Visitor Policy at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Our visitor policy aims to support you during your labor in a safe environment.

Topic: Postpartum, Third Trimester

Perinatal Evaluation Center

  • Many people begin their delivery journey by being assessed in the Perinatal Evaluation Center (PEC). While our staff are evaluating if it is the right time for you to have your baby, we encourage you to have one adult support person at your side. A professionally trained doula is also welcome, if you have one.

Labor and Delivery

  • Once you are admitted to our Labor and Delivery floor to have your baby, you may have two healthy adult support people, plus a professionally trained doula, if you have one.
  • All support people will receive a wristband to identify them as an approved visitor to the unit.  These bands are non-transferable to other friends or family members and will remain on for the length of your stay on Labor and Delivery.
  • Doulas must provide documentation of Doula training, and sign-in on arrival.
  • At certain times, we may restrict visitors to one support person. This includes when an epidural is placed or in the operating room when a Cesarean section is performed. Any further restriction of visitors will be a collaborative decision which remains mindful of your need for support and connection to your family.
  • After birth, once you and the baby are stable – for most people at least two hours after delivery – your children (the baby’s siblings) may also visit, if supervised by an adult support person.

Postpartum

  • Once you are transferred to the Postpartum Unit, you are still welcome to have one adult support person present 24/7.  Visitors are welcome during visiting hours, including your other children and up to 2 adults at any given time.  Visitors can rotate.
  • If your baby is cared for in the Intensive Care Nursery, parents are welcome 24/7. Up to 4 additional care partners can be chosen for the duration of the baby’s admission, and can visit during visiting hours.

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