About Our Services
The Birthplace at Dupont Hospital provides expectant mothers with options that help them create a more natural labor experience. Moms-to-be can request a natural birthing room, choose different approaches to laboring and indicate pain management preferences.
Natural Birthing Suites
Natural birthing suites create a more natural labor experience. These rooms feature an in-suite bathroom, rain shower, personal refrigerator, designated baby care area, flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi, fold down sleeper sofa, glider rocker and labor position-changing tools. These rooms also have a whirlpool tub and soaking tub for pain management.
Laboring Techniques
Not every birth is the same for every mother. The Birthplace team helps moms progress through labor naturally using comfort techniques and position-changing tools that may include:
- Birthing balls
- Squatting bars
- Labor stools
- Glider rockers
- Soaking tubs
- Rain showers
Wireless monitoring is available so moms have the freedom to walk around the room or in the hallways during labor.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, can help with relaxation and ease labor pains. It is inhaled through a mask as needed to take the edge off during labor and delivery.
Family-Centered C-Section
When a vaginal delivery isn't possible, a family-centered C-section may be an option. This approach, also called a gentle C-section, focuses on making baby's arrival feel more like a birthday and less like a surgery.
- Quiet voices and soothing music provide a more relaxed atmosphere for mom, her support person and baby.
- A clear drape is used so mom can see baby being lifted from her stomach if she chooses.
- Baby is placed on mom's chest almost immediately after birth and while the surgeon completes the procedure. If mom is not able to hold baby, her support person can provider skin-to-skin contact with baby.
Expectant mothers are encouraged to talk with their physician to find out if a family-centered C-section is an option.
After Baby Arrives
At Dupont Hospital, Mom makes the rules. Aunts, uncles, friends, sisters, anyone is welcome to visit Mom whenever Mom wants them to. When Mom wants and needs rest, a team member will kindly explain that Mom has requested some time for rest.
We encourage extended family and friends to call ahead and ask the nurses for a convenient time to make a brief visit.
How can we help Mom relax? Room service with made-to-order entrees and snacks, in-room movies and a spacious shower – all in your room. Sounds like a hotel, doesn't it? It's all part of the Dupont Difference.
Even though babies are small, they create big changes in the lives of their families. We're here to help every step of the way.