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Obstetrics

Obstetrics

Call (970) 479-7181 with questions.

The Family Birth Center at Vail Health Hospital consists of seven rooms devoted to labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum (LDRP). Each room is furnished and decorated to help soothe and relax during labor and to assist during recovery. Rooms include a specially designed mother's bed, sofa bed for the mother's partner/support person, Jacuzzi tub and shower, flat-screen television with music and nature scenes for relaxation and spectacular views of Vail Mountain.
 
Our operating suite is dedicated to meeting the special needs of obstetrical surgery, and an additional three rooms are available for any patient requiring special care. Room service is available at the patient's request and support partners receive two meal vouchers during the patients stay. Valet parking is an additional amenity for women and their partner.
 
Whether you visit the Family Birth Center for antepartum (before delivery) testing and monitoring, preterm labor, natural or epidural-managed childbirth, induction or Cesarean section, the staff is well-equipped to care for you and your baby. Each birthing suite has a fetal monitor for physicians and nurses to monitor your baby's heartbeat and your contraction pattern. For low-risk patients wanting low intervention, we offer intermittent fetal monitoring based on maternal status. We also offer birthing balls and birthing bars for natural childbirth. Portable fetal monitoring devices are provided if you'd like to walk around during labor and aromatherapy oils are available upon request.
 
Several options are provided to families requiring Cesarean section deliveries to promote minimal family separation; skin-to-skin and breastfeeding initiation; and a calm, personalized atmosphere. Families may choose to elect or omit any of the following.  
 
  • Your support person may sit and comfort you as your spinal anesthesia line is placed.
  • Your support person and baby will stay with you until it is time for transfer to the recovery room. At this time, your support person will walk to the recovery room with your baby, while you are rolled in your hospital bed.
  • As soon as medically possible following delivery, your baby will be placed skin to skin with you on your chest to aid in temperature stabilization, bonding, and initiation of breastfeeding.
  • You may breastfeed as soon as your baby is showing signs of readiness.
  • You may bring your iPod or iPhone with the music of your choice to play through our speakers during your entire time in the operating room.
  • You may request to have the lights in the room dimmed.

Please keep in mind the health and safety of you and your baby is our first priority. If, at any time, it is deemed medically necessary, some or all of these options may not be available.

Obstetrics FAQs

You should be registered for the childbirth class by the beginning of your third trimester (28-30 weeks).
 
Classes are designed to educate and prepare both the pregnant woman and her partner/support person for labor and parenthood. Grandparents are also welcome to attend.
 
We offer a one-hour Sibling Class which is designed to prepare the sibling for the arrival of the new family member. To register for a refresher class, please email childbirth@vailhealth.org.
 
Yes. We offer a Childbirth Class that discusses the birthing process with and without medications. We also offer a Natural Childbirth Class, which should be taken in addition to the Childbirth Class. Techniques such as massage, movement, rhythmic breathing, aromatherapy, visualizations and music are discussed. This seminar also reviews laboring positions, as well as the second stage of pushing positions taught in the Childbirth Classes. In addition, the Childbirth Class class touches on coping mechanisms during labor. Click here for a full list of class offerings.
 
Yes, we recommend that couples take Childbirth Class which covers epidural and cesarean birth as well as a lesson on baby care and parenting. Click here for a full list of class offerings.
Our Baby Care Class is meant for expecting parents or parents who have just had their baby(ies). Class topics include general care, weight loss and gain, sleep patterns, skin care, umbilical cord care, circumcision care, bathing, nail care, special winter and summer care and baby's environment at home. This class may also be of interest to grandparents. In addition, Baby & Me is a great opportunity to meet other parents, develop friendships, talk about babies' milestones, discuss breastfeeding or other concerns and celebrate triumphs. Click here for a full list of class offerings.
 
It is a couple's decision regarding how many people they would like to have in their labor room. In case of Caesarean section, there is only one support person allowed in the operating and recovery rooms.

Children may visit the Family Birth Center; however, during flu or RSV season, for the health of all of the babies and recovering mothers, only siblings of the new baby are allowed to visit.
 
The Family Birth Center does not set visitation hours. Visitors are allowed throughout the day and in the evening. However, we provide "Quiet Time" daily for our patients from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This enables the family to rest together uninterrupted and focus on feeding and bonding. We encourage all visitors to plan their visit at other times of the day.
 
Children may visit the Family Birth Center; however, during flu or RSV season, for the health of all of the babies and recovering mothers, only siblings of the new baby are allowed to visit.
 
Yes, lactation consultants and nurses are available to visit new mothers and their babies during their hospital stay. Moms can also visit a lactation consultant after discharge by appointment if any difficulties arise. Breast pumps are available for rent if needed. And we offer a Baby and Me support group weekly run by a lactation consultant in Edwards to prepare mothers (and their partners) for the choices and possible challenges of feeding and caring for their newborn(s). Visit our Events Calendar for dates. In addition, new moms can call our lactation line with any questions or concerns at (970) 479-MILK.
 
It is helpful to pre-register with the hospital prior to going into labor. Print and fill out a Pre-Registration Form (pdf) or request a copy from your doctor or midwife. Completed forms can be submitted to the Admission Department at Vail Health Hospital. Please bring your ID and insurance card to sign a consent form for you and your baby.
 
Anesthesiologists are on call for patients in the Family Birth Center and are given a 30-minute response time once they are contacted.
At the Family Birth Center, neonatal nurse practitioners are master's degree prepared nurses with expertise in the care of infants. They work closely with neonatologist at the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children Level IV NICU  and nurses to ensure that all infants receive the best care during their stay at the hospital.
 
The Family Birth Center has a Level II Nursery, which is equipped to handle most babies born after 32 weeks or full-term babies who have health concerns or illnesses. Our Level II Nursery, including the neonatal nurse practitioners, lessen the likelihood that your newborn will need to be transported to a Level III facility if complications arise.