When your labor begins, follow your physician’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 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.) should park near the main entrance to the hospital. When arriving at night (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.), 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.

What to Bring With You

When packing a labor bag, include your photo ID, insurance information and any items to occupy you and your partner during labor. You do not need to bring your luggage or car seat to the labor room.

Paperwork at Check-In

Even if you have preregistered, you will need to check in at the registration desk. After completing some paperwork, the charge nurse will direct you to the appropriate location.

Your Labor Room

Your birth process — labor, birth and recovery — takes place in one of our uniquely designed and soothing private maternity suites located in Labor and Delivery. Each spacious suite comfortably accommodates a birth 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

Make Yourself at Home

This is your birth experience, and we want you to be comfortable. Feel free to bring your own labor support tools, birth gown, music players, aromatherapy (lavender is not allowed due a severe allergy), etc.

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.

Visitors during Labor

At Texas Health Alliance, our family-centered maternity care philosophy embraces the important role of the whole family — mother, father, siblings and grandparents — in the birth of your child. Please make sure that an adult other than your support person accompanies any children.

Visitors during the Birth

• Two visitors may be present in the delivery room during a vaginal delivery.
• Only one visitor may be present in the operating room during a cesarean.

If You Want Visitors Limited

If you would like visitors limited, notify your nurse. The unit has locked access and visitors must be buzzed in.

Family Lounges

There are two family lounges with vending machines and comfortable seating.

One lounge is near the Labor and Delivery entrance, and the other is by the main visitor elevators on the fourth floor.

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

• Your medical 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 physician 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 physician 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.

Pain Management Options at Texas Health Alliance

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

Learn more about pain management options.

Labor Support Tools

Texas Health Alliance has birthing balls and labor bars. We welcome patients who wish to bring other labor-support tools.

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 birth. 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.

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

Pain Management during Your Stay

We encourage you to be proactive about your pain management while you are at Texas Health Alliance. If you experience discomfort, please tell your nurse as soon as possible. Your nurse will discuss options for safely reducing your pain.

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.

Location and Parking

Throughout the birthing process, you will be in the Labor and Delivery unit, located on the 4th floor of the hospital. After recovery, mom and baby will be moved together to the Mother/Baby unit (postpartum) also located on the 4th floor.

What’s In Your Room

The Labor and Delivery and 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

Visitors are encouraged throughout the day, however the Mother and Baby unit has Quiet Time daily from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to give parents a time to rest and bond with their babies. During this time the hall lights are dimmed and there are minimal interruptions by staff. Nurses and physicians, however, will still enter as needed. We encourage you not to have visitors during Quiet Time so that you can rest.

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 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

Additional Dining Options

A Fresh Market is a come-and-go vending machine area that has snacks and is accessible 24 hours a day. The Allianz Café offers on-campus dining for guests during the week. Our Coffee Shop brews Starbucks® specialty coffees and teas.

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.

Texas Health does not keep a copy of the birth certificate or Social Security information.

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.

Typical Length of 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 the surgery. Exceptions exist for shorter and longer hospital stays, if desired or needed. Talk with your nurse about when you hope to be discharged.

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
• 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)

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you or your baby might be at increased risk of health problems before, during or after delivery.

Learn more about navigating a high-risk pregnancy and what it means for your care.