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Parking & Entrance

Labor and Delivery is located on the ground floor of the south tower of the Margot Perot Center. For your convenience, we recommend maternity patients use Visitor Parking Lot 11 located off Perot Lane between the Margot Perot Center and the Jackson Building. If you drive down one level from the street to garage level, you can enter through the door in this parking area which remains unlocked 24-hours a day.

View hospital map.

Where to Check In

The admissions desk for Labor and Delivery is located on the ground floor of the south tower of the Margot Perot Center. Depending on your situation, the nurses may direct you to any of the following locations:

• Scheduled cesarean — Admitted directly to labor and delivery
• Scheduled induction — Admitted to Labor and Delivery or the Margot Perot Center on the fourth floor
• Spontaneous labor — May be directed to Triage for evaluation
• Evaluation for pregnancy concerns — May be directed to Triage for evaluation

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 Spacious Labor and Delivery Room

Labor and Delivery has 15 private rooms that were recently renovated and include:

• Flat-screen TVs
• Twin, fold-away beds (available upon request for partners)
• Recliners
• Free internet access

Birth Plans

If you have a birth plan, please share it with the nurse when you arrive at your labor room. You do not have to create a birth plan. We will try to follow your wishes as long as they do 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 medical provider and any nurses or other providers in the room must consent to the photography.
• The photographer must sign the hospital’s Photographer Agreement.
• The photographer must obtain permission to photograph hospital staff before doing so.
• Only hand-held devices are allowed in Labor and Delivery (no tripods).
• No social media live streaming is allowed.

Please note that the provider or nurse may require an individual to stop photographing 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 Dallas include:

• Laboring in water (hydrotherapy)
• Nitrous oxide
• IV medication
• Epidurals

Labor Support Tools

The Margot Perot Center has birthing balls, labor bars and several bathtubs in labor rooms. We also invite patients to bring other labor-support tools. When you arrive at Labor and Delivery, please notify your nurse if you would like to use one of our items.

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 Dallas, please remember the following:

• 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 taking to the operating room.

In the operating room will be two doctors, a nurse and an anesthesiologist. Typically, you will be in the operating room for about one hour. After the surgery you will be moved back to your room with your baby and support person. You will remain there for approximately two hours and barring any safety concerns, will have skin-to-skin time with your baby in order to establish the first feeding.

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

Gentle Cesareans

For expectant moms who need a cesarean birth, Texas Health Dallas offers a gentle cesarean. This type of cesarean aims to create a birth experience that is similar to a vaginal delivery. 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 doctor.

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 allow 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 Labor and Delivery 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, we will notify your pediatrician that you have delivered. If you do not have a preselected pediatrician or one with hospital privileges, 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 two hours before transfer to the room where you will stay throughout your visit.

What’s in Your Room

The Mother and Baby area has spacious rooms for families to comfortably stay after the birth of the baby. Each room includes:

• Flat-screen TV
• Free internet access
• Comfortable couch that converts into a twin bed
• Temperature control for your room
• Newly-renovated, private bathrooms with a walk-in shower area

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. Please know there are exceptions 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 get out of bed to walk around. Walking will improve your circulation and prevent blood clots.

Your Nurse Will Visit Hourly

Your nurse 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. 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:

• Glucose screening (when applicable)
• 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.

Where Baby Will Stay

Texas Health Dallas works to minimize separation of moms and babies. We encourage moms to keep their babies in their hospital rooms, a practice called rooming-in. Even your baby's evaluations and examinations may take place in your room, giving you an opportunity to learn your baby's cues with personnel nearby to answer questions and provide education.

Room service is available to patients during their stay, 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.

Breastfeeding Support

During your hospital stay, your nurse will be the primary contact for breastfeeding education. Lactation consultants are also available 7days a week to provide one-on-one assistance in the privacy of your room. Speak to a lactation consultant by calling 214-345-2557.

Breast Pump Rentals

The Texas Health Dallas has Medela™ breast pumps available to rent as well as nursing supplies and pump parts available for purchase. The breast pumps can be delivered to your room prior to discharge. For more information and pricing, please call 214-345-2580.

Breastfeeding Support Center

If you have issues with your newborn or with breastfeeding, you can make an appointment with a certified lactation consultant. Most insurance companies typically cover lactation consultants. To make an appointment, please call 214-345-2580.

The Breastfeeding Support Center is located on the 5th floor of the Margot Perot Center at Texas Health Dallas.

Even if your doctor says 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 OB/GYN visited and let you know you can go home
• The pediatrician visited and let you know the baby can go home
• You’ve brought the car seat to the room and the nurse checked that the baby is secure (do not bring the base)
• You rented a breast pump and it has been delivered to your room, if desired
• Your prescriptions have been delivered to your room or sent to your preferred pharmacy
• You have made a follow-up appointment for your newborn
• You reviewed your medications with the discharge nurse
• A nurse or technician has brought a wheelchair to take you to your car

When complications develop during a pregnancy, the High-Risk Pregnancy Care unit (Antepartum) provides quality care for women at 16 weeks gestation or more. Whether you have who have an increased risk of complication, such as a multiple birth or high-risk pregnancy or a pre-existing medical condition, we offer compassionate support throughout your pregnancy.

One of the largest facilities in Dallas-Fort Worth area dedicated to the care of high-risk obstetric patients, this specialized patient care unit features an experienced multidisciplinary team that includes:

• Perinatologists on the medical staff
• Pastoral care
• Social services
• Case managers
• Dietitians
• Collaborations with neonatal physicians on the medical staff

Spacious Accommodations

The High-Risk Pregnancy Care unit has 29 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 and other furnishings for those who may have a longer-than-expected stay.

Texas Health Dallas wants to help each long-term patient have an enjoyable stay. While a guest, the following services are available:

• Room service dining
• Online childbirth education classes
• Personalized tours of the NICU and Special Care Nursery (if necessary)