Family Birthplace: Labor & Delivery
Recognized as a Best Maternity Hospital by Newsweek for 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024 and designated a Baby-Friendly Hospital by Baby-Friendly USA, Inc., SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital – St. Louis is the regional hub for maternal services and high-risk obstetrics. It is also home to the Saint Louis University School of Medicine's Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health residency program and supported by leading neonatologists from SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital.
Why choose SSM Health for your birthing experience?
You're having a baby? SSM Health is with you every step of the way during your pregnancy journey. We support many options for childbirth. We always keep your wishes and plans in mind and will always work with your personal and family goals should the situation remain safe to do so.
We have close ties with Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - St. Louis, in partnership with SLUCare Physican Group is recognized for its standards for excellence in maternity care, including achieving low rates of C-section, episiotomy and early elective deliveries, and following crucial protocols to protect mothers and babies.
To read about everything from conceiving to post-partum care, follow SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital and SLUCare physicians' Journey to Motherhood STL Facebook page.
When it comes to high-risk pregnancies, we have an academic edge.
- We're home to the Maternal & Fetal Care Center that features SLUCare Physician Group maternal-fetal medicine specialists from Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
- SLUCare Physician Group pediatricians and neonatologists from SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital are available 24/7 to assist your obstetrician.
- We're a satellite location for the SSM Health Cardinal Glennon St. Louis Fetal Care Institute
- We're home to the most experienced Maternal Transport Services team in the St. Louis Metro area.
If you need it, we have a Level III NICU.
A Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) offers newborns a higher level of care, including newborns with critical illnesses and those born as early as 28 weeks of age. Our NICU features:
- A team of neonatologists, NICU nurses, neonatal nurse practitioners and respiratory therapists who are fully prepared to provide advanced, intensive care and support to newborns 24/7
- Single-family rooms offer added privacy and feature soothing, nature-themed designs.
- Neonatal nurses who specialize in caring for women with high-risk pregnancies.
- Lactation specialists available seven days a week for breastfeeding support to help babies get off to a healthy start.
- NicView™ is an innovative, 24/7 secure online portal allowing parents the ability to access a 24-hour video stream of their baby by using their smartphone or tablet.
- Our NICU provides moms and babies with everything they need to have a happy, healthy and successful birthing process.
We offer more than labor and delivery care for new moms.
- Our Women's Evaluation Unit is a pre-admission area for pregnant woman and allows those in an emergency situation or have a sudden concern at any time during their pregnancy to bypass the traditional emergency room and receive an immediate ultrasound and care from our obstetric physicians.
- A staff member is available via phone 24/7 to answer any questions that come up during your pregnancy journey.
- Find the Women's Evaluation Unit by labor and delivery on the 5th floor.
- The WISH Center (Women and Infant Substance Help) provides care for people who are affected by opioid dependency.
- The Women's Wellness Center's mission is to improve maternal and infant health by providing compassionate maternity care regardless of insurance status to women in the St. Louis region.
Specialized Care & Offerings
- An anesthesiologist dedicated to obstetrics is on-site at all times
- For non-medicated births, we offer many low intervention techniques to make you as comfortable as possible throughout the birth experience.
- Doulas are always welcome to provide emotional and educational support. Learn more about our St. Louis Doula Directory.
- Our specialized team of lactation consultants assist in education, training, and support of new moms if you choose to receive training to breastfeed.
- Dedicated surgical suites on the same floor if a Cesarean section (C-section) or EXIT procedure is necessary
- For mothers with a previous C-section, we can perform Vaginal Births After Cesarean section (VBACs) if you and your doctor determine it is appropriate and safe.
- Continuous fetal monitoring
- Regular and advanced Level II ultrasound
- Amniocentesis
- External cephalic version (a procedure to try and turn the baby if it’s in breech or "feet first" position)
We offer a welcome alternative to traditional hospital delivery. In our fresh, comfortable setting, we provide personal, one-on-one attention for Mother and Baby, which includes care and instruction from highly trained nurses and lactation specialists.
Family Birth Suites
- Our spacious suites you will be in for labor, delivery and recovery can easily accommodate a recliner for a special visitor. They were also carefully designed to promote safety and to be able to accommodate all the high-tech equipment necessary to safely deliver your baby.
- After your baby is born, you will continue care in a spa-like postpartum suite on our mother-baby unit. Each suite has a comfortable sleeper sofa for your spouse or loved one to spend the night as well as a flat screen TV, and private bathroom and shower.
- We also offer room service dining for our patients. You may order meals or snacks anytime between 6:30 am and 6:30 pm daily.
From birthing classes to sibling classes and everything in between, SSM Health has you covered on things you need to know to prepare for baby. Fathers or another support person are encouraged to attend the classes too. Our classes help you feel prepared for your little one's arrival. Topics range from:
- Breastfeeding
- Caring for Your Newborn
- Childbirth Preparation
- Comfort Measures for Childbirth
- Fertility Care Services
View all of our pregnancy and childbirth classes available in the St. Louis region.
Tours of SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - St. Louis and the Family Birthplace are available. These visits are a wonderful opportunity to learn about everything we offer moms and babies and ask any questions about labor and delivery and postpartum care. Sign up online for a tour or call us toll-free at 866-SSM-DOCS (866-776-3627).
Individualized Maternity Care
The trademark of SSM Health's maternity care is individualized care for you and your baby. Our doctors and nurses offer personal, one-on-one attention. It’s like having extended family members helping you bring new life into this world.
Get Your Free Guide to Pregnancy
SSM Health provides some of the most experienced and compassionate OBGYN providers in your area. We are dedicated to listening to your concerns, answering your questions, and supporting you during labor and beyond.