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Maternity
Maternity
When you think you are in labor, call your physician and follow instructions. Call 911 for all emergency situations.
Welcoming a baby into the world is one of life’s greatest experiences – one that should fill your heart with joy. Let us be your partner during the months leading up to your delivery day, ensuring you approach your pregnancy with both happy anticipation and confidence.
Providence’s experts work with you. We dig deep into your preferences and concerns and help you discover the most up-to-date options that are best for your situation. We listen to you and help you make informed choices. It’s a pregnancy journey that addresses your head and heart – and that makes a lot of sense at this special time.
When you choose an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) to be your partner through pregnancy and delivery, we’ll help you create a birth plan that fits your preferences. We respect and honor your plan–understanding that preferences and safety concerns can change throughout your pregnancy and right up to delivery day.
Developing a birth plan is easier with an OB-GYN who listens to you, understands you, and shares in your decision-making. Need help finding an OB to fit your personality and preferences? Take this list of questions with you to your first appointment to help you find an OB-GYN partner who’s right for you.
When you go into labor, you can expect the same level of supportive, compassionate, and safe care you’ve received throughout your pregnancy. We’ll respect your birth plan, and you’ll be able to choose when and if pain medication will be used. Your labor and delivery experience will be based on your preferences and what is safest for you and your baby at the time of delivery.
Most babies can be born with very little medical help, and that’s good news because when we minimize surgical intervention, we help ensure a safer delivery. We’ll monitor your health and the health of your baby during the labor and birthing process. Unless necessary, we’ll work with you to avoid common interventions like inducing labor or episiotomy to help prevent dangerous complications that can delay healing.
At the same time, we know every birth is different, as is every new mom. If you choose an epidural for pain relief–even if you change your mind from your birth plan–we will honor your request when it’s safe to do. You are in charge of your birth experience, and that means easing your discomfort.
Did you know that women are three times more likely to experience complications during cesarean delivery? For your safety, our OB-GYNs encourage vaginal birth even if you’ve had a previous C-section, when possible. However, there are times when a cesarean delivery may be medically necessary, and our experts will help ensure both you and your baby are safe and comfortable.
If you’re ready for an outstanding pregnancy experience, start by choosing an OB-GYN who will be a good fit for you and will prioritize your safety. It’s so important to find someone who listens to you, doesn't pressure you, and gets you–both your head and your heart.
It’s your pregnancy. Let Providence be your partner.
For over 75 years, Providence Saint John’s has been a trusted source for compassionate and thoughtful maternity care. Our McAlister Women’s Health Center offers top quality obstetric treatment during pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and through a mother’s postpartum period.
Whether you’re a new or experienced parent, our maternal caregivers create a caring and open environment designed to help you find joy and relieve some of the anxiety of your pregnancy. We welcome collaboration and create a personalized birth plan to fit every mother’s needs.
Specialized obstetric care
We understand that some deliveries require special care. Here, you’re in good hands. We accommodate a range of physician-approved birth plans and create a trusted, nurturing environment for you and your baby. The McAlister Women’s Health Center is equipped with advanced diagnostic testing and monitoring.
High-risk pregnancies
To make sure everything is going as smoothly as possible, our on-staff perinatologist offers the following services:
- Advanced ultrasound monitoring of maternal and fetal health
- Genetic counseling
- Diabetes education
- State-of-the-art diagnostic tests
VBAC
Some deliveries require extra care. If you choose to have a vaginal birth after Cesarean, we’ll support you.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
We always do our best to safely bring your baby into the world, but sometimes newborns need a little extra attention. Our expert physicians work closely with our medical staff, nursing teams, social workers and case managers to provide 24/7 care in our Irene Dunne Guild Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Thanks to our collaborative approach to care, we’re able to enhance the outstanding level of care given to our most fragile infants. Learn more about the NICU ›
If you’d like to take a look at our hospital’s birthing suites, NICU, laborist care and more, feel free to take a virtual tour! Get a glimpse of the all-encompassing and empathetic care we provide with our series of videos.
Watch our video to learn about our compassionate maternity care.
Maternity Tours
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Welcome to Saint John'sWe welcome you to Saint John’s. Take a quick tour of our lobby and learn what to expect when you arrive at our beautiful hospital.
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Labor and Delivery Suite TourJoin us for a brief tour and get a glimpse of our beautiful labor and delivery suites.
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Natural Birthing SuitesWe welcome individual birthing plans and have designed a natural birthing suite for our Mom’s to have a homelike environment to give birth naturally, with a team ready to provide any support that is needed. Take a sneak peek of our incredible suite.
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Mother and BabyLearn about Saint John’s Mother and Baby Unit philosophy.
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NICU
In the event your new baby needs special attention, our neonatal intensive care unit is available and staffed 24/7 by expert physicians, neonatologists and nurses.
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LaboristThere may be times when you arrive at the hospital before you doctor. Learn how our laborist is there to support you until our doctor arrives.
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Saint John’s Maternity TourTake the complete tour of Saint John’s labor and delivery, mother and baby, NICU and natural birthing suite.
Designed to provide comprehensive maternal-child health care, our department features a wide range of services, including:
We house large, thoughtfully designed rooms for labor and delivery, as well as recovery and C-section suites.
A specially designed natural birthing suite for our Mom’s to have a homelike environment to give birth naturally, with a team ready to provide any support that is needed.
Whether your birth plan includes a doctor, midwife or doula, our skilled nursing staff will support you throughout this important journey.
In addition to epidurals, we are the only hospital on the Westside to offer nitrous oxide during labor; a less invasive option for managing pain. Unlike an epidural, nitrous oxide allows you full mobility during all stages of labor.
In the event that your newborn requires special attention, you can take comfort in knowing Saint John’s has a Level III NICU staffed by neonatologists, specially trained NICU nurses, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, lactation consultants, social workers and case managers to provide a family-centered continuum of care to new babies.
After your baby is born, he or she will stay by your side as long as you like to promote uninterrupted bonding. Our spacious rooms accommodate loved ones who are eager to meet new arrivals.
- Most importantly, make the healthiest choices you can for you and your baby.
- Find a physician you are comfortable with and get started on a schedule of regular prenatal appointments. The relationship with your physician should be one of mutual understanding and respect.
- Review any medications or supplements you’re taking with your physician.
- If you haven’t yet decided on where you’ll have your baby (or even if you have,) we invite you to tour Providence Saint John’s.
- If you plan to go back to work after your baby is born, you might need to start touring childcare centers and getting on waitlists now.
- You might want to check with your health insurance company about your maternity benefits. If you don’t have insurance or will be paying your hospital bills privately, please call a Providence Saint John’s financial counselor at 310-829-8007.
- Check out the online and in-person classes available to you and your loved ones.
- By the end of your second trimester, you should have chosen where you’ll have your baby. If you are undecided, please attend a tour of Providence Saint John’s or any Providence Health & Services hospital. It is important to feel secure in where you’ll be delivering.
- Register for an online or in-person class that will help you and your loved ones prepare for pregnancy and birth.
If you haven’t yet taken a childbirth preparation class, please see if you can fit one in. These classes give you personal, one-on-one access to Child Birth Educators at Saint John's Health Center.
- Take a pre-birth tour of Providence Saint John’s so you’ll know where to check in, where to park and how to register - and you can also take another look around.
- Get an infant car seat and install it in your car. If you leave the hospital by car, we’re not allowed to let you bring your baby home without an approved car seat!
- As your due date gets closer, pack a bag with all the things you want to bring to the hospital, or at least make a list of those items.
- Fill out your pre-registration form and send it to Providence Saint John’s at least two months before your planned delivery date.
Start thinking about purchasing or renting a breast pump. You'll need to:
1. Call your insurance provider and ask for clarification:
- How much of the cost of a breast pump is covered by my insurance plan?
- Do I have to buy a pump from a "Durable Medical Equipment provider" for it to be covered? Some insurance companies also have a Preferred Provider Requirement. If Providence is not "in network," your insurance company may not reimburse you for the full cost of a breast pump.
- Will I need to qualify in order for the coverage to apply? You may need to have a prescription from your or your baby's physician that explains the need for a breast pump. Some health insurance companies will cover pumps only if they are deemed "medically necessary," for example, if a baby is premature, sick or having difficulty nursing.
2. Know what your policy will cover:
- Which brands or types of pumps are covered by my insurance? Does my insurance cover buying pumps, renting pumps or both? What type of breast pump does my insurance cover? (e.g. hospital-grade rental pump, double or single electric personal-use pumps, or battery or manual pump). If I have previously purchased a breast pump, may I submit a claim for reimbursement?
3. Know the terms of your coverage:
- Will there be a copay?
- Will I need to meet a deductible?
- What is the maximum dollar amount that will be covered?
For patients requesting an elective cesarean section, we highly recommend watching the following educational video. Current best practice recommendations caution against elective C-Sections, so it is important that patients who opt for this procedure weigh all risks and benefits in order to make an informed decision that best fits your needs.
Providence Saint John's knows how important it is to prepare for delivery. It's a good idea to be prepared at least one month in advance of the arrival of a baby so that essential items aren’t overlooked in the last-minute rush to the delivery room.
The following is a recommended checklist of items and important information to complete before the big day arrives.
- Make a reservation for a tour of the McAlister Women's Health Center three months in advance of the requested day of attendance. A brochure of important information about pre-admission, resources at Providence Saint John’s, arriving and leaving the hospital will be provided during the tour.
- Attend prenatal education classes. Providence Saint John's offers childbirth, baby basics and breastfeeding classes to all expectant parents (delivery at Providence Saint John’s is not a requirement to take the classes.)
- Have written directions and/or a map of the health center ready, in the event of an emergency or if the person taking the expectant mother to the hospital is unfamiliar with the facility.
- Complete pre-registration with Providence Saint John's two months before the due date by filling out the online pre-registration form.
- Interview and choose a pediatrician before the due date who meets your family’s needs.
- Have an approved infant car seat already secured in the back seat of the new parents’ vehicle, ready for the trip home.
Visitors may be asked to limit the number of individuals in a patient room, to shorten the length of their visit and/or to stagger their visitation to maintain social distancing requirements. Read our current visitation policy.
Providence Saint John’s women’s health services deluxe suites provide a hotel-like environment for women during their postpartum recovery. Added comfort and privacy are built into every detail. As a result, new families can bond in a calm and nurturing atmosphere. Our excellent nursing staff and medical experts provide you with individualized, personal care.
The deluxe suites offer natural light, wood finishes and soothing artwork that add to the serene atmosphere.
- Amenities
- Larger rooms
- Concierge-style service
- Peaceful, serene, private environment for healing
- Comfortable recliner
- Fine linens, towels and robes
- Fine soap and skin care products
- Upgraded food selection (two trays per guest per meal)
- Personal, in-room refrigerator
- Wireless access
- Large-screen LCD TVs with video on demand
- Clock radio with iPod dock
- Coffeemaker
- Daily newspaper
- Two validated valet parking passes per day
- Arranging your stay at the deluxe suites
If you are interested in staying in the deluxe suites as an upgrade during your postpartum care, call 310-829-8887 for information on pricing. Please keep in mind the cost to upgrade your room will not be covered by insurance.
The deluxe suites are subject to availability at the time of admission.
For more information about the women’s health deluxe suites, please call 310-829-8887.
Providence is committed to helping women experiencing emotional, social, and psychological challenges during and after pregnancy. Our focus is prevention and early intervention.
If you or a loved one is struggling with maternal depression, anxiety, family conflicts, or other stressors—or if you would like help connecting with mental health or social services resources—please call our toll-free Maternal Wellness WarmLine to speak to a licensed mental health professional:
1-844-992-1266*
*WarmLine is open 9am-5pm Monday-Friday and is NOT text-capable
If you are in crisis or if this is an emergency, please call 911
Please be advised that the Maternal Wellness WarmLine is not a crisis line nor does it handle emergencies. People in crisis should call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
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Expert Tips and Advice for a Healthy Pregnancy
