At Woman's, we know not all births fit the classic scene from the movies. You may go into labor on your own, or you may need a scheduled induction or cesarean delivery. No matter which experience you have, Woman's is here with the information you need and the labor options you want for a safe and happy delivery. Should the need arise, Woman’s has anesthesiologists in-house to assist your delivery.
Childbirth, by design, is a natural process. If you choose a non-medicated birth experience, Woman's is here to support you every step of the way. Our nurses are trained to respond to your special needs during a natural birth and our birthing suites are designed to help you remain as comfortable as possible throughout your experience. Explore natural childbirth at Woman's or contact our Natural Birth Liaison at 225-924-8530.
If you go into labor on your own, or your water breaks, you will need to be admitted to the hospital for an unscheduled vaginal delivery. If you think you may be in labor, call your doctor's office first to determine if you need to go to the hospital immediately.
When you arrive at Woman's, go first to the Assessment Center. If the time is right, you will be admitted to a birth suite in Labor and Delivery, where preparation for your delivery will begin.
In some cases, a cesarean delivery or C-section is needed for the safety of the mother and child. During a cesarean, surgical incisions are made in your abdomen and uterus in order to deliver your baby. Some cesarean deliveries are planned and some happen when labor does not progress normally and a vaginal birth is not possible. Talk to your doctor about whether or not you may need to plan for a cesarean.
Scheduled C-Section: Your doctor may decide that a cesarean delivery (C-section) is best for you and your baby. You will be given a scheduled time to arrive for your C-section. When you arrive at the hospital, you will first be admitted to a C-section prep room, where preparation for your surgery will begin.
Emergency C-Section: Sometimes things do not go as planned, and an emergency cesarean delivery (C-section) is needed. If your labor does not progress as it should and your doctor determines you need a C-section, you will be moved to the C-section suites, located across from Labor and Delivery.
At the doctor’s office, you may be told a C-section is a possibility. If the baby is in distress, is in the wrong position, or there are other complications, being prepared will help make you feel more in control.
Speak Up™: The ABC's of C-Sections from The Joint Commission on Vimeo.
It is important for you to know that Woman's does not allow elective inductions before 39 weeks. Early elective deliveries may put the health of your newborn at risk and increase the likelihood of serious medical complications
However, if your doctor decides that a scheduled induction is best for you and your baby, you will be given a scheduled time for your labor induction. If your physician recommends inducing labor, take the time to learn what this really means to your baby and your body.
Woman's will make every effort to accommodate you as close to your scheduled induction as possible.
If you are expecting twins, triplets or more, you can feel confident knowing the best specialists in the region are right here at Woman's. As a Level III Regional Referral NICU for obstetrical and neonatal care, we have the technology and expertise to deliver your babies safely and to handle any unexpected complications.
At Woman's, we have special rooms just for adoptive parents to bond with their new babies.