Your delivery day

Sleeping mother and newborn baby in a hospital bed

No two women experience labor and delivery in quite the same way, but the more you know about what to expect, the more you can focus on what really matters — the joy of meeting your new baby for the very first time. We want to help you prepare for your delivery day, eliminate any surprises, and help you have a safe and positive experience.

Your hospital can provide you with more information on what to expect and how to prepare for your big day.

Arrival
All expecting mothers can enter via the main entrance on the north side of 19th Avenue and Lafayette Street. Once inside the hospital, there is a direct-access elevator to the Center for Women & Infants on the fourth floor. Once on the fourth floor, please check in with the Welcome Desk. Complimentary valet parking is available during the day in front of the main hospital entrance. The free hospital parking garage is also available anytime.
Observation
When you arrive at the hospital, your labor pattern and baby will be monitored in the Center for Women & Infants.
Admission

Your childbirth preferences plan

Your health and the safety of your baby are always our top priorities. Creating a birth plan is a great way to let your care team know your wishes. It’s not a contract, and you can change your plan at any time.

Learn more about creating a birth plan >

Room amenities

The labor, delivery, and recovery rooms offer amenities that include:

  • a TV
  • free Wi-Fi
  • a place for your partner or support person to sleep
  • seating and tables

Guests

Ask the hospital about the number of guests allowed for labor and delivery. Visiting hours at Saint Joseph’s are 24/7.

Photography

Ask the hospital about photography guidelines to keep in mind for the memorable occasion.

Labor

When you have your baby, you may be surprised at how many people are there to support you — before, during, and after your delivery. Your labor, delivery, and postpartum care team all works together to help give you the happiest, healthiest birth day possible.

Learn more about labor and delivery >

Recovery & bonding

First few hours after delivery

When your baby is born, your delivery team will come in to make sure he or she is thriving outside the womb. As long as you and your baby are doing well, you’ll have the option to stay together for the rest of your time in the hospital.

Little ones who need special care are observed in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). A neonatologist — a pediatrician trained especially in newborn care — will let you know if your baby needs care in a NICU. If this happens, the neonatologist will talk to you about why your baby needs extra care, and make sure you know where your baby will be and what to expect.