Your delivery will be tailored specifically to the needs of you and your baby.
FAQ about Delivery
Where will I deliver my baby?
UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital,
202 S Park St, Madison, WI 53715
If you have questions about deliveries at UnityPoint Health – Meriter, or would like to schedule a tour of the birthing suites, please contact the hospital at 608-417-6000.
When will we talk about my Birth Plan?
Because labor is naturally a variable process from woman to woman (and even from pregnancy to pregnancy), it is sometimes hard to imagine how much can be “planned.” We are happy to guide you in formulating a vision of how you would like your labor process to go with trusted resources. We will discuss any particular concerns or ideas you have with the utmost goal of providing you a safe and comfortable delivery for you and your baby.
Will I see my MWH doctor at the hospital?
All of our obstetricians share in covering patients who deliver at UnityPoint-Meriter Hospital. Because of this, your primary physician may be there to assist with your delivery if she is on call at the time or your birth plan requires your delivery be scheduled, but one of our other physicians may be delivering your baby depending on when you go into labor. We work as a team to provide you with exceptional care tailored to your unique birthing experience. As a patient, you have the opportunity to meet as many of our doctors as possible before the end of your pregnancy so you can feel comfortable and confident going into your delivery.
What if I don’t get my own doctor for my labor and birth?
We all practice as a group of dedicated, like-minded OBGYN physicians who try to individualize our care to you, your baby, and your birth plan. If your primary obstetrician is not on call on the date of your delivery, one of our other talented doctors will be there to guide you through your delivery with care and compassion. We generally have one physician each week who covers the night call (8pm to 8am) from Sunday to Saturday, and a rotation of physicians who cover during the day (8am to 8pm).
What is recommended for pain relief during labor?
Giving birth is “pain with a purpose” and every woman perseveres in her own way. Many women choose to utilize relaxation and support techniques, including relaxation breathing, water therapy, position changes, counter-pressure and other techniques. Some women also choose to use pain medication to assist with the strongest part of their labor. Others also elect to receive a labor epidural, which provides the most complete labor pain relief. UnityPoint Health-Meriter’s Anesthesiology team administers epidurals and are committed to providing you this option in a safe and timely manner. Read more about epidurals during labor. All options have their pros and cons and we encourage you to make the best decision for yourself and your body once you are in labor. Please let us know if you have any questions about pain relief options. Read Labor & Delivery Tips for First-Time Moms.
Who else will take care of me at the hospital?
When you arrive at the hospital, you will be assessed in the Birthing Center Triage area. This area allows the staff to decide what level of care you will need for the rest of your stay and get any immediate treatments or plans initiated for you. A resident physician from the UW School of Obstetrics and Gynecology may see you when you are admitted. As physicians and teachers, it is our goal to provide every resident with the same patient-centered education we were privileged to receive. All of the UW OBGYN residents (both male and female) are physicians who have chosen to pursue women’s health for the rest of their medical careers and exhibit the highest degrees of respect and professionalism.
What happens after I have my baby?
You will continue to receive dedicated hospital care after your baby is born. You will be given recovery support, along with help with any breastfeeding or newborn care education. You will be watched more closely in the first few hours after birth, to insure that you do not have bleeding or blood pressure issues. Pain control will be discussed and several medicinal and non-medicinal interventions will be offered. Rest and time with your baby will be encouraged. Visitors are welcome at any time that you want them, but we strongly encourage you to consider what is best for you and your baby for those first several hours. You are allowed to stay for 2 nights after the time of a vaginal birth and 4 nights after the time of a Cesarean birth. Some mothers and babies who are doing well choose to go home earlier than that; this can be discussed if you wish. If your baby is doing well, your pediatric provider will see your baby on the next morning rounds (they are notified automatically by the hospital when your baby is born) and one of us will see you each day that you are in the hospital, also. Instructions and precautions will be reviewed with you prior to going home, and we generally see you for a visit within several weeks.
If I need a Cesarean Section (C-section), who performs this?
We all are trained and experienced in performing Cesarean deliveries, and will perform this surgery if you need it for the birth of your baby. We do our best to consider all safe and reasonable options before a Cesarean delivery, but will also advise you about the risks and benefits of various delivery options. You will have a team of nurses, an anesthesiology team, a surgical technician and newborn nursery doctors who help with the cesarean birth of your baby. You are able to have one support person in the room with you during your Cesarean birth. Safety and optimal care are our first priorities, and we also wish to make it a special birth experience for you.
Do I have to call my pediatrician after the birth of my child?
No, the staff at UnityPoint Health-Meriter Hospital will ensure that the pediatrician you choose is notified at the time of your baby’s birth.
