Upmc's In-Room Delivery: What To Expect

UPMC is a renowned hospital for labour and delivery, offering support to mothers-to-be at every stage of their pregnancy and birthing journey. UPMC's labour and delivery rooms are equipped with advanced medical technology, providing a comfortable and homely environment for expectant mothers. Mothers are closely monitored and offered various pain relief options, with their wishes and birthing plans respected throughout. After delivery, mothers are transferred to the postpartum unit, where they can choose to have their healthy babies stay with them or opt for nursery care. UPMC allows mothers to have support people present during labour and delivery, including spouses, friends, or doulas, and offers comprehensive guidance on preparing for childbirth.

UPMC offers various medical and non-medical pain relief options during labour and delivery

For those who want to give birth without pain medication, UPMC offers a range of alternative pain management supports. These include support with breathing techniques, position changes, and water therapy. Walking the halls during labour, using an exercise ball, and having a doula present are other non-medical pain relief options that can help make the birthing process more comfortable. Studies have shown that people who have constant support are less likely to request pain medication.

If pain medication is desired, there are several options available. An epidural is the most common pain relief option for labour. It involves inserting a tiny tube in the lower back that delivers strong pain medication to numb the pelvic area and upper thighs. Spinal blocks are another option, especially for C-sections. This method involves injecting medication into the spinal fluid, which works immediately and lasts for one to two hours. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is also available for immediate, short-term pain relief during intense contractions. IV opioid medications may be used early in labour to help the birthing person rest, but they are usually avoided close to the birth as they can affect the baby.

UPMC offers classes that explain pain management during childbirth, as well as other topics such as prenatal care, newborn care, and breastfeeding. Expecting parents can also take steps to prepare for their labour and delivery stay, such as preregistering and packing a hospital bag.

Mothers can choose to have skin-to-skin contact with their baby in the operating room, recovery room, or private hospital room

At UPMC, mothers can choose to have skin-to-skin contact with their baby in the operating room, recovery room, or private hospital room. Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) is widely recognised as an important part of the bonding process between mother and baby. SSC involves placing the dried, naked baby prone on the mother's bare chest, often covered with a warm blanket.

Mothers can choose to hold their baby immediately after birth, or wait until they are in their private hospital room. Mothers can also choose to have their partner, a friend, or a family member in the room when they give birth. If the mother is having a vaginal birth, UPMC allows two support people in the delivery room. If the mother is having a C-section, only one support person is allowed, so that the surgical team can maintain a sterile environment. A doula, if the mother has one, does not count as a support person.

UPMC respects the birthing preferences of mothers and their partners, and will support their choices as much as possible. However, healthcare providers may need to deviate from these preferences to ensure the health of the mother and baby. UPMC offers various medical and non-medical pain relief and comfort options, and closely monitors mothers throughout the birthing process.

After the birth, nurses weigh the baby and check to ensure they are healthy and breathing well. They clamp and cut the umbilical cord, but mothers can ask for their partner to cut it if they prefer. Mothers can also choose to delay clamping the umbilical cord for up to five minutes after birth, which research shows can support a baby's health by increasing their iron levels. However, delayed clamping can also slightly increase the risk of jaundice.

UPMC allows one support person for C-sections and two for vaginal births, plus a doula

At UPMC, support persons are important members of the care team, and the hospital is committed to supporting a healthy environment for patients, visitors, and staff. UPMC allows one support person to be present in the room for C-sections, and two support persons for vaginal births. A doula does not count as a support person, so you can have up to three people present for the birth if one is your doula.

UPMC offers renowned labour and delivery hospitals, closely monitoring mothers and babies and offering various medical and non-medical pain relief and comfort options. The hospital explains each step of labour, respects the mother's wishes, and provides reassurance. UPMC's highly experienced surgical teams are ready to perform an emergency C-section at any time, and its level III NICU provides the highest level of medical care to babies who need it, such as preterm babies.

Mothers can decide how they want the room to be set up, including lighting and music. Immediately after delivery, the mother and baby, along with a support person, will remain in the labour and delivery room for approximately one to two hours of close monitoring. The baby may receive a Vitamin K injection and antibiotic ointment in the eyes to prevent infection. After this, they will be transferred to the postpartum unit, where the baby may remain with the mother as long as they are healthy.

The hospital stay is typically two to three days for a traditional delivery, and three to four days for a C-section. The stay may be longer if there are risk factors like high blood pressure or excessive bleeding after birth.

Mothers can request to have their partner cut the umbilical cord

UPMC's labour and delivery hospitals support mothers at every stage of the birthing process. They closely monitor the mother's health, offer various medical and non-medical pain relief options, and explain each step of labour, all while respecting the mother's wishes.

Mothers can discuss their preferences with their doctor, who will provide the necessary instructions. If the mother or partner is uncomfortable with cutting the cord, the doctor or a member of the medical team will do it.

There are a few options for the umbilical cord after it is cut. Some mothers choose to donate the cord blood, as it is rich in stem cells that can help cure diseases. Other mothers may choose to store the cord blood privately for potential future use or donate it to a cord blood bank.

Mothers can stay in the hospital for two to four days after a vaginal birth and three to four days after a C-section

The length of the hospital stay may vary depending on individual circumstances. Mothers may need to stay longer if they develop health complications, such as excessive bleeding or allergic reactions to medication. On the other hand, mothers who have previously given birth may have shorter labour and hospital stays.

At UPMC, mothers are empowered to make informed decisions about their birth experience. They can choose to have support people present during labour and delivery, including a spouse, friend, or doula. Mothers can also decide on the lighting and music for their delivery room. After birth, mothers can opt to hold their baby in the operating or recovery room or wait until they are in their private room.

UPMC offers advanced medical technology in a home-like setting. Their labour, delivery, and recovery (LDR) rooms provide a comfortable and safe environment for mothers to welcome their newborns. The hospital also provides various medical and non-medical pain relief options, ensuring that mothers are closely monitored and well-informed throughout the entire process.

UPMC's renowned labour and delivery hospitals are committed to supporting mothers before, during, and after childbirth. Their highly experienced surgical teams are always prepared for emergency C-sections, and their level III NICU provides the highest level of care for premature babies or those requiring specialised medical attention.

Frequently asked questions