Where to Park

Labor and Delivery is located in the Margot Perot Center in Tower A. Moms arriving for labor during daytime hours should park near the main lobby doors. There are also Stork Parking spaces on the second level of the parking garage. The rotunda doors that lead into the main lobby will be unlocked, as will be the side doors. If arriving during the night, you should park and enter through the emergency department.

View hospital map.

Where to Check In

Families should check in at the Labor and Delivery desk in Tower A, on the third floor. When you get off the elevator, take a right and go through double doors.

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 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.

Your Room

Your entire birth process will take place in one of our 16 uniquely designed and soothing private maternity suites. Each room includes:

• Flat-screen TV
• Sleeper sofa for a support person
• Free internet access
• Spacious shower or a bathtub for comfort during labor
• Aromatherapy patches, available upon request

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 does not interfere with the health and safety of you or the baby.

Documenting this special occasion is important for many of our families. Cameras are allowed with the following conditions:

• Your provider and any nurses or other providers in the room must consent to the video or photography. The individual recording the birth must sign the hospital’s Photographer/Videographer Agreement.
• Video or photography can begin only when allowed by the provider or hospital staff.
• The individual must obtain permission to photograph or videotape any hospital staff before doing so.
• 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 Options

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 and your partner. If you find that you want additional pain management during labor, the options available at Texas Health Plano include:

• Laboring in water
• IV medication
• Nitrous oxide
• Epidurals
• Aromatherapy patches

Labor Support Tools

Texas Health Plano has birthing balls, labor bars and a hydrotherapy tub for use during labor and invites you to bring other labor-support tools such as your own birth gown, music player, blankets, pillow, etc.

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

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.

Before Your Delivery

If you are having a scheduled induction or cesarean at Texas Health Plano, please remember the following:

• Please do not eat or drink at least eight hours before the procedure or the procedure may be rescheduled, possibly to another day
• After check-in, you will be prepared approximately two hours prior to the procedure.

Scheduled Cesarean Births

When you arrive, tell the admissions staff you are there for a scheduled procedure. You will be taken to a cesarean prep room, where you will remain for approximately two hours. During this time, the nurses will monitor the baby and check your vitals and you will receive an epidural before being taken to the operating room.

In the operating room will be two physicians, a nurse and an anesthesia provider. One support person may be present in the operating room for the surgery unless there are any safety concerns. Typically, you will be in the operating room for about one hour. After the surgery you will be moved to a recovery room with your baby and support person. If there are no safety concerns, you will have skin-to-skin time with your new baby to establish the first feeding.

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

Gentle Cesarean Births

For expectant moms who need a cesarean, Texas Health Plano offers a family-center cesarean, called a gentle cesarean. In a gentle cesarean, the standard blue drape can be replaced with a clear drape. With the clear drape in place, the family can watch the baby being born from the mother’s womb, similar to a mother being able to see the birth during a vaginal delivery. If you are interested in this type of experience, please discuss it with your physician.

After your baby is born, the placenta is typically discarded as medical waste. But the placenta can be used to help others. At Texas Health Plano, women who have a cesarean birth have the option to donate the placenta for the use in treating difficult-to-heal wounds and burns. To consider this option during your birth, speak with your physician or the admission staff.

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.

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.

Baby’s First Examination

After the first hour, your newborn will be examined by a nurse in your birth room, which will encourage your family to be part of the baby’s first exam and measurement.

Your Pediatrician is Notified

We encourage you to select a pediatrician before your baby’s birth. After your baby’s birth, your pediatrician will be notified about your delivery. If you do not have a preselected pediatrician or one with privileges at the hospital, your baby will be seen by the on-call pediatrician.

Transition to Your Hospital Room

You and your baby will remain in Labor and Delivery for approximately one to two hours before being moved to the room where you will stay for the rest of your visit.

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

What’s In Your Room

The Mother-Baby area has spacious rooms for families to comfortably stay after the birth of the baby. While at the Texas Health Plano, families enjoy private, spacious rooms with TVs and a couch for the support person. There are also free on-demand movies available in the rooms.

How Long You Will You Stay

Typically, you will be discharged between 24 and 48 hours after a vaginal delivery. For a cesarean, you will 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 of your birth, your nurse will help you get out of bed to walk around. Walking will improve your circulation and prevent blood clots.

You Will Be Visited Hourly

Your nurse or a care assistant will regularly come by to check on you. 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. Following a cesarean, a nurse will offer liquids and within six hours, you will be eating regular food.

Baby’s Screenings and Procedures

During your hospital stay, your baby will be examined by a pediatrician every day. 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. In additional, your newborn will have several tests that may include:

• 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. In most cases, your baby is returned to you within an hour of the procedure.

Where Baby Will Stay

Texas Health Plano 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 the baby's evaluations and examinations may take place in mom's rooms. Moms also have an opportunity to learn their babies’ cues with hospital personnel nearby to answer questions and offer 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.

Celebration Meal

To celebrate the arrival of your baby, Texas Health Plano offers a gourmet celebratory meal of steak and lobster (a vegetarian option is also available) for the parents to enjoy during their stay. After delivery, mom will receive a menu to select the celebratory meal for herself and her guest.

Room Service Dining

Moms can order Gourmet Café room service, seven days a week.

On-Campus Dining

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

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 can be sent to your insurance company. 

Get more information on requesting your child’s birth certificate or social security information.

During your hospital stay, your nurse will be the primary contact for breastfeeding education with additional support available by lactation consultants. Texas Health Plano staffs their lactation department with experienced registered nurses who are international board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLC’s) and provide one-on-one assistance in the privacy of your room.

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

Things to Discuss with Your Family

Are you ready and do you have the things you need before going home? Discuss these questions with your family (If you have questions or concerns, please talk 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

Before you go home, the following must be completed:

• 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
• Your newborn’s hearing check is completed
• Your prescriptions have been ordered or sent to your pharmacy
• You have reviewed your medications with a nurse

Location and Parking

The High-Risk Pregnancy Care unit is located on the third floor of Tower B.

Spacious Accommodations

The High-Risk Pregnancy Care unit has 20 spacious rooms that allow patients to stay in hotel-like surroundings with gourmet room service. Each patient has a private room designed to provide comfort and convenience with amenities such as a personal refrigerator, free on-demand movies and other furnishings for those who may have a longer-than-expected stay.

Visiting Hours

Visiting hours are open. However, visitors who arrive after 9 p.m. can only enter through the emergency room.

For mothers facing long stays during their pregnancy, Texas Health Plano offers a number of classes, activities and educational opportunities to help pass the time, provide support and prepare for the arrival of the baby. Support programs available may include:

• Childbirth education offered at the bedside
• Visits from pet-therapy dogs
• Bedside baby showers
• Gourmet room service
• Personalized tours of the NICU (if desired)
• Support groups, lactation consultants, chaplain and other support services