Maternity hospitals, parent classes, children's hospitals, moms clubs, special needs and other resources for new and expecting parents.
Published: April 9, 2018
Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, you may have questions on your journey toward parenthood. Luckily, there are a surprising number of resources in and around Broward County to help. Here’s a look at some of our favorites.
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 Medical Center
1600 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
954-355-4400 browardhealth.org/MaternityPlace
Births (July 2015 – June 2016): 3,571
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. Hospital supports alternative pain management including nitrous oxide, hydrotherapy and water birth. The 63-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.
Broward Health Coral Springs
3000 Coral Hills Dr., Coral Springs
Childbirth Concierge
954-344-BABY (2229)
browardhealth.org/BHCS
Births in 2016: 2,267
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.
Holy Cross Hospital
4725 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale
954-771-8000 holy-cross.com
Births in 2016: 871
Number of LDRs: 12
NICU Level: II
Special programs/services: Services include childbirth education, infant safety & CPR, lactation education and support.
Memorial Hospital Miramar
1901 SW 172 Ave., Miramar
954-538-5180 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, natural birthing classes and more.
Memorial Hospital West
703 N. Flamingo Rd., Pembroke Pines
954-844-7248 memorialwest.com
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 & CPR, and infant massage. A registered nurse is available for questions from all discharged patients. Parents can donate umbilical cord blood to National Marrow Donor Program.
Memorial Regional Hospital
3501 Johnson St., Hollywood
954-265-4484 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
954-974-0400 northwestmed.com
Births in 2016: 1,955
Birthing suites: 8 plus 4 triage beds
NICU Level: III
Special programs/services: Northwest has a newly 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
954-321-4099 plantationgeneral.com/maternity
Births in 2016: 2,422
Birthing suites: 9 labor, delivery & recovery rooms; 20 single-occupancy postpartum suites and 2 deluxe suites for an additional charge.
NICU Level: II and III
Special programs/services: Plantation General has an in-house anesthesiologist available 24/7, as well as a network of highly-trained pediatric specialists and surgeons on staff. Oxygen saturation tests are conducted on all newborns to help detect unexpected conditions that require quick attention. Classes available in infant care, breastfeeding, baby safety and childbirth preparation.
West Boca Medical Center
21644 State Road Seven, Boca Raton
561-488-8000 westbocamedctr.com
Births in 2016: 2,050
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, maternity education series taught by nurses, and post-partum support.
ADOPTION RESOURCES
A Child is Waiting
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
childnet.us
954-414-6000
Florida Department of Children and Families
myflfamilies.com
866-762-2237
Florida’s Adoption Information Center
adoptflorida.com
800-96-ADOPT
Forever Family
foreverfamily.org
1-888-365-FAMILY
Jewish Adoptions and Foster Care Options
jafco.org
954-749-7230
BIRTHING CENTERS
A Birth Center
3001 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hallandale Beach 954-456-4682 abirthcenter.com
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.
Hollywood Birth Center
2316 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
954-925-4499 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 Connections
NSU Mailman Segal Center for Human Development, 7600 SW 36 St., Davie
954-262-7127 nova.edu/humandevelopment
Free monthly parent-led group focuses on nurturing, enhancing attachment and emotional development. Fathers and children are welcome.
Breastfeeding Helpline
1-800-994-9662 womenshealth.gov
National helpline offers support from trained breastfeeding counselors in both English and Spanish.
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward County
954-765-0550 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
lalecheleague.org
Mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education.
CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS & URGENT CARE
After Hours Pediatric Urgent Care
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, 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 Medical Center
3000 Coral Hills Dr., Coral Springs
954-344-3000 browardhealth.org
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
1005 Joe DiMaggio Dr., Hollywood
954-265-5324 jdch.com
Memorial Hospital Miramar
1901 SW 172 Ave., Miramar
954-538-5000 memorialmiramar.com
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Miramar Outpatient Center
(formerly Miami Children’s Hospital Miramar Outpatient Center)
12246 Miramar Parkway, Miramar
954-442-0809 nicklauschildrens.org
Northwest Medical Center
2801 N. State Road Seven, Margate
954-974-0400 northwestmed.com
Pediatric Associates
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
954-587-5010 plantationgeneral.com
Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital
1600 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale
954-355-4400 browardhealth.org
CRISIS ASSISTANCE
211 First Call for Help
dial 2-1-1- or 954-537-0211
211-broward.org
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
954-761-1133 womenindistress.org
Provides victims of domestic violence with crisis intervention, advocacy, support and shelter.
INFERTILITY
Resolve
resolve.org
A national nonprofit support group to assist couples dealing with infertility issues.
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MEDICAL INSURANCE
Florida KidCare
888-540-5437 floridakidcare.org
Free or low-cost health insurance for children, sponsored by the state of Florida.
MOMS’ GROUPS
Coral Springs Mothers of Multiples
csmoms.org
Provides understanding, guidance, and education to moms raising multiple birth children. Usually meets the third Tuesday of the month.
MOMS Clubs
momsclub.org
Connect with other moms in your neighborhood for social gatherings, playdates and more. Chapters exist in many communities, including Coral Springs and Weston. Email support@momsclub.org for locations, or get support to start your own club.
Mothers of Preschoolers
mops.org
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://facebook.com/groups/SupermomsoBroward
Local group of 1,700+ members who chat online and gather in real life, either via planned playdates, parties or other events.
PARENT WORKSHOPS
Baby Calming
Teaches expectant parents simple hands-on techniques to quickly calm their baby’s cries.
Offered monthly. Memorial Regional Hospital,
3501 Johnson St., Hollywood, 954-265-5930
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, 954-265-5930
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, 954-265-5930, memorialregional.com; Memorial Hospital West, 954-844-7110, memorialwest.com; and Memorial Hospital Miramar, 954-538-5180, memorialmiramar.com
The Happiest Baby on the Block
Workshop in which you’ll learn Dr. Harvey Karp’s techniques to soothe your baby’s crying and increase sleep. NSU’s Mailman Segal Center for Human Development, 7600 SW 36 St., Davie, 954-262-7127 nova.edu/humandevelopment
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
MOMS (Mothers Overcoming Maternal Stress)
954-765-0550 hmhbbroward.org
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
800-944-4773 postpartum.net
Postpartum Support Online
ppdsupportpage.com
SPECIAL NEEDS
Child Find
754-321-7200 browardschools.com
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 entry point for services from birth to age 5.
Health Care Clinics of Nova Southeastern University
3301 College Ave., Fort Lauderdale
954-678-2273 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
(formerly Miami Children’s Hospital Dan Marino Outpatient Center)
2900 S. Commerce Parkway, Weston
954-385-6200 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
954-262-CARE
Expert clinicians provide 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
954-377-1000 cscbroward.org
Agency created by voters to provide leadership, coordination and funding for children’s services. See website for list of funded programs.
Family Central
840 SW 81 Ave., North Lauderdale
954-720-1000 familycentral.org
Not-for-profit agency offers childcare assistance, counseling, education, family therapy and more.
Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies Coalition
954-765-0550 hmhbbroward.org
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
954-262-7127 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.