Birthing & Cesarean Deliveries
Soon-to-be parents arrive at the main hospital entrance from 5 am to 9 pm, outside of those hours, arrive at the Emergency Department. From that moment forward, we take special care to ensure your birth experience is personalized to the needs of you and your baby. We put your safety and wellbeing first, while supporting your preference for all natural, epidural, or vaginal delivery, even if you’ve had a previous cesarean section. During a routine delivery, we have natural and assisted birthing services available to support your plan.
Childbirth Education
We've curated educational videos for each trimester of your pregnancy, labor & delivery and postpartum education. Please note, the postpartum education is required prior to discharge so we encourage you to watch these videos prior to your arrival if possible.
Postpartum Education (Required)
We recommend pre-registering with us at around 28-weeks. Many moms do this when they come to the hospital for their scheduled glucose check. Stop by the guest service desk at the main hospital entrance where you can fill out the necessary forms. Be sure to bring your insurance card.
Labor & Delivery
Expectant moms labor in one of our six suites – and you aren’t limited to your room. You can walk around, use a jacuzzi tub, birthing ball or relax in a glider chair. We support natural childbirth and we welcome your doula, if you are using one. Medications for pain relief are also available to you. You can decide with your doctor what type would work best for you.
Cesarean Deliveries
Community Medical Center has a low c-section rate. However, in some cases, a cesarean delivery is the safest way for the baby to be born. Our medical providers work closely with you – only recommending a c-section when absolutely necessary.
As with any surgery, there are natural risks associated with C-section delivery. This includes infection, postpartum hemorrhage, a reaction to anesthesia, blood clot or surgical injury. Mothers also face a higher risk of potentially serious complications in a subsequent pregnancy after a C-section.
At Community Medical Center, we have a dedicated cesarean operating suite that is adjacent to our Labor & Delivery Unit. You can choose a significant other or caregiver to be there with you in most cases. If everything goes well, your baby will be in your arms within minutes of being born and will stay with you in the recovery room. Breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact are just as important for these babies, and we’ll help you get started as soon as possible.
After your baby is born
We put healthy babies in their moms’ arms immediately after birth. After babies are born, either in the labor suite or c-section operating suite, they will be placed skin-to-skin as soon as possible. This quick, close contact is now recognized to promote many health benefits.
Skin-to-skin contact also helps babies start breastfeeding, which provides the exact nutrients your baby needs plus many more advantages. We strongly encourage women to nurse their babies. If you choose to breastfeed, our skilled nurses and certified lactation consultants (text link to breastfeeding consultation page) can you get started.
It’s uncommon for babies to be born with health problems, but for those who are, we have a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, NICU next to our delivery rooms with neonatal nurse practitioners in-house 24-7 along with our highly experienced NICU-certified nurses, respiratory therapists and physical therapists.
After you deliver, you’ll stay in the labor suite for a brief time before moving to our Mother & Baby Unit (postpartum unit).
We also follow the latest clinical guidelines by offering hepatitis B immunizations to new babies, along with newborn metabolic testing and hearing screenings. Learn more about these practices, as well other important immunizations such as those for whooping cough (pertussis) and measles (see below).
Comfort and Security
We get to know each mom, baby and family that comes to the Women and Newborns Center, and we work hard to make your time with us comfortable and safe. For example:
- Spacious labor suites have Jacuzzi tubs, private bathrooms and fold-out couches for your support partner.
- Our Fireside Room is like a living room, with comfortable couches and chairs, a fireplace and picture windows so you don't have to stay in your room the entire stay.
- You and your partner can order meals from our cafeteria between 7:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. These meals are delivered to your room, and mom’s meal is free.
- Our security system sounds an alarm if a baby gets too close to an exit.
If you have questions, call Community’s Women & Newborns Center at 327-4220.