When your labor begins, follow your provider’s instructions on when to go to the hospital. In an emergency, please go to the Emergency Room entrance.

Where to Park

Labor and Delivery is located on the fourth floor of the hospital. Moms arriving for labor during daytime hours should park near the main entrance to the hospital. When arriving at night, you should park near and enter at the Emergency Room.

Where to Check In

Families should check in at the main hospital admissions desk on the first floor of the hospital or in Labor and Delivery on the fourth floor of the hospital.

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.

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.

Your Labor and Delivery Room

Your birth process takes place in one of our uniquely designed and soothing private maternity suites located in Labor and Delivery. Each spacious suite comfortably accommodates a family and includes:

• Flat-screen TVs
• Free internet access
• Individual, full-size bathroom
• Spacious shower for comfort during labor
• Sleeper chair or couch that converts to a bed for overnight guests
• Temperature control for each suite

Birth Plans

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

Documenting this special occasion is important for many of our families. Cameras are allowed with the following conditions:

• Your provider and any nurses or other providers in the room must consent to the photography.
• The individual recording the birth must sign the hospital’s Photographer Agreement.
• Photography can begin only when allowed by the provider or hospital staff.
• The photographer must obtain permission from hospital staff before taking their picture.
• Only hand-held devices are allowed in Labor and Delivery (no tripods).

Texas Health Alliance does not allow the birth to be videotaped. Please note that the provider or nurse may require an individual to stop photographing at any time.

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 Alliance include:

• Natural pain relief
• Epidurals
• IV medication

Labor Support Tools

Texas Health Alliance has birthing balls and labor bars. We welcome patients who wish to bring other labor-support tools including a birth gown, music players, aromatherapy (lavender is not allowed due a severe allergy), etc.

*Texas Health Alliance does not currently offer nitrous oxide or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain management.

The Golden Hour

The first hour after birth is called the golden hour, when we allow only mom, baby and one support person in the room to promote rest and relaxation.

Skin-to-Skin

As soon as possible after birth, nurses will place your baby skin-to-skin for at least an hour to allow time for the first feeding. Skin-to-skin time helps your newborn stay warm, stabilizes blood-sugar levels and is considered good for all babies.

Baby’s First Examination

After the first hour, your newborn will be examined in your birth room, which will allow your family to be part of the baby’s first exam and measurement.

Your Pediatrician is Notified

Your pediatrician will be notified about your delivery. If you do not have a preselected pediatrician or one with privileges at the hospital, your baby will be seen by the on-call pediatrician.

Transition to Your Hospital Room

You and your baby will remain in Labor and Delivery for about one to two hours before being moved to the room where you will stay throughout your visit.

What’s In Your Room

The Mother and Baby rooms are as warm and inviting as the family and friends that surround you. Each room includes:

• TV
• Free internet access
• Individual, full-size bathroom
• Android tablet at bedside
• Refrigerator
• Sleeper chair or couch that converts into a comfortable bed
• Temperature control for your room
• Safe for valuables

How Long You Will Stay

Typically, you will be discharged between 24 and 48 hours after a vaginal delivery. For a cesarean, you can be discharged between 48 and 72 hours after surgery. Exceptions exist for shorter and longer hospital stays, if desired or needed. Talk with your nurse about when you hope to be discharged.

Get Up and Walk

Within six hours after giving 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 nurses or the patient care assistants will regularly come by to check on you. If you would like less frequent visitations, just let the nurse know.

Baby’s Screenings and Procedures

During your hospital stay, your baby will be examined by a pediatrician every day. If your pediatrician has privileges at the hospital, they or someone from their practice will visit you daily. If your pediatrician is not on the medical staff, you will be visited by an on-call pediatrician. In addition, your newborn will have several tests that may include:

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

Circumcision

Circumcision for a boy infant may be completed during the hospital stay, if desired. Your baby is returned to you typically within an hour of the procedure.

Where Baby Will Stay

Texas Health Alliance works to minimize the separation of moms and babies. We encourage moms to keep their babies in their hospital rooms (including nighttime), a practice called rooming-in. Even your baby's evaluations and examinations may take place in your room, giving you an opportunity to learn your baby's cues with hospital staff nearby to answer questions and provide education. If you have a cesarean, a support person will need to stay with you for the first 24 hours to help care for the baby.

Celebration Meal

The arrival of a new baby is one of life’s most important milestones. To help celebrate this momentous occasion, Texas Health Alliance offers a celebratory meal for the new mom and a support person. The meal will be brought into the room on a specially decorated table.

Room Service Dining

Moms can order Gourmet Café Room Service dining during their stay. Room service dining is available seven days a week.

Additional Dining Options

There is a Fresh Market Café available 24/7 as well as the Allianz Café and Coffee Shop. Download our quick guide to view available hours.

An Android tablet is available to moms who may want to learn more about the birthing process through educational videos.

Tablets may also be used to:

• Watch Netflix movies (for current account holders)
• Order room service
• Adjust the room temperature
• Access the internet
• Skype (for current account holders)

Please check with nursing personnel for access information.

Patient Concierge is our unique complimentary service offered to moms throughout their stay at Texas Health Alliance. Let our concierge service tend to housekeeping requests (Need an additional pillow? No problem!), support you in the use of room amenities, assist in getting you to hospital services such as the Fresh Market or coffee area, or provide other comforts of home to help during your stay. Your caregivers are happy to put you in touch with concierge assistance.

During your hospital stay, a coordinator will contact you to complete the necessary paperwork to record your baby’s birth. You will be given documentation that can be sent to your insurance company.

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

Breastfeeding Support

During your hospital stay, your nurse will be the primary contact for breastfeeding education. Certified lactation consultants are also available seven days a week to provide one-on-one assistance in the privacy of your room. Speak to a lactation consultant by calling 682-212-3483.

Breast Pump Rentals

Medela™ breast pumps, nursing supplies and pump parts are available to rent through our lactation support services. Speak to a lactation consultant by calling 682-212-3483.

Even if your doctor declares you are ready to go home, there is still a process that needs to be completed for your safety and security.

Things to Discuss with Your Family

Are you ready and do you have the things you need before going home? Discuss these questions with your family (If you have questions or concerns, please talk with your nurse):

• When do I think I will be going home (day and time)?
• How am I getting home?
• Who will help me at home?
• Do I have the supplies I need?

Steps That Happen on Discharge Day

Before you go home, the following must be completed:

• 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.

When complications develop during a pregnancy, Texas Health Alliance provides quality and comfortable care for expectant moms. Whether you have an increased risk of complication, such as a multiple birth or high-risk pregnancy, or a pre-existing medical condition, we offer compassionate support throughout your pregnancy.

You will be cared for by an experienced multidisciplinary group that includes:

• Board-certified maternal-fetal specialists and neonatal physicians on the medical staff
• Pastoral care
• Social services
• Case managers
• Dietitians

The team will work closely with your obstetrician, if needed, to assist with the birthing process.

For mothers facing long stays during their pregnancy, Texas Health Alliance offers a number of classes, activities and educational opportunities to help pass the time, provide support and prepare for the arrival of the baby.  While a guest, the following services are available:

• Craft support groups
• Childbirth education offered at bedside
• Bedside baby showers
• Personalized tours of the NICU (if desired)