Labor and Delivery

When the time comes, Woman’s delivers.

Through the years, Woman’s Hospital has delivered more than 230,000 babies, but we still treat every birth as the unique and special event that it is. Before the big day, we’ll make sure you know what to expect. Our family-centered maternity care allows your baby to room in with you throughout your stay at the hospital – and our patient rooms offer a comfortable, home-like setting along with the assurance of having the most advanced technology available.

Ask anyone who’s had a baby at Woman’s and they'll tell you our nurses are simply outstanding! Each receives the most advanced training and gives the most genuine, caring attention. It’s so extraordinary, it’s come to be known as “the Woman’s Touch.” From the time you register to the moment you go home, you’ll recognize that you’re surrounded by people who are happy to be part of the Woman’s family and are glad you’re here.

Check our Health Library for articles on Labor and Delivery, see our Community Calendar for all types of pregnancy, childbirth and family classes, and see Stages of Pregnancy for a checklist of things to do in each trimester. Be sure to sign up for OB Express, our streamlined preadmission registration for expectant mothers, and don’t miss the next Baby Grand event, your one-stop source for everything baby!

What to Bring to the Hospital

In the past few years, hospital stays have become shorter. Now, more than ever, it is important for you to be prepared for your hospital stay and take an active part in your recovery. Plan ahead on what comfort items you will need for your hospital stay. 

Decide which comfort items you will need and put them into one small bag. Plan to bring this bag with you to the hospital.

Then decide what items will be needed for you and baby during your hospital stay and for the trip home. Put these items into one suitcase and leave this suitcase locked in the trunk of your car until after baby is born. To help you with your plans, we’ve put together a list of items you may find helpful to commemorate and capture this special time.

Goodie Bag (Items needed for labor and birth):

• Camera and film
• List of who to call
• Camcorder, tape, and batteries
• Music and equipment to play tape or CD
• Copy of your birth plan that you and your doctor have agreed upon
• Labor support aids; for example, massage lotion and focal point
• Socks and slippers
• Personal hygiene items; for example, a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, lip balm,
• comb and brush, deodorant
• Books, cards
• Snacks for your partner or whomever will assist you in labor
• Baby book Important Papers to Include in the Goodie Bag:
• Packet of prenatal records from your doctor’s office
• Your copies of informed consents
• Current insurance card/information and driver's license
• Name of your baby’s pediatrician
• Copies of Advance Directive (if you have one)

Suitcase (Items needed after you move to mom/baby room):

• Socks, robe, nightgown, slippers, and underwear
• A comfortable support (or sports) bra; if breastfeeding, a nursing bra with pads
• Extra peri pads
• Toiletries, toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup, hair care products
• Baby mittens, socks or booties
• Pacifier, if desired
• Clothing for baby to wear while at the hospital and to wear home and a receiving blanket
• Books and magazines
• A small amount of money
• Clothing for Mom to wear home

Car seat

• Installed in the vehicle

If you are scheduled for a cesarean delivery

• We recommend slippers that you can just slide your feet into
• A comfortable set of loose-fitting clothes and cotton underpants to wear home; the waistbands should be loose and comfortable
• Leave your medications at home; asthma patients should bring their inhalers to the hospital
• Your favorite pillow or other comfort items (optional)

Please clearly label all items with your name.