Preparing for a Natural Childbirth at MoBap
If you’re planning a natural childbirth experience, we’re here to support you. In fact, we’re known as the hospital of choice for women desiring natural birth and breastfeeding in St. Louis.
Of course, having a healthy baby is your most important goal. So please, discuss your birth preferences with your provider prior to the onset of labor. And remember births can be unpredictable, and babies sometimes have plans of their own. So learn as much as you can about the birth process.
For more information on natural childbirth options call (314) 996-5433 or toll-free (800) 392-0936, or email us.
It Starts with Your Natural Childbirth Class
Sign up for our four-week series to prepare for your natural childbirth. Taught at MoBap by experienced doulas/nurses, these classes will teach you about the natural birth process and give you techniques to manage your labor. Many couples choose to take our advanced skills workshop, specially designed for couples looking to practice different labor management techniques.
Labor Nurse - Doula Friendly
When you arrive at the Childbirth Center, you’ll find our staff well versed in natural childbirth techniques. Our nurses love 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 engage 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.
Freedom of Movement
Position changes are very helpful during natural childbirth, often providing additional comfort. Therefore, we encourage and support your ability to move around freely – whether it’s walking the halls, changing positions, rocking on a birthing ball or using a squat bar. We also offer intermittent fetal monitoring or telemetry monitoring to allow for greater freedom of movement (if the circumstances of your labor and delivery permit). We have a number of options to support your preference for position changes.
Labor & Delivery Suites Designed for your Comfort
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.
Hydrotherapy Options
For natural childbirth experiences, water can be very helpful during labor. Each room has a shower with a seat and detachable shower head. You can also reserve a birth tub for immersion hydrotherapy during labor.
Skin-to-Skin Contact and Mother-Baby Bonding
We encourage mother-baby bonding throughout your stay at the hospital. After delivery, if your baby is doing well, she will be placed directly on your chest to jump-start the bonding process. This skin-to-skin contact will also help keep baby warm and secure. You also may choose to start breastfeeding at this time.
Early Assessment & Apgar Scoring
Early assessments and Apgar scoring can be done while your baby is in your arms. Routine procedures, such as weight and measurements, can be delayed to allow additional bonding time after birth, and for the initial feeding. Weighing, assessing and bathing your baby will take place in the labor and delivery room to avoid separating you and your baby.
After your birth, you’ll be moved to our Mother-Baby wing. Here the nurses are especially trained to care for both you and your baby. We offer 24-hour rooming in, so that you and your partner can stay together while bonding with your baby. Nap time signs are available so that you and baby can rest together, undisturbed, day or night.
We follow the mother-baby philosophy when it comes to caring for our new moms and babies. This means the same nurse who takes care of you also takes care of your newborn, providing you with uninhibited, 24/7 access to your baby. We know it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference. Our mother-baby nurses pay attention to the needs of each new mom, taking the time to listen and offer their unconditional support.
For more information on natural childbirth at MoBap, call (314) 996-5433 or toll-free (800) 392-0936, or email us.