Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Maternity Center at Wilkes Medical Center

1370 West D St.

North Wilkesboro, NC 28659

Nothing compares to meeting your baby for the first time. At Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center (also known as the New Beginnings Birthing Center), we have everything you need to make that moment – and every moment surrounding it – as special, safe and comfortable as possible.

We provide top-notch care and support throughout labor, delivery and recovery. This includes a specialized obstetrics team and private birthing suites—all in an atmosphere designed with growing families in mind.

Our nursing staff has years of combined experience to ensure you and your baby receive the most up to date and compassionate care possible. Every obstetrical nurse is certified in neonatal resuscitation. Additionally, several are certified in advanced obstetrical services, including neonatal nursing and labor and delivery. Our team also includes board-certified OB/GYNs and 24/7 neonatal nurse practitioners.

No matter what your birth story looks like, count on us for the care you need, the experience you want and the peace of mind you deserve, every step of the way.

Why Choose Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist for Maternity Care?

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist delivers unmatched expertise and support starting the day you find out you’re pregnant – or the day you realize you need help getting there.

In addition to our expert OB/GYNs and professional medical staff, we’re the only health system in the region with specialists in both fertility and high-risk pregnancies. Plus, with direct access to the region’s most advanced NICU at Brenner Children’s Hospital, you can feel confident you and your baby are in the very best hands.

Services and Amenities

Our maternity center has everything you and your baby need for a safe, comfortable stay.

Care and Support

No matter how routine or high-risk, we have everything you need for a healthy, safe delivery, including:

Labor and delivery care
C-section delivery operating room
Postpartum services
Newborn security system
Family-centered maternity care
Breastfeeding support from international board-certified lactation consultants, available 24/7
Neonatal nurse practitioners on staff 24/7 for newborn care and special nursery care
Specialty pre-delivery visits for mothers on Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) or who have substance use disorders

Labor, Delivery and Recovery Suites

Our private birthing suites – custom designed for labor, delivery and recovery after your baby is born – include:

Birthing balls and peanut balls for labor positioning
Delivery mirrors
Sleep chair for your support person
Flat-screen TV
Storage for personal items

Dining, Shopping and More

You and your family will enjoy the convenience of our:

On-site cafeteria, including vending machines on the ground and 3rd floor
Free parking
Waiting rooms for guests

Providers

What to Expect During Your Stay

What to Pack

For you

Nightgowns and bathrobe
Slippers and socks
Comfortable shoes
Maternity underwear
Nursing bras
Nursing pads and nipple cream
Loose clothing, like pajamas and sweatpants
Comb or brush
Shampoo, soap and face wash
Lotion and lip balm
Eyeglasses and contacts
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Deodorant
Cosmetics
Lotion
Cash, credit card and change
Hospital paperwork
Insurance card
Photo ID
Name and contact info of your baby's pediatrician

You may also want to consider:

Music for labor
Snacks for your birth partner
Entertainment like books, magazines or a tablet
Phone and camera
Long phone charger
Breastfeeding pillow

For your baby

Cap and blanket
Outfit for going home (and other clothing if you want)
Car seat (must be installed to take your baby home)

Going to the Hospital

When should I call the doctor and come to the hospital?

Follow what your doctor tells you about coming to the hospital. If you think it might be time, call your doctor’s office right away or call the hospital at 336-651-8285, if you can’t reach your doctor.

Where should I park?

You may park in the parking lot beside the Emergency Room. Come in the Emergency Room door and tell the registration clerk at the desk your name. If you’ve been pre-admitted, they will have your information ready, and you’ll be taken to the maternity center on the 2nd floor.

What will happen when I'm admitted?

If you’re in labor, the nurse will check to see how your labor is progressing. They’ll use a fetal heart monitor to check your baby's heartbeat and your contractions. You’ll be asked to stay in bed while the monitor is on, but may be able to move around once it’s removed, depending on what your doctor recommends.

Samples of blood and urine may be taken. An IV may be started.

You’ll be asked several questions such as:

How do you wish to control the pain you may feel in labor?
Are you going to breast-feed or bottle-feed?
Who is the baby's doctor going to be?
If you have a boy, do you plan to have him circumcised?

Pain Control and Labor

Everyone’s experience with labor pain is different. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to help you manage the discomfort, including:

IV medication: Given intravenously (through your vein), this type of medication helps ease the pain of contractions.
Epidural: A combination of drugs is injected into your lower back to produce a loss of sensation in the lower part of your body. Repeated doses can be given through a catheter placed in your back.
Intrathecal narcosis (single-dose pain relief medication): This method is similar to an epidural, except that a single – not continuous – dose of a pain relief medication is given. Pain relief typically starts within five minutes and lasts one to two hours.

Comfort measures

Relaxation
Breathing techniques
Massage
Use of focal points
Music
Hot and cold packs
Changing positions often

Talk to your doctor about your pain management options before delivery, or call us at 336-651-8285.

After Baby Arrives

Meeting your baby

Here’s what to expect right after your baby is born:

If you desire, we’ll place your baby skin-to-skin on your chest (as long as your baby is stable).
Then, your baby will be placed in a warming bed for a short time. Then you can hold them, take pictures or videos, and begin breastfeeding if you choose to. If your baby is stable, they’ll stay in the room with you for at least the first hour for breastfeeding and bonding.
You, your baby and your birthing partner will receive bracelets with matching identification numbers.
Your baby will be weighed and measured and have their first bath. They’ll also get antibiotic eye drops to prevent bacterial infection, as well as a vitamin K injection to prevent clotting issues.

Caring for your baby

Your baby can stay in the room with you while you recover, which makes it easy for the bonding process to begin.

Though many newborns are awake and alert for the first few hours after birth, it’s common for them to sleep a lot during those first few days – being born is hard work, after all! As you navigate newborn care, our nurses are here to help with feeding and diaper changes and to answer any questions you may have.

As you care for your baby, remember to take care of yourself, too. This means resting when you can, drinking plenty of water and staying nourished – don’t hesitate to ask your nurse for a drink or snack when you need one.

Welcoming visitors

Having a baby is an exciting time and should be shared. Depending on current visitor policies – and your own preferences – loved ones may come meet your baby in the hospital when you’re ready. Visiting hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Keep in mind visitors will be asked to go to the waiting room, not the hallway, during certain procedures.

Going Home

Discharge Instructions

After delivery, you’ll receive information to prepare you and your baby to go home. This includes warning signs, when to call your doctor, important newborn safety information, and a follow-up appointment schedule for both you and your baby. Your nurse will review all of it with you before discharge and encourage you to ask questions.

Newborn procedures

There are several procedures and tests that will be performed before your baby goes home:

Hearing test: This usually only takes a few minutes and is not painful for your baby. You’ll be informed of the results and any need for follow-up.
Newborn screening: When your baby is 24 hours old, blood will be taken from their heel and sent to a state-approved lab to test for certain diseases and deficiencies. We’ll share results with your pediatrician and alert you only if additional testing is needed.
Hepatitis B immunization: Recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Hepatitis B vaccine consists of 3 doses – the first can be given while your baby is still in the hospital. After receiving the vaccine, you’ll be given an immunization record, as well as the complete newborn vaccine schedule.

You’ll also need to schedule your baby’s first pediatrician visit before leaving the hospital. Start your search now and find the perfect fit for your family.

Birth certificate

If you have questions about your child’s birth certificate, please contact one of our birth registrars at 336-651-8585. Our registrars are available every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Car seat safety

For your baby's safety, North Carolina law requires that they are properly restrained in a car seat anytime you’re traveling by car. This means you’ll need to have your car seat purchased and properly installed before coming to the hospital.

We have two certified car seat technicians on staff to assist with car seat installation and education. They’re available most days between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Talk to a member of the hospital staff about scheduling time with a technician.

Maternity Classes and Tours

We offer maternity tours and classes, both in-person and virtual, that help your whole family get ready. In addition to self-paced online classes, here are a few classes we offer at Wilkes Medical Center:

Childbirth education: This class teaches parents what to expect before, during and after childbirth.

Infant CPR and newborn care: This program covers the basics of newborn care, such as diapering, swaddling, feeding, infant CPR and bathing.

Labor and delivery unit tour: Visit our labor and delivery unit before giving birth.

Breastfeeding basics: This class offers techniques and strategies to help you feel confident breastfeeding your baby.

Schedule a tour or sign up for a class today

Insurance

Insurance Accepted

This chart is a list of the most common health insurance plans we accept. This list is subject to change. Please check your individual plan to confirm their participation and the coverage allowed.

Due to the different physician groups and hospitals within the Wake Forest Baptist system, physician services and hospital services are billed separately. Please remember that health insurance coverage varies, so some services may not be covered.

If you don’t see your plan or you have questions, please call our Customer Service Center at 877-938-7497. We will do our best to work with you and your plan.

Key

WFUHS - Wake Forest University Health Sciences (professional services)
NCBH - North Carolina Baptist Hospital (Includes Davie)
LMC - Lexington Medical Center
CHC - Cornerstone Healthcare
Wilkes - Wilkes Regional Medical Center
HPR- High Point Regional
N/A - Not applicable to services provided at facility and/or CHC
NC -Not Contracted, very low to no volume for facility and/or CHC

Wake Forest Baptist Health Managed Care/MA Contracts - April 2024

AETNA CONNECTED NC ACA/Exchange: Accepted at all locations

AETNA NC PREFERRED+: Accepted at all locations

AETNA (PPO & HMO): Accepted at all locations

AETNA MEDICARE: Accepted at all locations

AETNA WHOLE HEALTH: Accepted at all locations

ALIGNMENT HEALTHCARE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE: Accepted at all locations

AMBETTER OF NC: Accepted at all locations

AMERIHEALTH CARITAS NEXT ACA/Exchange: Accepted at all locations

BCBSNC (PPO & HMO): Accepted at all locations

BCBS HIGH PERFORMANCE (NATIONAL NETWORK): Accepted at all locations

BLUE LOCAL WITH ATRIUM HEALTH: Accepted at all locations

BLUE MEDICARE: Accepted at all locations

BLUE VALUE: Accepted at all locations

CAROLINA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Accepted at WFUHS, NCBH and CHC (not applicable to services provided at LMC, Wilkes and High Point)

CIGNA: Accepted at all locations

CIGNA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Accepted at WFUHS, NCBH and High Point (not applicable to services provided at LMC, CHC and Wilkes)

CIGNA HEALTHSPRING MEDICARE ADVANTAGE: Accepted at WFUHS, NCBH, LMC, CHC and High Point (not applicable to services provided at Wilkes)

CIGNA LIFESOURCE (TRANSPLANTS): Accepted at WFUHS and NCBH (not applicable to services provided at LMC, CHC, Wilkes and High Point)

CRESCENT PPO (ASHEVILLE): Accepted at WFUHS and NCBH (not contracted, very low to no volume for LMC, CHC, Wilkes and High Point)

DEVOTED HEALTH (MEDICARE ADVANTAGE): Accepted at all locations

DIRECT NET: Accepted at WFUHS, NCBH, LMC, Wilkes and High Point (not contracted, very low to no volume for CHC)

FIRST HEALTH NETWORK: Accepted at NCBH, LMC, Wilkes and High Point (not contracted, very low to no volume for WFUHS and CHC)

FIRSTCAROLINACARE (PINEHURST, NC): Accepted at NCBH (not contracted, very low to no volume for WFUHS, LMC, CHC, Wilkes and High Point)

GATEWAY HEALTH ALLIANCE (VIRGINIA): Accepted at WFUHS and NCBH (not contracted, very low to no volume for LMC, CHC, Wilkes and High Point)

HEALTHGRAM (formerly PRIMARY PHYSICIAN CARE): Accepted at WFUHS, NCBH and LMC (not contracted, very low to no volume for CHC, Wilkes and High Point)

HEALTHTEAM ADVANTAGE: Accepted at all locations

HUMANA CHOICECARE: Accepted at all locations

HUMANA MEDICARE ADVANTAGE: Accepted at all locations

LIBERTY ADVANTAGE (MEDICARE ADVANTAGE): Accepted at WFUHS and NCBH (not applicable to services provided at LMC, CHC, Wilkes and High Point)

MAGELLAN (BEHAVIORAL HEALTH): Accepted at WFUHS, NCBH and CHC (not applicable to services provided at LMC, Wilkes and High Point)

MEDCOST: Accepted at all locations

MEDCOST ULTRA: Accepted at WFUHS, NCBH, LMC, Wilkes and High Point (not applicable at CHC)

PHCS/MULTIPLAN: Accepted at NCBH, CHC, LMC and High Point (not contracted, very low to no volume for WFUHS and Wilkes)

OPTUMHEALTH (TRANSPLANTS - APPLICABLE TO NCBH/WFUHS ONLY): Accepted at WFUHS and NCBH (not applicable to services provided at LMC, CHC, Wilkes and High Point)

PREFERRED CARE OF VA INC: Accepted at WFUHS and NCBH (not contracted, very low to no volume for LMC, CHC, Wilkes and High Point)

SOUTHERN HEALTH SVCS (COVENTRY-PPO ONLY): Accepted at WFUHS, NCBH and CHC (not contracted, very low to no volume for LMC, Wilkes and High Point)

TWIN COUNTY (VIRGINIA): Accepted at WFUHS and NCBH (not contracted, very low to no volume for LMC, CHC, Wilkes and High Point)

UNITED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Accepted at WFUHS, NCBH, CHC and High Point (not applicable to services provided at LMC and Wilkes)

UNITED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM (WFUHS ONLY): Accepted at WFUHS (not applicable for services provided at NCBH, LMC, CHC, Wilkes and High Point)

UNITED HEALTHCARE: Accepted at all locations

UNITED HEALTHCARE ESSENTIALS ACA/EXCHANGE: Accepted at all locations

UNITED HEALTHCARE MEDICARE: Accepted at all locations

VA CCN: Accepted at all locations

WELLCARE (MEDICARE ADVANTAGE): Accepted at all locations

LMC ONLY: Contracts specific to support Lexington employer groups, low volume
NATIONAL PROVIDER NETWORK/MEDICAL RESOURCES

CHC ONLY: Contracts specific to support CHC
TRICARE

Key

WFUHS - Wake Forest University Health Sciences (professional services)
NCBH - North Carolina Baptist Hospital (Includes Davie)
LMC - Lexington Medical Center
CHC - Cornerstone Healthcare
Wilkes - Wilkes Regional Medical Center
HPR- High Point Regional
N/A - Not applicable to services provided at facility and/or CHC
NC - Not Contracted, very low to no volume for facility and/or CHC

Referring Physicians

At Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, we understand the importance of referrals. Our physician liaisons partner with referring physicians in our community and beyond to provide information on our physicians and clinical services. Full list of new physicians.

Contact the Physician Liaisons