Be sure to bring:

• Driver’s license or ID card
• Insurance information
• Phone, camera, and charging cables
• Other items that may keep you comfortable during labor such as a robe, snacks for your support person, music, etc.

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

Texas Health Hospital Mansfield is committed to supporting the birth experience that feels right for you and your family. Each spacious labor-delivery-recovery suite is designed for comfort and convenience, offering room for loved ones to stay close, along with advanced fetal monitoring and charting technology, enhanced infant security and a unit secured 24/7.

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.

Pain Management Options

Pain during labor is different for every person, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing it. The best choice is the one that aligns with your needs and comfort level. For those who would like medical pain relief during labor, options at Texas Health Mansfield include epidurals and anesthesia.

Expectant mothers are allowed one primary support person and up to three additional visitors. Regular visiting hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with quiet hours between 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Scheduled Cesarean Births

When you arrive, please inform the admissions staff that you're here for a scheduled cesarean procedure. 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 doctors, 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 Birth

For expectant mothers who need a C-section, Texas Health Mansfield 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.

The Golden Hour

After delivery, you’ll remain in your private labor, delivery and recovery room, where you can rest comfortably and share those first special moments with your baby. Texas Health Mansfield recognizes the important role loved ones play in the birth experience while also encouraging uninterrupted bonding time for mother and baby during the first hour after birth before additional visitors arrive.

Quiet Time

Each day from 1 to 3 p.m., daily snuggle time creates a calm environment with dimmed lights and limited interruptions. This dedicated quiet time gives you and your baby a chance to rest, bond and begin getting to know one another.

How Long You Will 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 giving birth, your nurse will assist you in getting out of bed to walk around. Walking helps improve circulation and reduces the risk of blood clots.

You Will Be Visited Hourly

Your nurses or patient care assistants will check on you approximately every hour. If you prefer less frequent visits, please let your nurse know.

Breastfeeding Support

During your hospital stay, your nurse will be your main resource for breastfeeding education. Breastfeeding is a journey, and support is available every step of the way through classes, a warm line for questions or concerns, lactation support and additional resources. To schedule an appointment with a lactation consultant, call 682-341-5400, or explore more resources here.

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)

Where Baby Will Stay

At Texas Health Mansfield, rooming-in gives you and your baby more time together to rest, bond and get to know one another. Many newborn evaluations take place in your room, with caring nurses available to answer questions and support you as you begin caring for your baby.

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 or midwife 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 or midwife 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