Having a baby is one of life’s very special moments. That’s why we do everything we can to make your time here with us everything you hope it will be. Our philosophy is that this is your birth, so you should have it your way.
There are many ways we make giving birth at St. Mary’s special, including:
- Labor, delivery, recovery, and post-partum care all in one room, with the same team of highly trained nurses caring for you.
- A great provider to patient ratio that makes sure you are always at the center of attention.
- Your baby stays with you all the time.
- We offer skin to skin in the operating room and families stay together as a unit in the OR.
- A hydrotherapy tub is available to be used during any part of labor. Some moms find this a comfort measure, providing relaxation and pain relief.
- There’s also a café for families and visitors.
- Newborn photography is available upon request and photos may be posted to St. Mary’s social media accounts
- We play a lullaby over the loud speakers within the hospital every time a baby is born.
- We offer post-discharge lactation support, by appointment.
- Parents can bring their baby back to the maternity unit and have a one-on-one consultation with our International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
Midwifery Care
At St. Mary’s, we’ve made a commitment to providing moms with the option of midwifery care. Our certified midwife has been specially trained to help you stay healthy and low-risk throughout your pregnancy. And research has found that under the care of midwives, women are more likely to have lower C-section rates and higher rates of breastfeeding.
Our midwives work in close collaboration with our OB/GYNs. At any time during your pregnancy and delivery should you require the attention of an OB/GYN, they are standing by to assist you.
So, whether you decide to use a midwife or an OB/GYN, your healthcare providers at St. Mary’s will be working together to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Lactation Consultant
At St. Mary’s, we offer fulltime lactation support to all breastfeeding or pumping moms, including advice and counseling to help you successfully breastfeed your baby, if you choose to do so.
Childbirth Education Classes
At St. Mary’s our free, comprehensive childbirth preparation classes are taught by our experienced labor and delivery nurses. They will help you to feel fully prepared for your birthing experience. The program covers the latest evidence-based information to help you prepare for pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period. Classes even include instruction on infant CPR.
Tours of our maternity unit are offered to all childbirth class attendees. If you do not attend a childbirth education class but would like a tour, please contact our Maternity Unit. We also provide a variety of local, as well as nationally-recognized, resources for mothers and parents to be.