Where to Park

The Center for Women is located on the west side of the main hospital building, next to the Emergency Department. There is free parking in front of the building.

Where to Check-In

• If you have a scheduled induction or c-section, go to the information desk located inside the Women’s Center and they can direct you to the appropriate location. The Women’s Center is located on the west side of the main hospital building, next to the Emergency Department, and is open Monday-Friday, 5:00am – 9:00pm.
• For an unscheduled visit or evaluation, please go to the OBED. You will enter through the main Emergency Department entrance located to the right of the Women’s Center. This entrance is open 24/7.

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 Labor and Delivery Room

Our spacious Labor and Delivery suites can comfortably accommodate you and your family. Each suite includes:

• Flat-screen TV’s with a USB port for your streaming devices
• Free internet access
• Rocking chair
• Recliner
• Individual, full-size bathroom
• Temperature control for your suite

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 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 and video recorders are allowed with the following conditions:

• Your provider and any nurses or providers in the room must consent to the video or photography.
• The individual recording the birth must sign the hospital’s Photographer/Videographer Agreement.
• The individual must obtain permission to photograph or videotape any hospital staff before doing so.
• Video or photography can begin only when allowed by the provider or hospital staff.
• Only hand-held devices are allowed in Labor and Delivery (no tripods).

Please note that the provider or nurse may require the 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 Denton include:

• IV medication
• Epidurals
• Nitrous oxide

The nurses will also assist with additional pain relief methods such as massage, changing positions, breathing, etc.

Labor Support Tools

Expectant parents often find it helpful to have the support of a doula.

Texas Health Denton has birthing balls, peanut balls and labor bars for use during labor and invites you to bring other labor-support tools. When you arrive at Labor and Delivery, please notify your nurse if you would like to use one of them.

Expectant parents often find it helpful to have the support of a doula. 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.

Before Your Delivery

If you are having a scheduled induction or cesarean at Texas Health Denton, 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

When you arrive, tell the admissions staff you are there for a scheduled procedure. 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 the doctor who will administer your anesthesia will visit to discuss your options before you are taken to the operating room.

Typically, two physicians, two nurses, an anesthesiologist and a certified surgery technician are in the operating room. One support person may be in the operating room during the surgery, as long as there are no safety concerns. Typically, you will be in the operating room for about one hour. After the surgery you will be moved to a recovery room with your baby and support person. You will remain in recovery for approximately two hours. If there are no safety concerns, you will have skin-to-skin time with your newborn to establish the first feeding.

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

Gentle Cesarean Birth

For expectant moms who need a C-section, Texas Health Denton offers a gentle cesarean. This type of cesarean aims to create a birth experience that is similar to a vaginal delivery. Your nurse can give more details if you are interested in this type of experience.

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

After your baby's birth, we will notify your pediatrician that you have delivered your baby. 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 Mother and Baby Care

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

Your Mother and Baby Room

The Center for Women is as inviting as the family and friends that surround you. Each spacious room comfortably accommodates families during their hospital stay and includes:

• Flat-screen TV with an outlet for a USB port for streaming device
• Free internet access
• Rocking chair
• 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 of giving birth, your nurse will help you to 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 check on you about every hour. 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. After a cesarean birth, 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. 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

During your hospital stay you will be given a referral to Cook Children's Medical Center for your baby's circumcision, if desired.

Where Baby Will Stay

Texas Health Denton works to minimize 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. Moms also have an opportunity to learn their baby's cues with personnel nearby to answer questions and provide education. With support and guidance from experienced nurses, parents gain the skills needed to confidently care for their babies, in the comfort of their hospital rooms.

We offer a food service menu that allows moms to phone-in their orders, which are then delivered at mealtime. For an additional charge, a support person can also order a meal. There is on-campus dining as well, including the Vibe Fresh Market waiting area, located in Labor and Delivery, that offers quick self-serve food items 24 hours a day.

To view on-campus dining options, download our quick guide.

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 940-898-7142.

Breast Pump Rentals

Breast pumps are available to rent through our lactation support services. Speak to a lactation consultant by calling 940-898-7142.

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
• 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

Location

Each high-risk mom-to-be has a private room inside the Labor and Delivery department, where she receives specialized care from nurses trained in high-risk pregnancies.

What’s in Your Room

The Center for Women offers long-term stays in hotel-like surroundings with room service dining. Each mom-to-be has a private room designed to provide comfort and convenience. Each room includes:

• Flat-screen TV with a USB port for streaming devices
• Free internet access
• Rocking chair
• Couch that converts into a comfortable twin bed
• Individual, full-size bathroom
• Temperature control for your room

Visiting Hours

View the latest COVID-19 visitor guidelines.

While staying in The Center for Women, you will be cared for by an experienced multidisciplinary team that includes:

• Board-certified maternal-fetal specialists on the medical staff
• Neonatal physicians on the medical staff
• Patient care managers
• Dietitians
• Pastoral care
• Social services

The team will work closely with your obstetrician, if needed, to assist with managing your prenatal care.

Texas Health Denton wants to help each mom-to-be have an enjoyable long-term stay. While a guest, the following services are available:

• Space provided for baby showers
• Room service for mom
• Personalized tours of the NICU (if desired)
• Online childbirth education classes
• Crafting activities