Catholic Health Labor & Delivery

Preparing for Birth

Catholic Health
Labor & Delivery

Preparing for Birth

Congratulations, you’re pregnant!

Choosing a hospital to deliver your baby is an important decision… which is why we want you to feel comfortable asking questions, touring our facilities, and participating in our education programs. More families choose to welcome their little ones at Catholic Health’s maternity hospitals – Mercy, Mount St. Mary’s and Sisters of Charity – than any other healthcare system in Western New York. We would be honored to assist you in the delivery of your baby.

Childbirth Classes

Getting ready for a new baby is a fun and exciting time. Catholic Health is happy to provide classes to make this time as easy as possible for you, your family, and your baby.

Try to register for Childbirth classes before 20 weeks to ensure room in the dates best to you. These classes prepare you for the discomforts of late pregnancy, as well as delivery.

Getting ready for a new baby is a fun and exciting time. Catholic Health is happy to provide classes to make this time as easy as possible for you, your family, and your baby.

Try to register for Childbirth classes before 20 weeks to ensure room in the dates best to you. These classes prepare you for the discomforts of late pregnancy, as well as delivery.

Support Services

Nutrition Counseling Services

At any time, you are welcome to meet with a Catholic Health dietitian to learn how food affects your pregnancy. We can also help you manage any pre-pregnancy or pregnancy nutrition concerns you may have, including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and allergies.

Pregnancy and Prescriptions

While prescribed for medical reasons, some pain medications may have an effect on your baby’s health. We encourage you to discuss these potential risks with your OB/GYN. Regardless of your circumstances, our staff provides judgement-free support during and after your pregnancy.

Maternal Fetal Medicine Services

Our perinatologists provide expert ultrasound testing throughout your pregnancy, monitoring your baby’s development before you deliver. Depending on your healthcare needs, you may see these providers more often.

High Risk Pregnancy Services

A high risk pregnancy is one in which a condition puts either mom or baby at a higher-than-normal risk of complications during pregnancy or at birth. Catholic Health provides specialized care for these high risk pregnancies, including physician specialists, neonatal intensive care, and adult intensive care services to meet you and your baby’s individual medical needs.

C-Section

If your healthcare provider is aware of any possible risks to you or your baby prior to delivery, he or she may recommend a c-section. We encourage moms to ask about their options during a c-section, so that they can have the best experience possible.

Placenta Donation

If you are scheduled for a c-section you may donate your placenta through ConnectLife, as long as your physician is a participating member of the ConnectLife Birth Tissue Donation program. If your physician isn’t a member, but you’d still like to donate, click here for more information.

Next:

Early Labor