Family Birth Suites: Labor & Delivery

Preparing for your baby and the changes he or she will bring is a big part of your pregnancy. There are times of excitement and times of overwhelming emotion. From family planning to ensuring a successful delivery, we take care of your pregnancy every step of the way at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison.

SSM Health supports many options for childbirth. We always keep your wishes and plans in mind first and will always work with your personal and family goals should the situation remain safe to do so.

Our Amenities

Your stay begins in one of our spacious Family Birth Suites - a private, home-like setting where women are supported by nurses who specialize in labor and birth.

We offer in-room tubs, birthing balls and hands-on guidance to help you position your body to help ease discomfort. Our style of care means your birth experience can be tailored to include the wishes and traditions that are important to you.

Following the birth of your baby, you'll rest in one of our Family Care Suites. Our quiet, spa-like rooms accommodate both mom and her partner, and include a queen bed, in-room baby bathing area and massaging shower. We encourage parents to room-in with their baby 24/7 and provide breastfeeding support. Nurses who specialize in caring for moms and their newborns monitor recovery and support families through those important first few days together.

You can even enjoy an enhanced room service menu with organic and locally sourced food options.

For additional videos on our Family Birth Suites and Family Care Suites, breastfeeding, skin-to-skin care and much more, view our full playlist.

Childbirth Options

Our care approach allows your birthing experience to be tailored to your exact wishes and traditions. We offer many low intervention options to support you during your labor, so speak with your labor and delivery nurse about your birthing preferences, including:

• Room environment
• Mobility
• Visitors
• Hydration
• Aromatherapy
• Monitoring
• Pain relief options, including nitrous oxide
• Cesarean section
• Cord cutting
• Feeding baby
• Skin-to-skin contact
• Circumcision

For low-risk patients, a laboring mom is not always confined to the bed. When appropriate, mom can wear a wireless fetal monitor or an intermittent monitor so she can walk around, try standing positions or even labor in a special laboring tub, or the shower or jetted tub in her room. This option supports movement during labor, which can increase comfort and speed progress.

Pregnancy and Labor Support

Patients can choose to use a Certified Midwife or OBGYN as their main provider throughout the pregnancy and birthing journey. Both providers can prescribe medicine, order tests, provide treatment for common pregnancy symptoms, and deliver babies. If complications arise during pregnancy or delivery, the providers at SSM Health work closely with specialized SSM Health physicians who advise on any high-risk complications.

Many expectant mothers at St. Mary's Hospital may also choose to work with a doula. Doulas provide informational, physical and emotional support to mom and her family before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. We welcome this additional support in the birthing suite. Bring your own personal doula or ask us your provider about our partnerships.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Our neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners (providers or experts who are experts in caring for critically ill newborns) are onsite 24/7. NICU nurses, respiratory therapists and other caregivers support babies' growth and development and also teach families how to care for their newest members. Learn more about our NICU.

Pregnancy and Birthing Resources

Education Classes

The birth of your baby adds a brand-new, exciting dimension to your life! That's why SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Madison offers special classes to help you prepare for the changes a new baby brings, the care you and your baby will need, and your special time together. Fathers or another support person are encouraged to attend the classes too. It is best to take these classes weeks 28 through 36. Space is limited, so please register early. Classes include:

• Breastfeeding
• Caring for Your Newborn
• Childbirth Education
• Postpartum Care
• Infant and Child CPR
• MOMS Support Group
• New Beginnings: Support Through the 4th Trimester

Take the next step to prepare for your little one’s arrival and register for a class today.

Tour Our Labor & Delivery Suites

Guided tours of the SSM Health St. Mary’s Family Birth Suites are available and are a great opportunity to learn more about what we offer, as well as to ask questions about the labor and delivery process. Register for an OB tour today!

Digital Resources

We offer a free app called YoMingo which supports you through you every stage of your health care journey. It includes answers to frequent questions and provides tools to track fetal kicks, measurements, contractions, and even a feeding log after birth. Download on Google Play or Apple and ask for a free login at your next OBGYN visit.

All patients also have access to our  MyChart app which helps you manage your prenatal appointments, view test results, report on symptoms, and ask your provider questions. 

Whether you’re expecting, or trying to conceive, trust the team at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison. We’ll partner with you on this exciting new chapter in your life. Find the nearest OB/GYN today and get started.