical suites within the Women’s and Children’s Center, and all of the team members needed to perform the procedure are always available at a moment’s notice.

What if my baby needs special medical attention after the birth?

If your baby requires any special medical attention during or after birth, he or she will receive expert, one-on-one care by the highly trained members of our Level III neonatal intensive care nursery, and then will be brought to your room as soon as possible.

How do you keep my baby safe while we’re in the hospital?

Our entire staff is expertly trained to ensure the safety of you, your baby and all guests in our Women’s and Children’s Center. All babies and parents are given matching identification bracelets, which are checked frequently by our staff. Our staff members wear specially designed East Alabama Medical Center name badges that have a unique emblem that is shared with you on admission.

Will my baby “room in” with me after the birth?

Because skin-to-skin contact between new babies and their parents is so important, we allow and strongly encourage you to keep your baby in the room with you throughout your stay.

Do I have to move to another room after my baby is born?

Yes. Once you and your new baby have adjusted, you will be transferred to our Mother/Baby Unit (also on the third floor). From here, you will be discharged approximately 48 hours after your birth experience. All rooms on the Mother-Baby Unit are private rooms, with bath and sleeping accommodations for the new dad/co-parent. The Mother-Baby Unit helps each new mother transition from the birth experience to becoming a new mom, and proudly supports each transition with care, guidance, and ongoing new parent education.

Can we make long distance calls from our room?

Yes, you can make long distance calls from your room, but you’ll need to use a calling card.

Can we use our cell phones at East Alabama Medical Center?

Yes, cell phones can be used when and where it’s appropriate, but we ask that you always be considerate of your neighbors in nearby rooms when making calls.

Is there wireless Internet access available?

Yes, wifi is available throughout East Alabama Medical Center.

What are the visiting hours at the Women’s and Children’s Center?

Visiting hours on the Mother-Baby Unit are 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., and from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. For the safety and security of our patients, we ask that all visitors stop and register at the reception desk, located across from the elevators on the third floor, prior to visiting friends and family.

We have Quiet Time from 2 - 4 p.m. in order to give new families a rest period before the evening hours. Visiting is limited during this time.