Each year Altoona Regional helps more than 1,300 babies debut into the world, which is greater than any other facility in the region. Our premier maternity unit consists of 18 private Labor-Delivery-Recovery-Post-Partum (LDRP) rooms, a transitional nursery and two fully equipped operating rooms all located on the secure 9th floor of the Tower building at Altoona Hospital campus.
All-in-one birthing rooms officially came to Altoona Hospital in 1994. Prior to this, women endured transfers from the labor room, to the recovery room and finally into a hospital room to spend time with their babies. Now, the entire experience is made as comfortable as possible, with the specialists, nurses and equipment traveling to the mothers. Keeping mother and baby together in a personal home like atmosphere promotes early and frequent skin-to-skin contact and on-demand breastfeeding. This helps boost the mother's confidence in caring for her baby. Newborns only visit the nursery for a short time after birth for procedures that cannot be performed in the LDRP room. Fathers are welcome to stay in the rooms to assist with the infant's care.
Altoona Regional is able to provide babies who experience some difficulties after birth with more advanced care. Scheduled and emergency Cesarean sections (surgical deliveries) are handled promptly and without difficulty in the two operating rooms located on the unit. Being prepared for the unexpected is a hallmark of Altoona Regional.
The concept of LDRP rooms provides continuity of care by our highly skilled nurses. One of the many strengths of our nursing staff is that 70 percent have greater than 10 years-experience, with 87 percent of these nurses having more than 20 years-experience. Two of our nurses are certified lactation consultants, who offer breastfeeding classes and facilitate a nursing mothers' support group. At Altoona Regional, we deliver the quality care you expect and deserve.
Childbirth & Parenting Education
Altoona Regional's Center for Birth and Growth provides help every step of the way through our Childbirth & Parenting Education Program.
Prepared Childbirth Classes
As the delivery date draws near, prepared childbirth classes become especially important. These classes are designed to help prepare expectant mothers and their coaches for a positive labor and delivery experience.
Cesarean Childbirth Classes
If a mother has previously given birth by Cesarean section, her doctor may again recommend a Cesarean birth as the safest method of delivery for her baby. Our class can ease any apprehension an expectant mother would have about the procedure.
Sibling Classes
Bringing a new baby home has an effect on an entire family, including older siblings. It is our goal to ease the adjustment for these children (typically ages 3 to 10). Our instructors will explain why mommy is gone, what the new baby will look like, what the new baby will be able to do and how to share their parents' time and love.
Grandparents' Night
The proud moment of becoming a grandparent can quickly become a learning experience. This class will help acquaint grandparents with the latest child-birthing and child-rearing techniques. Grandparents will also have the chance to share ideas and concerns about their grandparenting roles.
Car Seat Loaner Program
Our car seat loaner program allows parents to borrow a crash-tested newborn seat (rear facing) from the hospital. The charge for the seat is $40 and the agreement is for 10 months. Pennsylvania law states that:
- All children from birth to age 4 must be secured in an approved car seat anywhere in the vehicle, effective August 21, 1993. Violators of this primary law are subjected to a maximum fine of $100 plus EMS, Cat Fund and administrative fees.
- All children from 4 to age 8 must be secured in a seat belt system and an appropriate child booster seat anywhere in the vehicle, effective February 21, 2003. Violators of this secondary law are subjected to a maximum fine of $100 plus court costs, EMS, Cat Fund and administrative fees.
- All children from age 8 to 18 must be secured in a seat belt system anywhere in the vehicle, effective February 21, 2003. Violators of this secondary law are subjected to a $10 fine plus EMS, Cat Fund and Administrative Fees.
- All drivers are responsible for securing children in the appropriate restraint system.
For more information, call Blair County Safe Kids (814)889-7802.
Nursing Mothers' Support System
Breastfeeding a baby can be a wonderful experience that creates a special bond between mother and child. It can also, however, be a time of adjustment as a mother embarks upon a new learning experience. We provide information to help make the breastfeeding experience easier and more enjoyable for both mother and baby. Personal one-to-one instruction with our trained nurses is provided during a mother's hospital stay. A free 24-hour problem-solving network, which offers mothers immediate assistance with breastfeeding-related concerns, is available. For more information, please call the Breastfeeding Support Phone Line at (814)889-2310.
Child Seat Installation Check Up Station
Car seats work best when they are installed correctly. However, this isn't as easy as it appears and a baby's life may depend upon the car seat working properly. We encourage parents to stop at our Child Seat Installation Check Up Station to learn how to safely secure a child's car seat in a vehicle. Located on the Blue Level of the Altoona Hospital campus parking garage, the inspection station will promote car seat safety year-round. Inspections are scheduled for the second Friday of each month. Appointments must be made by calling (814)889-7802.
Contact Us
Altoona Regional Health System
620 Howard Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601
Altoona Hospital Campus Main Number (814)889-2011
Tower 9 (LDRP/Maternity)
(814)889-2305
LDRP Main Desk
(814)889-2306
Childbirth & Parenting Education
(814)889-2754
LDRP Main Fax
(814)889-2760
