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Childbirth at Mercy Hospital

The staff at Mercy Hospital is dedicated to making the birth of your baby an experience that you and your loved ones will always cherish.

With an expert medical team on your side, in addition to our advanced technology, you can be confident that you and your baby will receive the best care possible in a comfortable and compassionate setting.

Watch the video below for an overview of the amenities available at the Mercy Hospital Family BirthPlace.

Delivery

At Mercy Hospital, nine birthing rooms – equipped for labor, delivery and recovery – provide for the health and comfort of our patients. Several offer a Jacuzzi whirlpool tub, giving mom a higher level of relaxation before delivery.

After delivery, moms rest comfortably in one of our private rooms featuring private showers and other amenities.

Caretakers

Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) are present at all times to assist with the delivery process.

CNMs are trained in both nursing and midwifery and offer continuous hands-on assistance during labor and delivery. They monitor patients for safety and provide emotional and social support.

World Health Organization statistics show that births attended by midwives have lower infection rates, lower C-section rates, fewer complications and healthier outcomes. Click here to learn more about midwives.

During labor and delivery, a nurse may care for only two or three patients in order to provide individualized attention to each mom.

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News

• Catholic Health Participates in New Obstetrical Program to Keep Mothers and Babies Safe During Delivery – May 2012
• Mercy Hospital Named Among Best in Nation for Maternity Care and Gynecological Surgery – July 2011
• Kim Hazard Gives Birth on October 10, 2010 at 10:10 a.m.

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Birthing Positions

Moms may deliver in a variety of positions (side-lying, traditional, and more), depending on the preference of their physician and if an epidural is used, which decreases sensation in the lower half of the body and prevents certain positions from being achieved.

We will work with our patients to meet their goals while ensuring that their delivery is as safe and as comfortable as possible.

Pain Relief

To reduce pain during labor, moms may choose to have an epidural, which reduces sensation in the abdominal and genital and pelvic areas.

Patients who do not have an epidural may use one of four jacuzzis to provide pain relief and promote relaxation during labor. This technique, known as hydrotherapy, relaxes the muscles and decreases the pain of contractions. To be eligible for hydrotherapy, patients must meet certain medical criteria and both mom and baby must be medically stable.

Our four jacuzzi rooms are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If the jacuzzi rooms are occupied, each of our birthing rooms has a shower, which makes hydrotherapy possible.

Squat bars and birthing balls may be used in any of our birthing rooms. If you are interested in using these items to assist with your labor, please notify your nurse.

Birthing Coaches

We generally allow two visitors/coaches in the birthing room to support mom. However, the number of coaches depends on the preference of the patient's physician.

Video Chatting with Military Spouses / Partners

If the father of your baby will be overseas during your delivery, you may bring a laptop equipped with a webcam so that he may share in the birthing experience. For patients without access to a computer, arrangements can be made to borrow a laptop. Please make arrangements two weeks before your due date by contacting Mary Ann Murphy at (716) 828-2895.

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Wellness Articles

• Share the Gift of Life – Cord Blood & Placenta Donation

Ask Us Anything

• How do I know if I have postpartum depression?  Dr. Lynn-Marie Aronica responds.
• If I have diabetes, what precautions should I take during pregnancy? Dr. Bruce Rodgers responds.
• What foods should I eat during my pregnancy? Registered Dietitian Deborah Richter responds.
• If I had Postpartum Cardiomyopathy with a previous pregnancy, could it return in later pregnancies? Dr. Bruce Rodgers responds.
• Is it common to experience knee pain after pregnancy? Dr. Ali Ghomi responds.
• Is there a way to increase my chances of having a girl naturally? Dr. Scott Zuccala responds.
• I am pregnant and have pulmonary embolism. Is it possible to carry the baby to term? Dr. Paul Anain responds.
• What is the average recovery time for a C-section? Dr. Ali Ghomi responds.

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Post-Partum Care

The Family BirthPlace completed a major renovation in August 2009 that converted all patient rooms to private status and created luxurious Celebration Suites and a new family waiting area. Click here to view our photo gallery.

At Mercy Hospital, patient rooms feature exclusive amenities such as a private shower and bath. A sleeper sofa enables loved ones to visit in comfort while they offer their support and encouragement during this memorable occasion.

The Celebration suites, available at an additional charge of $100 per night, offer patients and their families all the comfort and amenities of upscale "hotel-like" accommodations to celebrate the arrival of their newborn. These rooms include:

• Flat screen TVs
• Private closets
• Showers and baths
• Dining areas complete with a refrigerator and hot beverage dispenser
• Double sleeper sofas for loved ones

The Celebration Suites are available on a first come, first serve basis to our patients. When you arrive in Labor and Delivery, let your nurse know of your preference and we will do everything possible to accommodate your request.

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Celebration Suite

Standard Room

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Care and Recovery

Two nurses' stations are located near patient rooms, placing your healthcare team closer to you and your baby.

A registered nurse dedicated to caring for you and your baby will help your new family embark on what will be a memorable life-long journey. Because this nurse coordinates your care as well as your baby’s, she can explain infant care techniques and point out different aspects of infant behavior right from the start. More importantly, she is there to address your healthcare needs, alleviate your concerns, and offer valuable encouragement and support.

Babies are encouraged to room with their parent, although they may be returned to the nursery, where they will receive care from the same registered nurse who cares for mom.

NICU

The Family BirthPlace is a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit equipped with state-of-the-art technology to provide exceptional care for your baby.

Our NICU sets us apart from other hospitals who cannot provide this level of care and who must transport actutely ill or premature babies to a different facility, separating mom and baby. At Mercy Hospital, both mother and child receive care at the same place and in a matter of minutes, resulting in the best outcomes possible.

The hospital also maintains a specialized perinatal testing unit and the latest in security technology.

 

Tours

Tours of the Family BirthPlace at Mercy Hospital should be arranged several weeks in advance of your due date. Please call HealthConnection at (716) 447-6205 to schedule your tour of the Family BirthPlace at Mercy Hospital.

If you are attending one of our Prepared Childbirth classes, you do not need to arrange a tour of the maternity department, as it is included as part of the program.

Becoming a Patient

To find a doctor who delivers at Mercy Hospital, click here to search our physician directory or contact our HealthConnection representatives at (716) 447-6205 from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday - Friday.