Early planning and preregistering for your hospital admission will help to ensure a smooth transition when it’s time to deliver your baby. You may complete the preregistration process online at any time during your pregnancy, but the sooner the better. If you’ve reached the 4-month mark, it’s a great time to get this done and off your baby to-do list.

You will want to start by gathering relevant primary and secondary insurance information, the guarantor’s personal and employment specifics and emergency contact numbers.

If you have any questions about preregistration or costs associated with your stay, you may reach out to our financial counselor at 817-556-5436.

Where to Park

Labor and Delivery is located inside the secure Ann Marti Schmidt Women and Infants’ Services Unit on the fourth floor of the hospital. Moms arriving for care during daytime hours should park near the main hospital entrance. If arriving at night (5 p.m. to 5 a.m.), or on the weekend, you should park and enter at the Emergency Room entrance.

View hospital map.

Where to Check-In

Families should check in at the Emergency Room to be evaluated and directed to the appropriate location. If you are arriving for a scheduled cesarean or induction, you should go straight to Labor and Delivery on the fourth floor.

Upon check-in, you will receive a three-digit security code to be used by your family and visitors for future admission to the unit. You will then be escorted to the secure unit by a caregiver.

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.

Your Labor and Delivery Room

The Ann Marti Schmidt Women and Infants’ Services Unit is as warm and inviting as the family and friends that surround you. Each tranquil suite comfortably accommodates birthing families and includes:

• Flat screen TV
• Free internet access
• Individual, full-size bathroom with shower
• Comfortable accommodation for overnight guests
• Temperature control for your room
• Aromatherapy

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.

For the safety and security of you and your family, all entrances to the Ann Marti Schmidt Women and Infants’ Services Unit are locked and under constant video surveillance. View the latest COVID-19 visitor guidelines.

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

• Your provider must consent to the video or photography, as well as any nurses or providers in the room. Only hand-held devices are allowed in Labor and Delivery (no tripods).

Please note that the provider or nurse may require an individual to stop photographing or videotaping at any time.

Pain Management Options

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 Cleburne include:

• IV medication
• Epidurals
• Nitrous oxide
• Hydrotherapy (laboring in water).

Labor Support Tools

This is your birth experience and we want you to be comfortable. We have birthing balls, peanut balls, birthing stools and labor bars and encourage you to bring other labor-support tools including a birth gown, music players, pillow, blanket, essential oils for aromatherapy, 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 bedside 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 Cleburne, please remember the following:

• Do not eat or drink at least eight hours before the procedure or the procedure may be rescheduled, possibly to another day
• After check-in, you will be prepared approximately two hours prior to the procedure.

Scheduled Cesarean Births

If you have a scheduled cesarean, go directly to Labor and Delivery on the fourth floor. You will be taken to your room, where you will remain for approximately two hours. During this time, the nurses will monitor the baby and check your vitals, and you will receive an epidural before being taken to the operating room.

In the operating room, one support person may be present for the surgery unless there are any safety concerns. Typically, you will be in the operating room for about one hour. After the surgery you will be moved back to your Labor and Delivery room with your baby and support person.

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

Gentle Cesarean Birth

For those who need a cesarean birth, Texas Health Cleburne offers a type of cesarean that aims to create a birth experience similar to a vaginal delivery, called a gentle cesarean. If you are interested in this type of experience, please discuss it with your doctor.

The Golden Hour

The first hour after birth is called the golden hour, when we encourage 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. Texas Health Cleburne routinely practices delayed cord clamping with mom and baby skin-to-skin contact.

Baby’s First Examination

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

You Pediatrician is Notified

After your baby's birth, your pediatrician will be notified that you have delivered. Texas Health Cleburne also has pediatricians available to care for babies during your hospital stay. Your hospital records and testing results will be shared with your pre-selected pediatrician. (You will provide their information during admission.)

Your Mother and Baby Room

Your Mother and Baby room is as inviting as the family and friends that surround you. Each spacious room comfortably accommodates a family during their hospital stay and includes:

• Flat-screen TV
• Free internet access
• Couch that converts into a comfortable twin bed
• Individual, full-size bathroom
• Temperature control for your room

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.

When You Can Eat

After an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, you can eat as soon as you desire. Following a cesarean, a nurse will offer liquids and within six hours, you will be eating regular food.

Baby's Screenings and Procedures

During your hospital stay, your baby will be examined by a pediatrician every day. 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 Cleburne 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.

View the latest COVID-19 visitor guidelines.

Celebratory Meal

The arrival of a new baby is one of life’s most important milestones. Welcome your new baby with a complimentary celebratory meal for mom and one support person. A menu will be provided and vegetarian options are available.

Additional Dining Options

There is a cafeteria on campus and a grab-and-go Micro Mart that offers quick self-serve food items 24 hours a day.

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 and a certified lactation consultant is on staff to support you in meeting your breastfeeding goals.

Breast Pumps

Texas Health Cleburne has Medela™ breast pumps, nursing supplies and pump parts available for sale. For more information, hours and pricing, please call 817-556-5422.

Even if your doctor says 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
• You have provided the name of your pediatrician to the nurse
• Your OB/GYN has visited and said you can go home
• The pediatrician has visited and said your baby can go home
• You have made an appointment with your baby’s pediatrician for a follow-up visit
• 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