Maternity Care
Having a baby is one of the most exciting and rewarding times in a woman's life, and Merit Health Woman's Hospital is dedicated to providing expectant mothers and newborns with care during this special time. Our maternity services are provided by obstetricians, labor and delivery specialists, nurses and other caring professionals in a welcoming, comfortable environment.
You'll find a range of care, from prenatal to postpartum, including high-risk pregnancy care and advanced labor and delivery services. Our care extends beyond delivery, with a variety of educational resources for new parents.
Prenatal Care
Merit Health Woman's Hospital's care begins in the earliest stages of pregnancy, with prenatal checkups and services tailored to your specific needs. You'll learn about proper nutrition and work with your obstetrician to develop a birth plan, choose a pediatrician and get properly prepared.
Support Services and Education
Merit Health Woman's Hospital offers a variety of classes to prepare mothers and families before and after the birth of a child.
For all classes, registration is required and can be made by calling (601) 933-6537. For class availability, it is recommended to register for classes no later than your fifth month of pregnancy. All classes are free for those delivering at our facility or Merit Health River Oaks.
Click here for class schedule.
High-Risk Pregnancy Care
Perinatologists (doctors who specialize in high-risk pregnancy care) are available to manage pregnancy-related conditions such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, as well as provide specialized care for those with existing medical conditions.
Labor and Delivery
Our delivery rooms provide everything doctors, nurses and other maternal specialists need to provide you with care. Experienced labor and delivery staff utilize advanced medical technology such as wireless fetal monitoring, birthing balls and peanut balls for your comfort. They also manage C-section (cesarean) births and other surgical procedures. To contact the maternal quality nurse, call (601) 933-6537.
Rooming-in
Here at Merit Health Woman's Hospital, we encourage rooming-in – that means you can have your baby with you at all times. Rooming-in allows you to strengthen the bond with your baby right after the birth and to establish a strong emotional attachment. You can hold, stroke, cuddle and breastfeed your baby whenever you want.
The Golden Hour
We honor the first hour of life. During the "Golden Hour," we initiate skin-to-skin contact, which can enhance the bonding experience for parents and their newborn right after birth. During the Golden Hour, we ask that all visitors remain in the waiting area. A staff member will let you know when visitors are allowed in the room.
Breastfeeding Support
Caring maternity nursing staff members are available to provide breastfeeding assistance and education, and classes for new mothers are available.