Looking to schedule an appointment?
Request an AppointmentLooking to schedule an appointment?
Request an AppointmentCall: 1-800-734-2024Around 98% of all U.S. parents choose to give birth at a hospital for access to immediate medical care, which may include epidurals for pain relief, C-sections, postpartum treatment, high-risk pregnancy care and specialized newborn care.
There's a lot to think about when you're having a baby—names, nursery themes and what will happen after your little one arrives. It's such an important time in your life, and we share your excitement about the special days to come. Let's take a closer look at our maternity services so you can be prepared for what is ahead.
Getting ready for a baby's arrival is an exciting journey, and everyone wants the process to go smoothly. A good way to start is by scheduling a hospital tour to familiarize yourself with where you'll be giving birth and learn about any childbirth and breastfeeding classes available.
Maternity Tour:You might also want to draft a birth plan to help you mentally prepare for labor and communicate your preferences to your provider. Just remember that it's important to stay flexible. Things may change during labor, and your doctor's primary concern is your and your baby's safety.
Vaginal delivery is the most common method and is generally considered the safest for mom and baby when the newborn is full term (37-42 weeks). Vaginal delivery usually results in shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery. Vaginal deliveries can be spontaneous or induced, which involves the use of medications or other techniques to initiate labor. There are three stages to vaginal births, and your care team will help you through each stage—from labor through your baby's birth to delivery of the placenta.
Also called a C-section, this method involves delivering the baby through an incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus. This approach is used when the care team believes it's safer for mom, baby or both. A C-section is a surgical procedure, so the recovery period is generally longer than with a vaginal delivery. A C-section may be planned ahead of time or performed in an emergency if it becomes necessary. Many women remain awake during a C-section and are able to hold the newborn right away.
After your baby is born, you and your new bundle of joy will remain in the delivery room for a couple of hours for aftercare before being taken to a postpartum room to continue bonding and recovering. You've just worked really hard to bring a new person into the world, and you may have lots of questions. Your time in the hospital is a good time to soak in the knowledge of your caregivers as you prepare to head home with your newborn. Ask any questions that you may have and be sure to let your care team know if you need extra assistance. Be sure to let them know about difficulties or discomfort you have. A caring lactation consultant should be along soon to help you get comfortable with breastfeeding your infant.
Request an AppointmentPremature infants and sick infants often need the kind of medical attention and care only found in a newborn intensive care unit like those at Northwest Health.
Northwest Health offers NICU services at two hospitals. A Level III NICU is available at Willow Creek Women's Hospital (WCWH) while a Level II NICU is available at Northwest Medical Center - Bentonville. Board-certified neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners and neonatal nurses provide care around-the-clock for these most delicate of patients — patients who have weighed less than 1 pound at birth and whose systems are immature and need constant help to function. The most critically ill babies receive care at a 1 nurse to 1 baby ratio.
The Willow Creek NICU provides care for babies born as early as 23 weeks gestation. The Bentonville NICU cares for babies at or above 32 weeks gestational age. Thousands of former NICU families from the region we serve — Northwest Arkansas, Northeast Oklahoma and Southwest Missouri — are thankful for the services these professionals provide.
Benefits of the NICU Include:
A high-risk pregnancy is one in which the health of the mother, baby or both are at a higher risk of complications in comparison to a "typical" pregnancy. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, being pregnant with multiples or the mother's age (younger than 17 or older than 35). Conditions that develop during pregnancy also can cause your pregnancy to be classified as high risk.
Just remember, while being "high risk" may sound scary, it simply means that you will be given the care and monitoring you and your baby need to stay as healthy as possible.
Request an AppointmentAround 98% of all U.S. parents choose to give birth at a hospital for access to immediate medical care for women and their babies, which may include pain relief options like epidurals, the ability to perform C-sections, postpartum treatment, high-risk pregnancy care and access to neonatal intensive care units or other specialized newborn care.
Choosing the right healthcare provider and hospital for your child's birth is a deeply personal choice that requires careful consideration. Many parents-to-be feel unsure about where to start. That's why we've compiled a list from other moms of important factors to keep in mind as you determine the best care options for you and your baby.
Interested in more tips for navigating your pregnancy? Download our guide to a healthy pregnancy.
Download Our Guide Request an AppointmentAt Northwest Health, we prioritize safety and personalized care for a comfortable, memorable experience for you and your family.
Safety is our foremost concern. Our labor and delivery rooms are equipped with technology, like an automated maternal-fetal early warning system that gives your care team important, timely information to help make decisions about your care and identify concerning developments quickly for faster intervention if needed. And, if your baby requires specialized care after birth, you can have peace of mind knowing that our neonatal intensive care team is ready to assist.
We understand that each birth is unique. Whether you desire a low-intervention birth or wish to follow a specific birth plan, Northwest Health supports your preferences while maintaining flexibility to adapt to unexpected circumstances. Your healthcare team will also work with you to choose the pain control options that best suit your needs and comfort. And, for those expectant parents seeking to work with a midwife, we offer the best of both worlds by combining the expertise and resources of a medical facility with the personalized care and support provided by a midwife.
Our hospital is committed to creating a supportive and welcoming environment. Our compassionate, specially-trained nursing staff is here to provide comfort and encouragement throughout your stay. A private space for you and your family promotes "rooming in" with your newborn, helping establish a strong bond and an opportunity to learn about your baby before you leave the hospital. While you're forging that bond, our lactation consultant also can offer breastfeeding support.
Our OB navigator will help you prepare for your "big day." We believe that knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety and enhance your experience, helping you feel comfortable and confident about giving birth. If you're still developing your birth plan, our dedicated OB navigator can help by answering your questions, helping you register, scheduling personal tours and providing information about childbirth classes and breastfeeding education.
We also offer educational classes for expecting parents. Class topics cover childbirth, infant safety and CPR, labor coping and support, breastfeeding and more. We are confident that the information you receive during the class will help maximize your childbirth experience.
We are committed to quality patient care. Recognized for quality, Northwest Health has achieved awards and certifications that reflect our commitment to patient care.
Northwest Medical Center - Bentonville:
Willow Creek Women's Hospital:
At Northwest Health, here are a few other ways we're ready to care for you:
When it comes to gynecological care, it's normal to feel uncertain about what topics to address during your visits. We're here to guide you through understanding common concerns and recommended screenings based on your age.
Learn MorePreparing for a baby's arrival involves many steps. Northwest Health can provide a supportive birth experience to help you feel confident throughout each one of them.
Learn MoreWhether it's your annual exam, discussing birth control, planning for pregnancy or navigating menopause, the providers at Northwest Health can help you feel your best.
Learn MoreThe providers at Northwest Health can help you manage your reproductive health with compassion and tailored treatments that address your specific needs.
Learn More