St. Mary's labor and delivery area is designed to allow each mother to have the kind of birth experience she wants. Our birthing rooms provide a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. If you wish, your family can be with you throughout labor, delivery, and recovery. A hot tub is available during labor, and state-of-the-art equipment provides the utmost in safety and comfort.
Whether you work with a physician or a certified nurse midwife, rest assured the latest equipment and skilled medical expertise is just steps away should you need a Cesarean-section delivery or other assistance.
After your recovery period in Labor & Delivery, you and your baby will be moved to the Mother-Baby Unit. If you are a healthy mom and your baby is healthy, we will be able to provide you with couplet care. Couplet care is a more family oriented style care where new moms and their babies not only room together; they are cared for as a family unit by the same nurse. With mom, baby and nurse working as a team throughout the hospital stay, there is more ongoing, one-on-one education and continuous communication. New parents learn more easily and gain confidence when they can ask questions as they get to know their newborn in the hospital. The St. Mary’s well-baby nursery is close at hand when needed.
Because safety is our primary concern, an ID band will be placed on your baby immediately after birth. Mom and dad, or another adult selected by Mom, will wear identical bands. Your baby will be given only to the adults whose bands match the baby's.
Babies born with special needs are cared for by an experienced professional team in our neonatal intensive care unit. This highly trained team includes neonatologists, pediatricians, neonatal nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and special therapists. Although the intensive care unit provides advanced medical care with the latest technology, the family is still a very important part of the baby's care. Parents are encouraged to visit any time. More information about St. Mary's Level IIIB Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Should you or your baby need to be transported to St. Mary's or to another hospital, our Perinatal Transport Team is specially trained in moving and caring for moms and babies. Put together to address each situation, teams are led by nurses or nurse practitioners experienced in high-risk pregnancy and infant intensive care. Specialist physicians, obstetricians and neonatologists, supervise every transport through close telephone or radio contact.