The time has arrived and your baby is on the way! When your contractions become more intense and frequent, it’s time to head to your preferred Catholic Health hospital. Our experienced team of doctors, nurses, midwives, and support staff will be waiting to safely deliver your newest family member in a welcoming environment.

Arrive at Your Hospital

We generally encourage moms to spend early labor at home. By following the 5-1-1 rule and speaking with your provider, you can determine when you’ve entered active labor. At this time, you should go to your Catholic Health hospital where you’ll be evaluated by a caring member of our team for admission.

Positioning and Comfort

There are many ways to help ease pain during labor and delivery. Moms are encouraged to use their support teams, position changes, and comfort techniques to assist in pain management. Upright positions, in particular, use gravity to help move your baby down into position for delivery. If labor progress slows or your baby shows signs of distress, a labor nurse, midwife or OB/GYN may recommend certain position changes.

Monitoring

It may come as a surprise to some moms that they can actually remain active during active labor. Our monitoring process is movement-friendly, allowing us to ensure the health of you and your baby, while encouraging you to walk around and continue to sip clear liquids as appropriate. An IV may be indicated when blood is drawn for New York State required tests. The IV can be used to hydrate or administer medications during the course of labor. You can also request IV pain medications. Should any health concerns arise, additional monitoring of you and your baby can help ensure safety.

Labor Services

IV Medications

You can receive pain or nausea medications through your IV that do not interfere with your ability to push during labor.

Positioning

You’re encouraged to make use of the many comfort options available during labor. Your labor nurses can offer suggestions if you are having difficulty finding a position that works for you.

Birth

When it’s time to deliver your baby, you may begin to feel a natural impulse to push. We encourage you to listen to your body and push when needed. Labor coaching and medical assistance will be provided. At any time, if vaginal delivery becomes unsafe for you or your baby, a cesarean birth may be recommended. Once your baby is born, he or she will begin to breathe well with stimulation, or immediate assistance may be given at the warmer to aid breathing.

C-Section

Our labor and delivery team provides you with the best possible care during and after your cesarean delivery. Once your baby is born, you’ll be moved into a room to recover, relax and bond with your little one. Most women can leave the hospital in 2-4 days, following a c-section.

Skin-to-Skin

After nine months of waiting for your baby, take the opportunity during the “golden hour” to get to know him or her. This first hour of your baby’s life is very important. Many amazing changes take place in a new mother during and right after the birth process. Spending that first hour with your baby, skin-to-skin, helps regulate your baby’s temperature and aids moms’ recovery. You’ll room-in with your baby throughout your hospital stay, so you can bond and enjoy time with your newest addition to the family.