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Request an AppointmentCall: 1-601-268-5000Around 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.
You've just worked really hard to bring a new person into the world, and you may have lots of questions as you and your baby continue to bond and recover. 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 AppointmentEvery parent wants a healthy baby. Sometimes though, a newborn needs a little help getting there.
Our Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides care for premature or ill infants. Specially-trained neonatal care professionals utilize technological advances to deliver diagnosis and treatment. The NICU is staffed 24 hours a day by specialized neonatal care nurses and a team focused on the needs of our smallest patients and their parents.
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 AppointmentHaving a baby is one of the most exciting and rewarding times in a parent's life, and Merit Health Wesley is dedicated to providing pregnant people and newborns with quality care during this special time. Our maternity services are provided by obstetricians, labor and delivery specialists, nurses and other caring professionals in a welcoming, comfortable environment.
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 the neonatal intensive care team is ready to assist.
Our hospital is committed to creating a supportive and welcoming environment. The 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, the lactation consultant also can offer breastfeeding support.
The birth 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, the dedicated birth navigator can help by answering your questions, helping you register, scheduling personal tours and providing information about childbirth classes and breastfeeding education.
We are committed to quality patient care. Recognized for quality, Merit Health Wesley has achieved awards and certifications that reflect our commitment to patient care, including:
We also offer birthing classes. Many couples attend birthing classes, usually in the third trimester, to learn more about what to expect during labor and delivery. Not only can it ease any anxieties parents may have, but it provides a supportive space where you can ask questions, learn about relaxation techniques, how partners can be supportive during the birth and what to expect if your birth plan changes on the big day.
Class topics include comfort measures, stages of labor, the birthing process, breastfeeding, newborn care and postpartum care. Breastfeeding support classes are for expectant and new mothers. Each class will cover breastfeeding techniques, benefits of skin-to-skin contact, the Golden Hour, feeding cues, positioning, and support after returning to work.
Some classes are now available online.
At Merit Health Wesley, 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. Merit Health Wesley can provide a supportive birth experience to help you feel confident throughout each one of them.
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Learn MoreThe providers at Merit Health Wesley can help you manage your reproductive health with compassion and tailored treatments that address your specific needs.
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