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Women and Infant Services
Women and Infant Services
When you think you are in labor, call your physician and follow instructions. Call 911 for all emergency situations.
A Safe and Comfortable Pregnancy
From the early stages of pregnancy to the birth of your precious bundle of joy, we're here for you at every step of the way, providing you with the tools, knowledge and services you'll need to be confident in your pregnancy and approach. Our specialty team includes board certified obstetricians available in the Labor and Delivery Unit 24/7 and neonatologists from Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). Our staff strives to accommodate the needs of every patient and their child and understands the importance of offering personalized care.
With one of the lowest cesarean rates in Southern California and the only CCS designated NICU in the High Desert, Providence St. Mary Medical Center ensures the highest care possible for mothers and babies.
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.
We're ready to care for you and your baby no matter the circumstances. Providence St. Mary has a full spectrum of programs and services for expectant mothers, many unique to the High Desert and all designed to provide safe, quality care for moms and babies. These services include:
- Labor and Delivery - Family centered personal care to you and your support person during the birth of your child
- Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - Specially-equipped unit to care for infants with health complications at birth
- Healthy Beginnings/New Avenues - Ensures mothers receive prenatal care during the first trimester of pregnancy
- Mother/Baby Unit - Our state-of-the-art Mother Baby Unit offers top quality care and services for mothers and their newborns, ensuring that every baby’s life begins with health and happiness
Preparing for childbirth comes long before being admitted to the hospital, which is why Providence St. Mary offers childbirth classes every month for parents-to-be. We listen to you and help you make informed choices. It's a pregnancy journey that addresses your head and heart.
- Learn more about childbirth preparation classes at St. Mary Medical Center
- Learn more about parenting classes at St. Mary Medical Center
Our journey with you doesn't end at childbirth. Our community programs offer newborn evaluations and support, as well as education for mom.
The Baby Friendly Health Initiative is a global initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). As part of this initiative, Providence St. Mary's clinicians support policies and practices that foster breastfeeding as the exclusive feeding choice for infants in their first six months of life. All Providence St. Mary nurses are trained and qualified to assist new moms with breastfeeding. Additionally, we have certified lactation consultants on staff to assist.
Prepare for the anticipated, the unexpected and everything in between. Birth plans are a great way to let your physician and labor and delivery nurse understand how you and your family would like your delivery experience to go. Creating a birth plan is a useful tool to determine the expectations both you and your partner have about the upcoming birth. Knowing these expectations will help guide our health care delivery team in providing the most comfortable plan possible.
Please do not bring valuables to the hospital, as they cannot be secured. The hospital is not responsible for replacing lost items. Any items that will be left unattended should remain at home.
- A hospital gown or birthing clothing, if you would like to bring your own. While we permit patients to wear their own clothing (i.e. skirts, nightgowns or dresses), we prefer that you wear a hospital gown, as they are fashioned with snaps at the sleeves for easy maneuvering around IV's. Also, because birth is a messy process, clothing worn during labor is unlikely to be worn again.
- Pajamas, bathrobe and slippers
- Underwear suitable for wearing with maxi-pads
- A nursing bra, if breastfeeding
- A comfortable outfit for mom to wear home
- Baby clothes and blankets for baby's trip home
- Cell phone/laptop/camera. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hospital. If you are bringing a cell phone, laptop or camera, please ensure these items will be attended at all times.
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.
WarmLine is available 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is not text-capable.
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: 800-273-8255.
Find a Doctor
At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.
Free pregnancy and parenting app
Circle® is a free pregnancy and parenting app that provides useful health resources, top-notch pregnancy calculator and tools to help track ovulation, weight, blood pressure, and vaccinations. Enjoy easy access to program information, services and classes, too! Plus, when you connect to MyChart through Circle, you'll receive appointment reminders for you and your children. Learn more about the Circle app.
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