Delivery and immediate postpartum recovery

Your nurse will remain in contact with other members of your health care team during your labor. Labor can take many hours, and the nursing staff will support you during this time. As you near the time of delivery, staff will call your provider.  Your support person is welcome to be present during your labor and delivery. It is important for your health care team to have enough space for equipment to provide you and your newborn with the safest care possible. Because of this, the number of support people in the room during delivery may be limited. Ask your provider if you hope to have more than one support person. Ask your provider if you wish to take photos during delivery.

If your labor is not progressing after several hours or birth center staff feel it is necessary to have a cesarean section birth, you will be moved to the operating room.

After you deliver, your nurse will assess your vital signs, fundus (feeling through your abdomen for the top of your uterus) and lochia (bloody discharge from your uterus that flows out your vagina) several times for a few hours to ensure your body is recovering as expected. Breastfeeding moms are encouraged to nurse as soon as possible after delivery. Your nurse will help you, as needed.

After you've had time to recover, you will receive liquids or food, depending on your type of delivery and as tolerated.