If you’re planning a natural childbirth experience, we’re here to support you. In fact, we’re known as the hospital of choice for women desiring natural birth and breastfeeding in St. Louis.
Natural Birthing Class
Sign up for our four-week series to prepare for your natural childbirth. Taught at MoBap by experienced doulas/nurses, these classes will teach you about the natural birth process and give you techniques to manage your labor. Many couples choose to take our advanced skills workshop, specially designed for couples looking to practice different labor management techniques.
Doula Friendly
When you arrive at the Childbirth Center, you’ll find our staff well versed in natural childbirth techniques. Our nurses love to assist in natural deliveries, and will be with you for as much or as little time as you need during labor, and of course, through the delivery. If you have chosen to engage a doula to assist you with your birth, please know that our nursing staff welcomes doulas and will work with them to optimize your birth experience.
Free To Move
Position changes are very helpful during natural childbirth, often providing additional comfort. Therefore, we encourage and support your ability to move around freely – whether it’s walking the halls, changing positions, rocking on a birthing ball or using a squat bar. We also offer intermittent fetal monitoring or telemetry monitoring to allow for greater freedom of movement (if the circumstances of your labor and delivery permit). We have a number of options to support your preference for position changes.
Comfort Suites
Our labor and delivery rooms were specially-designed to provide a peaceful, comfortable environment. You may bring your own music to help with relaxation. You may also choose to wear your own clothing or gown during labor.
Hydrotherapy
For natural childbirth experiences, water can be very helpful during labor. Each room has a shower with a seat and detachable shower head. You can also reserve a birth tub for immersion hydrotherapy during labor. We do not allow delivery of the baby in the water. When delivery is near, you will be assisted back to bed for delivery.
Time For Bonding
We encourage mother-baby bonding throughout your stay at the hospital. After delivery, if your baby is doing well, she will be placed directly on your chest to jump-start the bonding process. This skin-to-skin contact will also help keep baby warm and secure. You also may choose to start breastfeeding at this time.
Keeping You Close
Early assessments and Apgar scoring can be done while your baby is in your arms. Routine procedures, such as weight and measurements, can be delayed to allow additional bonding time after birth, and for the initial feeding. Weighing, assessing and bathing your baby will take place in the labor and delivery room to avoid separating you and your baby. After your birth, you’ll be moved to our Mother-Baby wing. Here the nurses are especially trained to care for both you and your baby
Mother Baby Philosophy
This means the same nurse who takes care of you also takes care of your newborn, providing you with uninhibited, 24/7 access to your baby. We know it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference. Our mother-baby nurses pay attention to the needs of each new mom, taking the time to listen and offer their unconditional support.