Labor & Delivery
We welcome your baby with comfort and confidence.
Compassionate, expert care to enrich your baby’s first precious moments.
The moment you first see your baby’s face and touch tiny fingers is precious. From that minute on, your life will never be the same. That’s why at St. Luke’s, we create a positive and personalized environment for labor and delivery. Our team provides compassionate support, expert care and birthing options, so you can welcome your little one with confidence.
Things to consider
The stages of labor
Labor is typically divided into three stages:
- Dilation: Contractions gradually open (dilate) the cervix to allow the baby to pass through.
- Expulsion: With strong contractions and pushing, the baby is born.
- Placental delivery: The placenta and membranes are delivered after the baby.
Pain relief options
- Natural pain management: Breathing techniques, relaxation methods, massage and birthing positions can help manage discomfort.
- Medications: Pain medication options like epidurals and narcotics are available to provide pain relief. Discuss your preferences with your doctor beforehand.
Monitoring your baby
- Electronic fetal monitoring (EFM): This technology monitors your baby's heart rate during labor, providing reassurance of their well-being.
Onsite neonatal care
Skilled pediatricians or neonatal specialists are present at the delivery, ready to whisk your newborn away for a quick checkup, ensuring a smooth transition into the world. These experts provide immediate medical attention and peace of mind for you and your new family.
Umbilical cord blood and newborn screening:
- Umbilical cord blood gases: A blood sample from the umbilical cord assesses your baby's oxygen levels and overall well-being after birth.
- Newborn screening: Although most babies are healthy when they are born, every U.S. state requires that newborn screening tests be performed on all babies to identify those that may look healthy but have a rare or serious health problem. If problems are found early, treatment can help prevent serious medical problems or death.
Women & Babies Centers
The birth of a baby is an extraordinary experience for any parent. More parents trust St. Luke's Birth Centers than any other regional network. Our state-of-the-art facilities offer parents the comforts of a safe, family-centered atmosphere to welcome their babies into the world.
The nursing staff is highly skilled in labor, postpartum and newborn assessment and care. They are also specially trained and certified in advanced fetal monitoring. Board–certified anesthesiologists are available 24 hours a day, and board-certified obstetricians make daily rounds. Once your baby is born, pediatricians make daily rounds and internationally board-certified lactation consultants are available to help new mothers who choose to nurse their newborns.
Medical assistance program
Expecting a baby shouldn't be a financial burden. Here at St. Luke’s University Health Network, our skilled OB/GYN team provides free prenatal care for low-income women. We walk you through every step, offering social work, nutrition and support to ensure a healthy start for you and your baby.
Many families do not realize they qualify for Medical Assistance during pregnancy. The St. Luke’s University Health Network team will help walk you through the process. A social worker will assist you with determining if you qualify and help you complete appropriate applications. Contact one of our OB/GYN locations today.
The birth of a baby is an extraordinary experience for any parent. Through this program, you will deliver at one of our St. Luke’s Women & Babies Pavilions. Our state-of-the-art birthing units offer parents the comforts of a safe, family-centered atmosphere to welcome their new babies into the world.
Additionally, our pediatricians are happy to schedule a meet-the-doctor visit at any prenatal visit or at any convenient time for you. St. Luke’s is a proud member of the Children’s Hospital Association.
Contact one of our OB/GYN locations today. We are committed to understanding your health care needs. You expect. We deliver.
