Expect Great Things —
This moment is all about you and your baby, so we’re going to make everything as comfortable and safe as possible. At St. Bernards, all newborns and their mothers are cared for as a single unit until it’s time to go home. Our nurses are specially trained and experienced in maternity care. With loving hearts, our nurses work as a team and will hold your hand every step of the way. Care is family-centered, keeping you and your family as comfortable as possible. The safety and security of your baby are a top priority. Your baby will be provided with an electronic security system to ensure your child's safety. Our healthcare team is here to ensure you have the best experience possible while in our care.
Sometimes seeing is believing, take a virtual tour of the St. Bernards Birthcare Center below. When the big day arrives, and it is time to meet your little one face to face, you'll be admitted to the St. Bernards Birthcare Center.
What to Expect From Labor
If this is your first baby – or even if it isn’t – it may be hard to know exactly when you are in labor. Signs of labor may include:
- Contractions every 5 minutes
- You think your water has broken
- Bleeding heavier than a period
If you think you are in labor, go directly to the OB Emergency Department located on the 5th floor of St. Bernards Medical Center. There, you will be examined by an OB nurse and a physician within 30 minutes. Your condition will be evaluated, your baby monitored. Our professional staff will then decide if you need to be admitted to the Labor & Delivery Department.
As part of our commitment to excellence in care, St. Bernards has a board-certified OB-GYN on the 5th floor 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These obstetricians use a collaborative approach working closely with your regular OB/GYN. The floor obstetricians assess and manage patients at the request of your OB/GYN, as well they are ready to assist in the delivery of your baby in case of your OB/GYN’s absence.
Having an OB hospitalist on-site allows for the immediate management of any issue or complication that may accompany the birth of a child. OB Hospitalists are trained in advanced cardiac life support and OB emergency care. They are prepared and committed to providing outstanding care for you and your child.
The chances are great that your baby's birth will be everything you've dreamed of. Should your baby need help, we have a very special Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), just for the special needs of newborns. Inside the NICU are nurses, specifically trained in intensive care, and around the clock access to some of the greatest Neonatologists anywhere. So, as you're thinking of your special day, don't let the thoughts of needing a NICU dwell on your mind. Know that it is here and let it give you some peace of mind.
Want to know more about what to expect during pregnancy, labor, delivery and post-partum?
Download the St. Bernards Pregnancy Guide today to learn more!
Birthcare Center Amenities
St. Bernards Birthcare Center offers essential oils as an added comfort measure during your stay. Let your nurse know upon your arrival if you are interested in utilizing aromatherapy during your time with us.