Whether you are new parents or old pros, our annual Baby & Maternity Guide puts a wide range of resources right at your fingertips.
Published: April 8, 2018
By: Staff
Babies don’t come with a manual, so here are some of our favorite resources in and around Broward County to help moms and dads navigate the journey of pregnancy and parenthood.
Maternity Hospitals
These Broward and south Palm Beach County hospitals offer maternity services. Information on births and programs was provided by each location. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Level is set by the state based on staffing and specialization, with Level III being the highest.
Broward Health Coral Springs
3000 Coral Hills Dr., Coral Springs
Childbirth Concierge
954-344-BABY (2229)
http://www.browardhealth.org/BHCS
Births in 2017: 2,212
Birthing suites: 8
NICU Level: II
Special programs/services: 24-hour onsite neonatologist and anesthesiologist, all private postpartum rooms, water birth, OB link, doulas, rooming-in, family-centered care, childbirth classes in both English and Spanish, pre-natal yoga and siblings class. After baby arrives, sign up for Baby & Me classes or Mommy & Me Yoga.
Broward Health Medical Center
1600 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale
http://www.browardhealth.org/MaternityPlace
Births (July 2016 – June 2017): 3,574
Birthing suites: 13, plus two surgical suites
Special programs/services: Broward Health Medical Center has been delivering five-star maternity care in routine and high-risk pregnancies for more than 75 years. Specialists including neonatologist, perinatologist and obstetric anesthesiologist are available around-the-clock. The hospital supports alternative pain management including nitrous oxide, hydrotherapy, and water birth. The 70-bed Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is certified as a Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center and offers specialists including neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners, nurses and pediatric sub-specialties trained to treat infants.
Holy Cross Hospital
4725 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale
Births in 2017: 707
Number of LDRs: 12
NICU Level: II
Special programs/services: Baby-Friendly Designated birth facility. Services include childbirth education, infant safety & CPR, lactation education and support.
Memorial Hospital Miramar
1901 SW 172 Ave., Miramar
http://www.memorialmiramar.com
Birthing suites: 18
NICU Level: II
Special programs/services: Professionals help you through every stage of your childbirth journey — coaching and providing you with the knowledge and support to achieve a safe and treasured experience. Sign up for perinatal classes, breastfeeding classes, lactation consultant, Lamaze, grandparent and sibling classes, Hypnobirthing, natural birthing classes and more.
Memorial Hospital West
703 N. Flamingo Rd., Pembroke Pines
Birthing suites: 12
Private Postpartum Rooms: 26
NICU Level: II
Special programs/services: Nursing staff consistently ranks high with parents for compassion and professionalism. Lactation consultants provide bedside visits. Security officers located at all maternity entrances and exits. Childbirth and breastfeeding classes offered in both English and Spanish. Additional workshops for siblings, grandparents, car seat safety, baby care, infant safety, and CPR. A registered nurse is available for questions from all discharged patients.
Memorial Regional Hospital
3501 Johnson St., Hollywood
http://www.memorialregional.com
Birthing suites: 14
NICU Level: II and III
Special programs/services: High-risk obstetrical care is offered through the Maternal Fetal Medicine and Neonatology Program. Lactation specialists provide breastfeeding support in the hospital as well as free consultations after birth. Special emphasis on preparation and support for parents, with classes in infant safety & CPR, baby care, boot camp for new dads, breastfeeding, infant massage, baby calming, prenatal yoga, and more. Hospital also offers nursing mothers support group, Dancing for Birth, and post-partum support.
Northwest Medical Center
2801 N. State Road 7, Margate
NICU Level: III
Special programs/services: Northwest has a recently renovated maternity floor and the only level III NICU in northern Broward County. The nursery includes an advanced security system. Classes are offered in infant CPR & home safety, baby care, childbirth prep, breastfeeding, and a breastfeeding support group. Visit Northwestmed.com/calendar to register.
Plantation General Hospital
401 NW 42 Ave., Plantation
http://www.plantationgeneral.com
Births in 2017: 2,216
Birthing suites: 9 LDR, 6 high-risk pregnancy rooms, 7 semi-private rooms,18 private rooms, 2 spacious deluxe suites
NICU: Level II and III
Special programs/services: Private postpartum suites and deluxe mother-baby suites, advanced level III NICU, lactation services; childbirth, breastfeeding and CPR education classes, tours, Consult-A-Nurse and follow-up support.
West Boca Medical Center
21644 State Road 7, Boca Raton
Births in 2017: 1,768
Birthing suites: 18 private labor and delivery rooms,
10 semi-private and 5 private postpartum rooms
NICU Level: III
Special programs/services: West Boca Medical Center is proud to be the first hospital in Florida to have the Joint Commission perinatal care certification and is the only Level III NICU in Boca Raton. Services include lactation consultant and support, maternity education series taught by nurses, and post-partum support.
Adoption Resources
A Child is Waiting
http://www.davethomasfoundation.org
This free resource takes you through the typical 10 steps to adopt, from thinking about which type of adoption is right for you to celebrating adoption day.
Childnet
Florida Department of Children and Families
Florida’s Adoption Information Center
Forever Family
Jewish Adoptions and Foster Care Options
Birthing Centers
A Birth Center
3001 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hallandale Beach
Alternative maternity care for women who are anticipating a normal, low-risk birth. The team approach includes the client as an equal team member. Every effort is made to create the loving, intimate feeling of an at-home birth, while maintaining safety. Routine gynecological care also available.
Amazing Births & Beyond
17184 W. Dixie Highway, North Miami Beach
http://www.amazingbirthsandbeyond.com
Expecting moms can learn the techniques of HypnoBirthing, a method that teaches relaxed, natural child birth education enhanced by self-hypnosis, through a series of classes at several locations. Additional services include Doulas, chiropractic care, yoga, massage therapy and more.
Hollywood Birth Center
2316 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
http://www.hollywoodbirthcenter.com
A home-like maternity care unit designed to help families, including siblings, become involved in the events of pregnancy and childbirth in a safe personalized setting. Natural childbirth with the support you need.
Breastfeeding
Most hospitals offer breastfeeding classes, lactation specialists and support groups. In addition, check out these resources.
Breastfeeding Helpline
National helpline offers support from trained breastfeeding counselors in both English and Spanish.
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward County
http://www.hmhbbroward.org/our-programs
This community organization is working to improve access to prenatal care, education, advocacy and public awareness for all families in Broward County.
La Leche League of Broward County
Mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education.
Children’s Hospitals & Urgent Care
After Hours Pediatric Urgent Care
http://www.afterhourspediatrics.com
• 5067 N. Dixie Highway, Oakland Park, 954-267-1621
• 6250 Lantana Rd., Lake Worth, 561-963-4874
Baptist Health Medical Plazas and Urgent Care
http://www.baptisthealthbroward.com
• 6264 W. Sample Rd., Coral Springs, 954-837-1010
• 4741 S. University Dr., Davie, 954-837-1050
• 15885 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, 954-837-1300
• 1642 Town Center Circle, Weston, 954-837-1150
• 12472 W. Sunrise Blvd., Sunrise, 954-837-1240
Broward Health Coral Springs
3000 Coral Hills Dr., Coral Springs
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
1005 Joe DiMaggio Dr., Hollywood
Memorial Hospital Miramar
1901 SW 172 Ave., Miramar
http://www.memorialmiramar.com
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
Miramar Outpatient Center
12246 Miramar Parkway, Miramar
http://www.nicklauschildrens.org
Northwest Medical Center
2801 N. State Road Seven, Margate
Pediatric Associates
http://www.pediatricassociates.com
Locations in Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lauderdale Lakes, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Sunrise, Weston, Boca Raton and Aventura.
Plantation General Hospital
401 NW 42 Ave., Plantation
http://www.plantationgeneral.com
Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital Broward Health
1600 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale
Crisis Assistance
211 First Call for Help
dial 2-1-1- or 954-537-0211
By simply dialing 211, residents can access Broward County’s nationally accredited comprehensive helpline for information and referrals to all kinds of support, health and human services. Free, confidential, and available for assistance 24 hours.
Women in Distress
http://www.womenindistress.org
Provides victims of domestic violence with crisis intervention, advocacy, support and shelter.
Infertility
Resolve
A national nonprofit support group to assist couples dealing with infertility issues.
Medical Insurance
Florida KidCare
Free or low-cost health insurance for children, sponsored by the state of Florida.
Moms’ Groups
Coral Springs Mothers of Multiples
Provides understanding, guidance, and education to moms raising multiple birth children.
MOMS Clubs
Connect with other moms in your neighborhood for social gatherings, playdates and more. Chapters exist in many communities, including Coral Springs and Lighthouse Point. Email support@momsclub.org for locations, or get support to start your own club.
Mothers of Preschoolers
Meet other like-minded moms through this international support network of Christian women with preschool children. Groups meet regularly at churches in Fort Lauderdale, Miramar, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, and other communities. Check their website for locations.
Supermoms of Broward
http://www.supermomsofbroward.com
Local group of members who chat online and gather in real life, either via planned playdates, parties or other events.
Parent Workshops
Baby Calming and Infant Massage
Teaches expectant parents simple hands-on techniques to quickly calm their baby’s cries. Offered monthly.
Memorial Regional Hospital
3501 Johnson St., Hollywood
http://www.memorialregional.com
Boot Camp for New Dads
A unique father-to-father workshop in which a veteran dad shows new fathers the ropes on how to care for their babies. Memorial Regional Hospital, 3501 Johnson St., Hollywood
Baby Care
Learn about caring for a newborn, how babies look and act, and when to call the pediatrician. Includes hands-on practice bathing, dressing and diapering a baby. Offered at Memorial Regional Hospital, 954-265-4484, memorialregional.com; Memorial Hospital West, 954-844-7110, memorialwest.com; and Memorial Hospital Miramar, 954-538-5180 http://www.memorialmiramar.com
Postpartum Depression
MOMS (Mothers Overcoming Maternal Stress)
Program of the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition provides counseling and services to women suffering from maternal depression through group classes and in-home visits, both pre- and post-natal. Counselors available 24/7.
Postpartum Support International
Postpartum Support Online
Special Needs
Child Find
Child Find is a public program that works to ensure that all children who need special education and related services receive a free appropriate education. Serves as an entry point for services from birth to age 5.
Health Care Clinics of Nova Southeastern University
3301 College Ave., Fort Lauderdale
http://www.nova.edu/healthcare
NSU offers a range of clinic operations with services ranging from medical care, psychological services, speech and communications therapy, hearing and balance center, and more.
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
Dan Marino Outpatient Center
2900 S. Commerce Parkway, Weston
http://www.nicklauschildrens.org
Not-for-profit center offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment of children with special needs.
Unicorn Children’s Foundation Clinics
Nova Southeastern University
3301 College Ave., Fort Lauderdale
http://www.nova.edu/unicornclinics
Expert clinicians provide a comprehensive spectrum of services including development assessment, diagnostics, autism education, assistance with feeding disorders and parent training to deal with challenging behaviors.
Support for Parents
Children’s Services Council
Agency created by voters to provide leadership, coordination and funding for children’s services. See website for a list of funded programs.
Family Central
1415 W. Cypress Creek Rd., Fort Lauderdale
Not-for-profit agency offers childcare assistance, counseling, education, family therapy and more.
Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies Coalition
Community organization aimed at reducing infant mortality through education on maternal health, father involvement, safe sleeping environments and breastfeeding. HMHB is dedicated to providing resources and education to pregnant women, new parents and families.
The Parenting Place
NSU’s Mailman Segal Center for Human Development, 7600 SW 36 St., Davie
http://www.nova.edu/humandevelopment
The Parenting Place offers many support groups and classes for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and parents. Expectant families can prepare for their new addition, and new moms and dads can discover the wonders of their amazing newborn. The Parenting Place also offers support with sleepless nights, fussy babies, and willful toddlers. One-on-one parent coaching available.
