Active Labor

The time has arrived. Your baby is on the way. When your contractions become more intense and frequent, head to your Catholic Health hospital, where our experienced team of nurses, doctors, midwives and associates will be waiting for you. As a team, we safely deliver your newest family member in a welcoming environment.

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Arrive at Your Hospital

During early labor, a healthy mom and baby are encouraged to labor at home. By following the 5-1-1 rule, once you enter active labor, and your contractions become more frequent, come to your Catholic Health hospital and you will be admitted quickly. If the health of either mom or baby is at risk, and a faster delivery is required, we can induce labor through medical intervention or medication.

Monitoring

During active labor, you will remain active. Monitoring of you and your baby is done in a movement-friendly manner. You’re encouraged to get up and walk around your room and continue to sip liquids. Access to an IV is started for all laboring patients when blood is drawn for New York State required tests. The IV can be used to hydrate or administer medications during the course of labor. You can also request IV medications. Pitocin may also be given to stimulate contractions. Should any health concerns arise, additional monitoring of you and your baby can help ensure safety.

Positioning and Comfort

There are ways to ease pain without medication. Moms are encouraged to use their support teams, position changes, and comfort techniques. Upright positions, in particular, use gravity to help move your baby down to be ready for delivery. If labor progress slows or your baby shows signs of distress, a labor nurse, midwife or OBGYN may recommend certain position changes.

Birth

When the time comes to deliver, you push with your body’s natural urges. Labor coaching or medical device assistance can be provided if your baby is tolerating natural pushing well or you show signs of exhaustion. If vaginal delivery becomes unsafe for you or your baby, a cesarean section delivery ensures the safety of you both. Once your baby is born, he or she will begin to breathe well with stimulation, or quick assistance may be given at the warmer to aid breathing.

Skin-to-Skin

The first hour of your baby’s life is very important. After nine long months waiting for your baby, take the first “golden hour” to get to know him or her. Many amazing changes take place in a new mother during and right after the birth process. Spending that first hour with your baby right on your skin helps regulate your baby’s temperature and you expel your placenta. You’ll room-in with your baby for your stay and enjoy your time with your newest addition to the family.

Labor Services

C-Section

You’ll receive a great deal of help and care from our team of nurses during your c-section. Once your baby is born, you’ll be moved to a recovery room to relax. Most women can leave the hospital 2-5 days after a c-section.

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