Labor and delivery

Gone are the days of clinical-feeling labor and childbirth rooms. Our luxurious, private birthing suites are meant to feel like home. Moms can comfortably labor and recover in one location. Babies can stay in the suites, sometimes called "rooming-in," as much as possible to foster bonding with parents.

Birthing suites may vary by hospital location, but typically include:

• A private bathroom
• Comfortable sleeping cots
• Additional amenities to personalize this special time, such as a celebratory gourmet meal for the new parents

Laboring options

We consider and accommodate your childbirth choices: vaginal birth, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) or cesarean, also called C-section. In the event of a C-section, our OB/GYNs and surgical teams use a special surgical drape that allows for immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth.

Safety is our top priority, but we encourage moms to labor in whatever ways make them most comfortable. Some of the options and spa-like amenities we provide during and after giving birth can include:

• Aromatherapy — This is the practice of using essential oil aromas, such as lavender, to comfort and calm mothers during labor.
• Birthing balls/peanut balls — Inflatable balls are used to help laboring mothers settle into comfortable positions.
• Lullaby button — To celebrate your newborn, we provide a lullaby button you may push to announce the safe arrival of your baby.
• Music therapy — Music can be played during labor to help moms feel calm and reduce anxiety.
• Newborn photos — A professional photographer will take photos of your newborn which will be digitally available for purchase (there are no sitting fees or obligations to purchase).
• Nitrous oxide — Laboring mothers have access to nitrous oxide, an alternative to an epidural.
• Wireless fetal/maternal monitoring — A belt-free, wireless monitor solution allows greater freedom of movement during labor and a more comfortable birthing experience.

Advanced maternity care

Expectant mothers with high-risk pregnancies receive excellent and highly skilled antepartum care at TriStar Health hospitals. During childbirth, maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists may be present to assist with any complications for mom or baby.

We also house a maternal special care unit at TriStar Centennial near downtown Nashville. This unit's focus is on the prevention and treatment of pregnancy complications.

Neonatal intensive care unit

For babies who need a little more support and focused care after birth, we have neonatal intensive care units (NICU), including Level III NICU care at TriStar Centennial Medical Center, in our hospitals. NICUs are designated between Level I and Level IV by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The well-baby nursery, also known as a Level I NICU, is where exams and testing are done for the baby, but otherwise the baby may room-in with mom as often as possible. If the baby does need to stay in NICU to get the care they need, we offer newborn monitoring.

Breastfeeding and lactation support

Breastfeeding is an important part of the postpartum experience. Our breastfeeding support services are provided by nurses who are International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) to help moms learn proper positioning and latching techniques. We also provide breastfeeding support groups and classes that explain the equipment involved and how to use it.

Breast milk offers many benefits not found in formula. Mothers who may naturally have less milk supply can still get breast milk from a donor.

Some reasons we encourage breastfeeding are:

• Infection-fighting nutrients, enzymes and hormones are passed from mom to baby.
• Antibodies in breast milk make it easier for babies to fight off viruses.
• The "first milk" produced is called colostrum. In addition to having essential nutrients, it also helps the baby's digestive tract develop.
• Breast milk is easier for babies to digest than formula.
• Breast milk adjusts to the needs of the baby, such as a higher mineral content being produced for premature babies.
• Breastfeeding encourages continued bonding.
• Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer for mom.
• It may reduce the baby's risk of asthma and obesity and later in life.
• Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, which helps the mother's uterus return to its original size.

We also provide comprehensive prenatal care throughout your pregnancy. This includes ongoing appointments to manage existing conditions and prevent or address issues that can develop while you are pregnant. Our prenatal services also include childbirth and newborn care classes and guided tours of our birthing centers to help expecting parents and their families prepare for the arrival of their new addition.

Register for a childbirth class or sign up for a maternity tour.