Maternity Ward

Dr. Moshe Betzer – Director of the Maternity Department and Delivery Rooms

“Giving birth at the Shamir Medical Center is a truly unique experience,” says Dr. Moshe Betzer.
“We provide you with the best resources, with a strong emphasis on the highest-level human and medical expertise, to help you experience childbirth as a special event that leaves you with pleasant memories of one of life’s most meaningful moments.

We believe that every woman should have the option to choose the birth process that is right for her, and our role is to create the most comfortable and suitable environment to make that possible, while maintaining proper medical supervision. For example, we also offer ‘Zero Separation’ cesarean sections, where the baby can remain skin-to-skin with the mother immediately after birth.”

Angela Abulov – Head Nurse, Maternity Ward

“The nursing staff of the maternity ward is prepared to accompany the mother and her family in a holistic and supportive experience from the very first moments after birth until the time of discharge, and, if needed, even beyond. Care for both the mother and newborn is provided with the utmost responsibility, professionalism, sensitivity, and compassion.”

The Maternity Ward

The maternity ward is intended for women who have had either a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section. Length of stay is not fixed, but usually can be 2–3 days after a vaginal delivery and 3–4 days after a cesarean section. The ward has 26 hospitalization rooms, each with private bathrooms and adjustable beds with orthopedic mattresses. Mothers also have access to a lounge open 24/7, where visitors may be received during visiting hours.

Visiting Hours

One designated companion only, wearing an identification wristband.

Visiting times:

• Morning: 11:00 – 12:00
• Afternoon: 16:00 – 17:30
• Evening: 19:00 – 20:30

Rooming-In and Zero Separation

Rooming-in is the option for parents and their baby to stay together during hospitalization after birth.

One of your first decisions as parents is where your baby will spend most of the time from birth until discharge. The options are available in the neonatal ward (nursery) or in the same room as the mother. Staying together in the same room is called rooming-in, and it contributes significantly to bonding between mother and baby, as well as to successful breastfeeding. At our hospital, we support every form of rooming-in you choose.

In the Maternity Ward, mothers can stay with their babies (rooming-in) whenever they wish. However, the baby will still be examined and weighed twice per shift by the neonatal staff.

There is also the option of Zero Separation rooms – meaning continuous joint stay of mother and baby from the moment of birth until discharge. The baby is with the mother or a designated companion at all times, without separation. The medical team provides all necessary care, monitoring, and tests directly in the mother’s room until discharge. This is possible depending on the health condition of both mother and baby.

Even if you have already decided how you want to stay with your baby – either in a Zero Separation room or using the nursery – things can change after birth. You may feel you need complete rest, or you may prefer to keep your baby with you. Please know that at any time, you can inform us of what works for you, and you are also welcome to change your mind.

Breastfeeding Consultation

A lactation consultant is available, as well as the trained nursing staff.

A modern breastfeeding center is available 24/7, and a lactation consultant is available daily between 09:00 and 12:00.

Admissions Office – Women and Maternity

Head of Office: Mrs. Dalia Uziel
Tel: 08-9779070

At the admissions office, you must present an ID card.

The office staff handles the registration of newborns by issuing an ID number, a birth notification, and an initial report to the National Insurance Institute.

Required documents for the mother:

• Personal ID card with appendix
• Partner’s ID card with appendix
• Passport (for tourists/foreign workers)
• For the first birth, you will be asked to complete bank account forms for the transfer of the birth grant

A newborn registration officer visits the ward on Sunday through Thursday and holiday eves between 08:30 and 11:00. In exceptional cases, services are also available on Sunday through Thursday between 09:00 and 11:45 and 13:00 and 14:45, and on Friday and Saturday between 09:00 and 11:00.