Babies have been arriving at Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital since 1969, but what sets us apart is the long tradition of special care and individualized attention we deliver along with each baby. Our Women's Health and Childbirth Center is proud to be a woman-centered care facility and our experienced team of obstetricians, advanced practice nurses, nurses and nurse aides help families get off to a healthy, happy start.
Maternity Care is all of the medical services related to conception and delivery including:
- Prenatal care- Traditional prenatal care is visits with your provider on a monthly basis. At each visit you are one-on-one with your provider. And, tests are conducted to make sure mom and baby are healthy.
- Labor and delivery
- Pain Management
- EFM Telemetry Unit
- Postpartum care (up to one year)
- Breastfeeding
Your provider will be there throughout the entire process and for the birth of your baby. Once you are ready to deliver, our staff at the Women’s Health and Childbirth Center will provide personal care for you, your new arrival and your family.
Our staff is professionally trained in caring for newborns—and parents. We are happy to help you with your new arrival in any way we can, and we offer you and your family a comforting birth environment that is homelike, private and safe.
When It’s Time
When you arrive, you'll be assessed to be sure you are in active labor. If so, you and your partner will be escorted to one of our childbirth suites where you will labor and deliver your baby. You can play your music, dim the lights, shower -- enjoy your experience. Our staff nurses will be there for you, to coach and provide as much, or as little, support as you desire.
Most women decide in advance whether to have an epidural, or to experience labor naturally without pain medication. Some women elect to see how labor is going before making their decision. Whichever you decide, our staff is here to help you achieve your birth preference.
If you choose to have an epidural, we will administer it when you’re ready. Our nurse anesthetists are available, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you chose to deliver without pain medication, we will support your decision and assist you with alternative comfort measures.
We also believe your birthing experience should be personal, tailored to your needs and the needs of your baby. At Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital, we strive to fulfill your special requests and offer various features to assist you throughout your labor and delivery.
Birthing Suites
Our labor and delivery rooms were specially-designed to provide a peaceful, comfortable environment. You may bring your own music to help with relaxation. You may also choose to wear your own clothing or gown during labor.
Private LDRP Suites
All stages of childbirth occur in a private LDRP (labor, delivery recovery and postpartum) room. Our goal is to pamper mom and her family. Our birthing suites and private rooms are more like hotel rooms than hospital rooms, and each has a private bath and shower. Suites feature comfortable furniture, soft lighting, and charming photos that adorn our walls. Beneath the modern, home-like appearance, the suites are sophisticated delivery rooms with advanced monitoring systems. Our top of the line monitors keep a safe eye on both the baby and mommy throughout labor, delivery and recovery.
Natural Childbirth
If you are interested in a natural childbirth experience, the Women’s Health and Childbirth Unit staff are here to support you. We encourage natural labor and support exclusive breastfeeding for our patients.
Having a healthy baby is the most important goal in your exciting journey and we understand. So please, discuss your birth preferences with your physician in the early stages of your pregnancy. And remember births can be quite unpredictable, and babies as tiny as they are sometimes have plans of their own. So learn as much as you can about the natural childbirth experience.
Labor Nurse – Doula Friendly
You’ll find our staff is well versed in natural childbirth techniques. Our nurses feel it is a great opportunity to assist in natural deliveries, and will be with you for as much or as little time as you need during labor, and of course, through the delivery.
If you have chosen to have a doula to assist you with your birth, please know that our nursing staff welcomes doulas and will work with them to optimize your birth experience.
Movement and position changes are very helpful during natural childbirth, often they provide additional comfort. We encourage and support your ability to move around freely – whether it’s walking the halls, changing positions or rocking on a birthing ball. One of our staff members will gladly walk with you or a member of your family is welcome to do so. We also offer intermittent fetal monitoring to allow for greater freedom of movement (if the circumstances of your labor and delivery permit).
For more information on natural childbirth at Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital, speak to your provider at your next prenatal visit.
