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Where to Park

The Center for Women is located on the west side of the main hospital building, next to the Emergency Department. There is free parking in front of the building. View map.

Where to Check-In

• Scheduled Induction or C-Section: If you have a scheduled induction or cesarean, please visit the information desk inside the Center for Women. The Center for Women is located on the west side of the main hospital building, next to the Emergency Department. It is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Unscheduled Visit or Evaluation: For unscheduled visits or evaluations, please proceed to the OBED. Enter through the main Emergency Department entrance, located to the right of the Center for Women. This entrance is open 24/7.

Items to Bring With You to Labor and Delivery

Be sure to bring:

• 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 do not need to bring your luggage or car seat to your room until after delivery.

We are here to help you have the birth experience that best fits your wishes and needs.

What’s in Your Room

Our spacious Labor and Delivery suites can comfortably accommodate you and your family. Each suite includes:

• Rocking chair
• Recliner
• Individual, full-size bathroom
• Temperature control for your suite
• Tv and internet access

Birth Plans

If you have a birth plan, please 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 they do not interfere with the health and safety of you or the baby.

Visitors

Filming and Photography

Capturing this special moment is important for many families. Cameras and video recorders are permitted under the following guidelines:

• Your provider and any nurses or providers in the room must consent to the video or photography.
• The individual recording the birth must sign the hospital’s Photographer/Videographer Agreement.
• The individual must obtain permission to photograph or videotape any hospital staff before doing so.
• Video or photography can begin only when allowed by the provider or hospital staff.
• Only hand-held devices are allowed in Labor and Delivery (no tripods).

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

Pain Management and Labor Support Tools

There is no medical “best choice for managing pain during labor. Everyone has different pain thresholds. Instead, it’s a question of what makes the most sense for you. If you find that you want additional pain management during labor, the options available at Texas Health Denton include:

• IV medication
• Epidurals
• Nitrous oxide

Texas Health Denton has birthing balls, peanut balls and labor bars for use during labor.

Expectant parents often find it helpful to have the support of a doula. 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.

Before Your Delivery

If you are scheduled for an induction or cesarean at Texas Health Denton, please keep the following in mind:

• Do not eat or drink anything at least eight hours before your procedure.
• After check-in, you will be prepared approximately two hours prior to the procedure.

Scheduled Cesarean Births

When you arrive, please inform the admissions staff that you're here for a scheduled cesarean procedure. You will be taken to your room, where you’ll stay for approximately two hours. During this time, nurses will monitor your baby, and your anesthesiologist will meet with you to discuss your options before you head to the operating room.

In the operating room, you can expect a team that typically includes two physicians, two nurses, an anesthesiologist, and a certified surgical technician. One support person may accompany you during the surgery, provided there are no safety concerns. The procedure generally lasts about one hour.

After surgery, you and your baby, along with your support person, will be moved to a recovery room, where you will remain for approximately two hours. If there are no safety concerns, you will have skin-to-skin contact with your newborn to facilitate the first feeding.

Learn more about what to expect before, during and after your c-section.

Gentle Cesarean Birth

For expectant moms who need a C-section, Texas Health Denton offers a gentle cesarean option. This type of cesarean aims to create a birth experience that mirrors a vaginal delivery. If you're interested, your nurse can provide additional details.

The Golden Hour

The first hour after birth is called the “Golden Hour.” During this special time, only mom, baby and one support person will be allowed in the room to promote a peaceful environment for resting and bonding.

Skin-to-Skin

Immediately after birth, your baby will be placed skin-to-skin with you for at least one hour. This intimate contact facilitates the first feeding, keeps your newborn warm, stabilizes blood sugar levels and is beneficial for all babies.

Baby’s First Examination

After the first hour, your newborn will receive their first examination. At this time, your family can be present for baby’s first exam and measurements.

Your Pediatrician is Notified

Following your baby's birth, we will promptly notify your pediatrician. If you haven't chosen a pediatrician or one without hospital privileges, the on-call pediatrician will provide care for your newborn.

Transition to Mother and Baby Care

You and your baby will remain in Labor and Delivery for about two hours before being transferred to your designated room for the remainder of your stay.

Your Mother and Baby Room

The Center for Women offers a welcoming atmosphere, complemented by the support of your family and friends. Each spacious room is designed for comfort and includes:

• Rocking chair
• Couch that converts into a comfortable twin bed
• Individual, full-size bathroom
• Temperature control for your room
• TV and internet access

How Long You Will Stay

Typically, you will be discharged between 24 and 48 hours after a vaginal delivery. For a cesarean, discharge usually occurs between 48 and 72 hours after surgery. However, exceptions may be made for shorter or longer stays based on your needs or preferences. Please discuss your discharge plans with your nurse.

Get Up and Walk

Within six hours of giving birth, your nurse will assist you in getting out of bed to walk around. Walking helps improve circulation and reduces the risk of blood clots.

You Will Be Visited Hourly

Your nurses or patient care assistants will check on you approximately every hour. If you prefer less frequent visits, please let your nurse know.

Visitors

Meals and Dining

We a food service menu that allows moms to place phone-in orders, which are delivered at mealtime. For an additional charge, a support person can also order a meal. Additionally, there is on-campus dining available, including provide the Vibe Fresh Market waiting area in Labor and Delivery, which offers quick self-serve food items 24 hours a day.

To view on-campus dining options, download our quick guide.

Breastfeeding Support

During your hospital stay, your nurse will be the primary contact for breastfeeding education. Certified lactation consultants are also available seven days a week to provide one-on-one assistance in the privacy of your room.

Breast pumps are also available to rent through our lactation support services. Speak to a lactation consultant by calling 940-898-7142.

Baby's Screenings and Procedures

During your hospital stay, your baby will be examined daily by a pediatrician. If your pediatrician has privileges at the hospital, they or a member of their practice will visit you each day. If your pediatrician is not on the medical staff, an on-call pediatrician will provide care. Additionally, your newborn will undergo several tests, which may include:

• Blood screen (age 24 hours)
• Hearing screen
• Jaundice
• Heart screen (age 24 hours)
• Car-seat screen (when applicable)

Circumcision

During your hospital stay, you will receive a referral to Cook Children's Medical Center for your baby's circumcision, if desired.

Where Baby Will Stay

At Texas Health Denton, we prioritize minimizing the separation of mothers and babies. We encourage moms to keep their babies in their hospital rooms, even at night, through a practice known as rooming-in. Many of your baby's evaluations and examinations can occur right in your room. This setup allows mothers to learn their baby's cues while having staff available to answer questions and provide education. With the support and guidance of experienced nurses, parents gain the skills needed to confidently care for their babies in the comfort of their hospital rooms.

Birth Certificate and Social Security

While you’re in the hospital, a coordinator will reach out to assist you with the paperwork needed to register your baby’s birth. You will receive documentation to submit to your insurance company.

Even if your doctor gives the green light for discharge, there are important steps that must be completed to ensure your safety and security before you leave.

• Your baby’s heart screening and newborn screening test were completed at age 24 hours
• Your OB/GYN has visited and said you can go home
• The pediatrician has visited and said your baby can go home
• You rented a breast pump, if desired
• You have completed all necessary paperwork
• Your prescriptions have been ordered or sent to your pharmacy
• You have reviewed your medications with a nurse
• A nurse or technician has brought a wheelchair to take you to your car