Entrance to Labor and Delivery

Labor and Delivery is on the second floor of the Main hospital building, near the North entrance located along Randol Mill Road (near the Emergency Room). There is an overhang where you can drop off the mother before parking your car. The Labor and Delivery unit can be found by taking the D or E elevators to the second floor.

Where to Enter

If you are arriving during daytime hours, park and enter through the main hospital entrance that faces Wright Street, directly across from Speer Elementary School. If arriving at night, park and enter through the Emergency Department located off Randol Mill Road. Once inside the hospital you can take the D or elevators to the second floor to Labor and Delivery.

Where to Park

There are several locations where you can park when arriving for your birth.

• South Parking Garage: This is a covered parking garage with ample parking and is located along Cooper Street and Fuller Street.
• Vandergriff Parking Garge: This parking garage is available for a fee.
• Valet Parking: Available at the main entrance of the hospital.
• Visitor Lot: This parking lot is located at the corner of Randol Mill Road and Cooper Street.

View hospital map.

Where to Check-In

From the Women’s Waiting Room, proceed down the hallway to the left towards the entrance. The entrance is locked. Use the phone on the wall to the right to call to be granted access. Proceed down the hallway to the nurse’s station and the nurses will direct you to the appropriate location.

When packing a labor bag, be sure to include:

• Driver’s license or ID card
• Insurance information
• Phone, camera, video camera and charging cables

Other items that may keep you comfortable during labor include:

• A deck of cards, books, magazines, music, tablet, etc.
• Bathrobe or labor gown
• Labor support tools
• Comfy slippers/socks (skid-proof)
• Snacks for your partner

Please note you will not need your luggage or car seat until after you are moved to your Mother/Baby hospital room.

Our goal is to maintain scheduled delivery dates. To provide excellent care to you during the birth of your child(ren), the scheduled time of your arrival might change. If there are any changes, we will call you (usually 1-2 hours before admission). We will also communicate any changes with your doctor. If you have questions or concerns about changes to your scheduled delivery, talk to your doctor.

The birth process — labor, birth and recovery — takes place in one of our uniquely designed and soothing private maternity suites located in the Women and Children’s Center.

What’s in Your Labor and Delivery Room

Our spacious suites comfortably accommodate birthing families and include:

• Flat-screen TV
• Free internet access
• A sleeper sofa that converts into a comfortable bed for a support person
• Private bathroom with a shower for comfort during labor
• Personal refrigerator
• Aromatherapy patches, available upon request.

Birth Plans

If you have a birth plan, share it with your nurse when you arrive at your labor room. You do not have to create one. We will try to follow your wishes as long as it does not interfere with the health and safety of you or the baby.

To record this special occasion, cameras and video recorders are allowed with the following stipulations:

• Your provider must consent to the video or photography, as well as any nurses or other providers in the room.
• The individual photographing or videotaping must sign the hospital’s Photographer/Videographer Agreement.
• Video photography will begin only when instructed by the provider or hospital staff.
• The photographer must obtain permission to photograph or videotape any hospital staff prior to doing so.
• Video photography in labor and delivery is limited to handheld devices (i.e., no tripods).

Please note that the provider or nurse may require an individual to stop photographing or videotaping at any time.

Pain Management Options

There is no medical best choice for how to manage pain during labor. Instead, it’s a question of what makes the most sense for you and your partner. If you find that you want additional pain management during your labor, the options available at Texas Health Arlington Memorial include:

• IV medication
• Epidurals

Labor Support Tools

Texas Health Arlington Memorial has birthing balls, labor bars and rocking chairs for use during labor. When you arrive at Labor and Delivery, please notify your nurse if you would like to use one of these items. We also encourage patients to bring other labor-support tools.

Laboring in the Shower

Texas Health Arlington has showers in all the Labor and Delivery suites. Laboring in warm water may provide some additional relief.

Expectant parents often find the support of a doula to be helpful. Doulas are trained in providing emotional and physical support and helping women to carry out their birth plans. Doulas are welcome at mom’s bedside as part of her care team and can be hired sometime during the pregnancy.

The Golden Hour

The first hour after birth is called the golden hour, when we encourage only mom, baby and one support person in the room to promote rest and relaxation.

Skin-to-Skin

As soon as possible after birth, nurses will place your baby skin-to-skin for at least an hour to allow time for the first feeding. Skin-to-skin time helps your newborn stay warm, stabilizes blood-sugar levels and is considered good for all babies.

Baby’s First Examination

After the first hour, your newborn will be examined inside your birth room, which will allow your family to be part of the baby’s first exam and measurement.

Your Pediatrician is Notified

After your baby's birth, your pediatrician will be notified that you have delivered. If you do not have a preselected pediatrician, or one without privileges at the hospital, your baby will be seen by the on-call pediatrician.

Transition to Postpartum Care

You and your baby will remain in Labor and Delivery for approximately two hours before transfer to the room where you will stay throughout your visit.

The Mother/Baby unit is as warm and inviting as are the family and friends that surround you.

Location and Parking

The Mother/Baby unit can be found by taking the D or E elevator to the second floor and using the phone on the wall to request access to a specific patient room.

What’s In Your Room

Our spacious Mother/Baby suites comfortably accommodate families and include:

• Flat-screen TV
• Free internet access
• Sleeper sofa that converts to a comfortable bed for overnight guests
• Large bathroom with a shower
• Aromatherapy patches available upon request
• Small refrigerator for breastmilk store or additional items

How Long You Will You Stay

Typically, you will be discharged between 24 and 48 hours after a vaginal delivery. For a cesarean, you can be discharged between 48 and 72 hours after surgery. Exceptions exist for shorter and longer hospital stays, if desired or needed. Talk with your nurse about when you hope to be discharged.

Get Up and Walk

Within six hours after giving birth, your nurse will help you to get out of bed to walk around. Walking will improve your circulation and prevent blood clots.

You Will be Visited Hourly

Your nurses or the patient care assistants will check on you about every hour. If you would like less frequent visitations, just let the nurse know.

When You Can Eat

After an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, you can eat as soon as you desire. After a cesarean birth, a nurse will offer liquids and within six hours will be eating regular food.

If You Had Surgery

If you had a surgery, such as a cesarean, a support person will need to stay with you in the room to help care for the baby. If a support person is not available, the baby will be taken to the nursery and returned for feedings.

Baby’s Screenings and Procedures

During your hospital stay, your baby will be examined by a pediatrician every day in your hospital room. If your pediatrician has privileges at the hospital, they or someone from their practice, will visit you daily. If your pediatrician is not on the medical staff, you will be visited by an on-call pediatrician. Additionally, your baby will have several tests completed during your stay that may include:

• Newborn blood screen (age 24 hours)
• Hearing screen
• Jaundice
• Heart screen (age 24 hours)
• Car-seat screen (when applicable).

Circumcision

Circumcision for a boy infant may be completed during the hospital stay, if desired. Your baby is returned to you typically within an hour of the procedure.

Delayed Bath

Texas Health Arlington Memorial will typically give a bath to the newborn about 8 hours after the birth.

Where the Baby Will Stay

Texas Health Arlington Memorial works to minimize separation of moms and babies. We encourage moms to keep their babies in their hospital rooms (including nighttime), a practice called rooming-in. Even your baby's evaluations and examinations may take place in your room. Moms also have an opportunity to learn their baby's cues with personnel nearby to answer questions and provide education. With support and guidance from experienced nurses, parents gain the skills needed to confidently care for their babies, in the comfort of their hospital rooms.

Baby Clothes

Feel free to dress your baby in clothes you brought from home. White shirts are available if needed.

Meals and On-Campus Dining

Moms staying in the Mother/Baby unit will receive meals three times a day. There are also snacks available for moms on the unit.

Download our quick guide to view on-campus dining options.

During your hospital stay, a coordinator will contact you to complete the necessary paperwork to record your baby’s birth. You will be given documentation that you can send to your insurance company. If you have not received a visit from the coordinator, talk with your nurse.

Get more information on requesting your child’s birth certificate or Social Security information.

Breastfeeding Support

During your hospital stay, your nurse will be the primary contact for breastfeeding education. Lactation consultants are also available seven days a week to provide one-on-one assistance in the privacy of your room. Outpatient consultations are also available once you and baby are home. Speak to a lactation consultant by calling 817-960-6561.

Breast Pump Rentals

Medela™ breast pumps are available to rent through our lactation support services. Speak to a lactation consultant by calling 817-960-6561.

Even if your doctor says you are ready to go home, there is still a process that must be completed for your safety and security.

Things to Discuss with Your Family and Nurse

Are you ready and do you have the things you need before going home? Discuss these questions with your family and if you have questions or concerns, discuss with your nurse.

• When do I think I will be going home (day and time)?
• How am I getting home?
• Who will help me at home?
• Do I have the supplies I need?

Steps That Happen on Discharge Day

• Your baby’s heart screening and newborn screening test were completed at age 24 hours
• The birth certificate coordinator has visited or you have been provided the information to meet with them later in the week
• Your OB/GYN will visit and let you know you can go home
• The pediatrician will visit and let you know the baby can go home
• You rented a breast pump, if desired
• Your newborn will have a hearing check completed
• You have completed all necessary paperwork
• Your prescriptions have been ordered or sent to your pharmacy
• You will review your medications with a nurse,

Take Home Meal

To make the transition from hospital to home a little easier on parents, Texas Health Arlington provides a take-home meal to families on your discharge day.

The Antepartum area is located inside the Labor and Delivery unit of the Women and Children’s Center, on the second floor of the hospital.

Each patient has a private room designed to provide comfort and convenience for those who may have a longer-than-expected stay. Room accommodations include a refrigerator, sleeper sofa for a guest and free internet access.

View the latest COVID-19 visitor guidelines.

Texas Health Arlington Memorial wants to help each long-term mom-to-be have an enjoyable stay. While staying in Antepartum unit, you will be cared for by an experienced multidisciplinary team that includes board-certified maternal-fetal specialists on the medical staff, and pastoral care, social services, case managers and dietitians. The team also works closely with your obstetrician, if needed, to assist with the birthing process. While a guest, feel free to request a personalized tour of the NICU.