Parking & Entrance

Labor and Delivery is located on the ground floor of the south tower of the Margot Perot Center.

For your convenience, we recommend that maternity patients park in Visitor Parking Lot 11. This lot is located off Perot Lane, between the Margot Perot Center and the Jackson Building.

To enter, drive one level down to the garage level. You'll find a door in the parking area that stays unlocked 24 hours a day, allowing you to come in anytime, day or night.

View hospital map.

Where to Check In

The admissions desk for Labor and Delivery is located on the ground floor of the South Tower at the Margot Perot Center. Upon arrival, a nurse will assess your situation and guide you to the appropriate location:

• If you're scheduled for a cesarean section, you’ll be admitted directly to Labor and Delivery.
• If you're scheduled for an induction, you may be admitted to either Labor and Delivery or to the fourth floor of the Margot Perot Center.
• If you're in spontaneous labor, you may be directed to triage for evaluation.
• If you’re experiencing pregnancy-related concerns, you may also be evaluated in triage.

Items to Bring With You to Labor and Delivery

When packing a labor bag, be sure to include:

• Driver’s license or ID card
• Insurance information
• Phone, camera, video camera and charging cables

Other items that may keep you comfortable during labor include:

• A deck of cards, books, magazines, music, tablet, etc.
• Bathrobe or labor gown
• Labor support tools
• Comfy slippers/socks (skid-proof)
• Snacks for your partner

Please note you do not need to bring your luggage or car seat to your room until after delivery.

We are here to help you have the birth experience that best fits your wishes and needs.

What’s in Your Room

Labor and Delivery has large, private rooms that include:

• Flat-screen TVs
• Twin, fold-away beds (available upon request for partners)
• Recliners
• Free internet access

Birth Plans

If you have a birth plan, please share it with your nurse when you arrive at your labor room. You do not have to create one. We will try to follow your wishes as long as they does not interfere with the health and safety of you or the baby.

Visitors

Filming and Photography

Capturing the moments surrounding your baby’s birth is important to many families, and we welcome photography under the following guidelines:

• All medical staff in the room — including doctors, nurses, and other providers — must give their consent to be photographed.
• The photographer must sign the hospital’s Photographer Agreement before taking any photos.
• Permission must be obtained before photographing any hospital staff.
• Only hand-held devices are permitted in the Labor and Delivery area; tripods and other equipment are not allowed.
• Live streaming on social media is not permitted at any time.

Please be aware that providers or nurses may ask anyone to stop photographing at any point if needed for safety, privacy, or care reasons. Your cooperation is appreciated as we work to maintain a respectful and safe environment for all.

Pain Management and Support Tools

There is no medical “best choice” for managing pain during labor. Everyone has different pain thresholds. Instead, it’s a question of what makes the most sense for you and your partner. If you find that you want additional pain management during labor, the options available at Texas Health Dallas include:

• Laboring in water
• IV medication
• Nitrous oxide
• Epidurals

Texas Health Dallas has birthing balls, labor bars and several bathtubs for use during labor and invites you to bring other labor-support tools such as your own birth gown, music player, blankets, pillow, etc.

Expectant parents often find it helpful to have the support of a doula during labor and delivery. Doulas are trained in providing emotional and physical support and helping women to carry out their birth plans. Doulas are welcome at mom’s beside as part of her care team and can be hired sometime during the pregnancy.

Our goal is to maintain scheduled delivery dates. To provide excellent care to you during the birth of your child(ren), the scheduled time of your arrival might change. If there are any changes, we will call you (usually 1-2 hours before admission). We will also communicate any changes with your doctor. If you have questions or concerns about changes to your scheduled delivery, talk to your doctor.

Before Your Delivery

If you are having a scheduled induction or cesarean at Texas Health Dallas, please remember the following:

• Do not eat or drink anything at least eight hours before your procedure.
• After check-in, you will be prepared approximately two hours prior to the procedure.

Scheduled Cesarean Births

When you arrive at Labor and Delivery, please inform the staff that you're here for a scheduled cesarean. You will be taken to your room, where you’ll stay for approximately two hours. During this time, nurses will monitor your baby, and your anesthesiologist will meet with you to discuss your options before you head to the operating room.

In the operating room, you can expect a team that typically includes two physicians, two nurses, an anesthesiologist, and a certified surgical technician. One support person may accompany you during the surgery, provided there are no safety concerns. The procedure generally lasts about one hour.

After surgery, you and your baby, along with your support person, will be moved to a recovery room, where you will remain for approximately two hours. If there are no safety concerns, you will have skin-to-skin contact with your newborn to facilitate the first feeding.

Learn more about what to expect before, during and after your c-section.

Gentle Cesarean Births

For expectant moms who need a C-section, Texas Health Dallas offers a gentle cesarean option. This type of cesarean aims to create a birth experience that mirrors a vaginal delivery. If you're interested, your nurse can provide additional details.

Skin-to-Skin

Immediately after birth, your baby will be placed skin-to-skin with you for at least one hour. This intimate contact facilitates the first feeding, keeps your newborn warm, stabilizes blood sugar levels and is beneficial for all babies.

The Golden Hour

The first hour after birth is called the “Golden Hour.” During this special time, only mom, baby and one support person will be allowed in the room to promote a peaceful environment for resting and bonding.

Baby’s First Examination

After the first hour, your newborn will receive their first examination. At this time, your family can be present for baby’s first exam and measurements.

Your Pediatrician is Notified

We encourage you to select a pediatrician before your baby’s birth. Following your baby's birth, we will promptly notify your pediatrician. If you haven't chosen a pediatrician or one without hospital privileges, the on-call pediatrician will provide care for your newborn.

Transition to Your Hospital Room

You and your baby will remain in Labor and Delivery for about two hours before being transferred to your designated room for the remainder of your stay.

Your Mother Baby Room

Our Mother and Baby unit features comfortable rooms designed to help you and your family relax and recover after your baby’s arrival. Each room includes:

• A flat-screen TV
• Complimentary internet access
• A comfortable couch that converts into a twin bed for guests
• Individual room temperature control
• A newly renovated, private bathroom with a walk-in shower

We’re committed to making your stay as restful and convenient as possible during this special time.

How Long Will You Stay

Typically, you will be discharged between 24 and 48 hours after a vaginal delivery. For a cesarean, discharge usually occurs between 48 and 72 hours after surgery. However, exceptions may be made for shorter or longer stays based on your needs or preferences. Please discuss your discharge plans with your nurse.

Get Up and Walk

Within six hours of your birth, your nurse will help you get out of bed to walk around. Walking will improve your circulation and prevent blood clots.

You Will Be Visited Hourly

Your nurse or a care assistant will regularly come by to check on you. If you would like less frequent visitations, just let the nurse know.

When You Can Eat

After an uncomplicated vaginal birth, you’re welcome to eat whenever you feel ready.

If you’ve had a cesarean delivery, your nurse will start by offering liquids, and within six hours, you’ll be able to enjoy regular meals.

Visitors

Meals and Dining

Room Service
Room service is available to all patients throughout their stay, seven days a week, providing convenient and flexible dining options right in your room.

Celebration Meal
To celebrate the arrival of your baby, Texas Health Dallas offers a gourmet celebratory meal for parents to enjoy during their stay.

On-Campus Dining
Looking for additional meal options? Download our quick guide to explore the various dining choices available across the campus.

Breastfeeding Support and Pump Rentals

Breastfeeding Support
During your hospital stay, your nurse will be your main resource for breastfeeding education. In addition, certified lactation consultants are available seven days a week to provide personalized, one-on-one support in the comfort and privacy of your room.

To speak with a lactation consultant, call 214-345-2557.

Breast Pump Rentals
Texas Health Dallas offers Medela™ breast pumps for rent, along with a variety of nursing supplies and pump parts available for purchase. Your pump can even be delivered directly to your room before discharge.

For more information and pricing, please call 214-345-2580.

Breastfeeding Support Center
If you experience any feeding challenges or have questions after going home, you can schedule an appointment with a certified lactation consultant. Most insurance plans cover these services.

The Breastfeeding Support Center is located on the 5th floor of the Margot Perot Center at Texas Health Dallas.

To make an appointment, please call 214-345-2580.

Baby’s Screenings and Procedures

During your hospital stay, your baby will be examined daily by a pediatrician. If your pediatrician has privileges at the hospital, they or a member of their practice will visit you each day. If your pediatrician is not on the medical staff, an on-call pediatrician will provide care. Additionally, your newborn will undergo several tests, which may include:

• Blood screen (age 24 hours)
• Hearing screen
• Jaundice
• Heart screen (age 24 hours)
• Car-seat screen (when applicable)

Circumcision

If desired, circumcision for your baby boy can be performed during your hospital stay. In most cases, your baby will be returned to you within an hour after the procedure.

Where Baby Will Stay

At Texas Health Dallas, we prioritize minimizing the separation of mothers and their babies. We encourage moms to keep their babies in their hospital rooms, even at night, through a practice known as rooming-in. Many of your baby’s evaluations and examinations can occur in your room. This setup allows mothers to learn their baby’s cues while having staff available to answer questions and provide education. With support from our experienced nurses, parents can gain the skills needed to confidently care for their babies in the comfort of their hospital rooms.

Birth Certificate and Social Security

While you’re in the hospital, a coordinator will reach out to assist you with the paperwork needed to register your baby’s birth. You will receive documentation to submit to your insurance company.

Find more information on requesting your child’s birth certificate or social security information.

Even if your doctor gives the green light for discharge, there are important steps that must be completed to ensure your safety and security before you leave.

• Your baby’s heart screening and newborn screening test were completed at age 24 hours
• Your OB/GYN has visited and said you can go home
• The pediatrician has visited and said your baby can go home
• You rented a breast pump, if desired
• You have completed all necessary paperwork
• Your prescriptions have been ordered or sent to your pharmacy
• You have reviewed your medications with a nurse
• A nurse or technician has brought a wheelchair to take you to your car

Spacious Accommodations

The High-Risk Pregnancy Care Unit features 29 spacious, private rooms designed to provide a comfortable, hotel-like experience for patients who may require an extended stay. Each room includes amenities such as a personal refrigerator and stylish, functional furnishings to support rest and convenience. Patients also have access to gourmet room service, helping make their stay as pleasant and comfortable as possible.

Texas Health Dallas is committed to making each patient’s stay as comfortable and positive as possible. During your time with us, you’ll have access to a variety of supportive services, including:

• Room service dining for convenient and flexible meals
• Online childbirth education classes to help you prepare for your baby’s arrival
• Personalized tours of the NICU, if recommended