At Decatur Memorial Hospital, all new Moms and babies receive excellent nursing care with state-of-the-art
equipment in a newly decorated, home-like environment. Each new mom and baby has access to:
Infant Security System
After delivery, a security bracelet is placed on your newborn. If the newborn is taken near any open door or elevator, an alarm
will sound and all doors and elevators lock preventing exit from the department.
Help at Home
DMH Home Health nurses are available if you or your baby have special needs at home.
Level II Maternity Care
High-risk expectant moms can be cared for with specialized monitors and a professional expert staff.
Newborn Pictures
Before you take your baby home, we can take a newborn picture. With your consent, your baby's picture will be placed on the DMH website.
Rooming-in
Twenty-four hour rooming-in supports breastfeeding and is an essential element of the philosophy of the Family Birth Center.
Rooming-in promotes contact with the newborn that enables the new mother to recognize and respond to the newborn’s needs and helps
her develop confidence in her new mothering role. The practice of rooming-in is also flexible and respectful of the needs of the new
mother. We have a fully staffed nursery and the decision to move the newborn to the nursery is made by you.
Family Visits
Fathers, siblings and grandparents are welcome anytime. For other guests, you can set your own visiting hours between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Stork Pagers
As your due date nears, expectant parents can check out a Stork Pager, provided free of charge through the DMH Women's Center,
217-876-HERS (4377).
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening
All newborns are screened for hearing deficits. The test is painless and done while the newborn sleeps in the nursery. Early detection
and treatment of hearing deficits greatly reduces developmental delays caused by hearing deficits.
DMH Family Lodge
Located just southeast of DMH at 2254 N. Union St., the Lodge provides convenient guest housing for out-of-town immediate
family members of DMH inpatients. Call 217-876-5540 for more information.
Family Birth Center Services



