Labor and Delivery

Thank you for considering Bellevue Woman's Center as a memorable setting to welcome your baby into the world. Whether you are already an expectant mother or hoping to be one soon, this time promises to be unforgettable, full of new experiences as you plan for the arrival of a special new someone - your baby! If you are a first-time mom, you will have lots of questions about preparing for your new baby and taking good care of yourself. And for those of you who already have another child, you will be pleasantly surprised to find out about options available at Bellevue Woman's Care Center to custom-tailor your birth experience and make it the most fulfilling possible. The dedicated professionals at Bellevue Woman's Care Center understand the joys and challenges of childbirth and the needs of new families.

Bellevue Woman's Center is truly a special place to begin your baby's life.

Compassionate and Professional Care

Modern obstetrical care has moved mothers from the comfort and privacy of their homes to the clinical setting of the hospital. While offering improved care, the traditional hospital births often have left out the personal touches that make having a baby so memorable. Since the founding of Bellevue more than 75 years ago, our sincere goal is to make the birth of your baby an experience that will create wonderful memories for you and your family. We create a safe and personal environment of support for you as you welcome your new baby into the world.

Bellevue offers you a comfortable, home-like environment without sacrificing immediate access to medical technology. Mothers go through labor, give birth, and bond with their newborns in one comfortable suite. Family members and friends are encouraged to participate and offer support in the birth experience. What makes a birth special can be different for each family and for that reason we encourage you to share your vision with us so we can personalize your experience.

Many Healthcare Professionals are here to help you.

Our Labor and Delivery Nurses are experts in their field. Many of them have acquired specialized certifications in Obstetric Nursing. All of our staff are CPR and NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation) certified.

Neonatologists (physicians with additional training who specialize in newborn care) are on the premises or nearby on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to emergencies and insure continuous quality medical care for your baby. Respiratory Therapists are assigned to our nursery daily and available around-the-clock if needed.

Our dedicated staff of Anesthesiologists is available 24/7. There is an anesthesiologist dedicated to the Labor and Delivery Unit who remains at the center 24 hours a day to administer regional anesthesia such as epidurals, and to respond to any emergencies that may arise.

Caring with Your Comfort in Mind

The Labor and Delivery Staff at Bellevue Woman's Center encourage a variety of comfort measures for you to use during your labor. By educating yourself through prenatal classes and reading about your options, you will better understand your choices and be able to use the techniques that best suit your needs. Our staff of childbirth educators and registered nurses is available to assist you with your choices. Here are only some of the options and suggestions available to the laboring woman:

• Movement During Labor
  For a majority of women, walking and changing positions through the labor process is beneficial for emotional as well as physical comfort.
• Water Therapy
  Warm showers (with multiple shower head options and in-shower seating) are used to enhance relaxation and comfort. Many women have taken advantage of our relaxing hydrotherapy pool with both warm water and gentle jets.
• Massage
  Massage decreases tension, encourages relaxation and enhances the release of endorphins which create a greater sense of calm and well-being during labor.
• Music Therapy
  Music can enhance the mood and provide another pathway to relaxation. We have CD players and a collection of CDs for relaxation for you to use. You are invited to bring your favorite CDs from home.
• Therapeutic Laughter
  Sometimes a little entertainment is a helpful distraction during labor. We provide cable television in each room, for you and your guests.
• Comforting Connections
  Each laboring mother has a bedside telephone so that she can stay in touch with friends and family. In-coming calls can be held at your request. It's so nice to share the early newborn time to include family that's far away.
• Personal Requests
  
• Labor Ball
  Many mothers have their own large gym ball that they use during pregnancy to ease their back pain. Used during labor, our different styles of labor balls can increase comfort and relaxation which allows labor to more easily progress.
• Birthing Stool
  This is actually a space-age version of an ancient way that laboring mothers around the world found comfort in labor. The specially designed stool is close to the ground so that it allows you to assume a squatting position for comfort without extra stress or tiring of your legs.
• Pain Medication
  A wide variety of medications are available for you if needed during labor. You and your provider will be able to work together to help determine what is best to suit your needs.
• Analgesia and Anesthesia
  Continuous spinal epidurals are available around the clock as needed or desired.
• Helping Hands
  Some families bring a professionally trained labor support person who stays with them through the whole labor process and assists with getting to know the new baby.
• Tours
  Tours are available as regularly scheduled small group tours, or you can call and schedule a personal tour at a time convenient to you.
• Classes
  A wide variety of classes are available at Bellevue Woman's Care Center. Enrolling in classes helps you to plan for your baby's birth. Our Community Education Staff is eager to speak to you as soon as possible to inform you of what classes are available and when they are offered. Please call (518) 346-9410 for more information.
• Cesarean Section
  Sometimes the unexpected happens and a surgical birth becomes safest for you or your baby. Or, if you have given birth by cesarean section before, you may plan another cesarean section. Our operating room for cesarean delivery is located a few steps from our Labor and Delivery Unit. Your support person is included in our plans for a safe birth of your baby. After you and your support person meet and hold your new baby while still in the operating room, the new family is taken to a private recovery room. Once settled, grandparents and siblings can visit and also meet the brand new baby. If you plan to breastfeed your baby, you may wish to start right after birth, in the recovery room.

Bellevue Woman's Center: we love what we do. From the moment you arrive until the time you go home with your baby, our highly-skilled and experienced staff will support you.