Childbirth

Your Stay: What to Expect After Delivery

When you deliver at the Slidell Memorial Hospital Birthing Center, you can expect spacious private rooms, one-on-one breastfeeding support and more. Our highly skilled Labor and Delivery staff are specifically trained to care for moms and babies, so you’ll both be in good hands.

Labor, Delivery and Postpartum Rooms

SMH Birthing Center provides a family-centered, hotel-like environment with spacious, all-private labor and delivery suites, and postpartum rooms. While access to the Labor and Delivery department is limited to help maintain a safe environment for moms and babies, there is a large waiting area available for family and friends. Wi-Fi is available in all areas and rooms.

Immediately after delivery, we encourage skin-to-skin contact between you and your baby. We also make it easier to bond during the golden hour (the first hour after birth) by conducting all infant assessments and monitoring in the birthing room, as long as there are no complications.

Breastfeeding Support Services

Whether you have decided to breastfeed or are considering it, we can help. Our dedicated staff includes registered lactation consultants and breastfeeding educator nurses, who will provide you with one-on-one breastfeeding education and counseling.

Our lactation staff can also provide outpatient consultations as needed and are available to consult with your physician regarding your breastfeeding concerns. SMH is a GIFT (Guided Infant Feeding Techniques) certified hospital. To speak with one of our lactation consultants, call (985) 280-8663.

Want to learn more about breastfeeding? Our monthly clinic covers the benefits, how to get started and what to expect in the first weeks.

Nursery

Rooming-in with your newborn brings a lot of benefits for both you and your baby, including better sleep and increased confidence as a new parent. However, if you choose to place your baby in the nursery for any amount of time, our expert nursery staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides specialized care to newborns with a wide array of medical problems, including prematurity, respiratory distress and infections. Our Level III NICU, the only one of this level in East St. Tammany, is staffed by board-certified neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners and neonatal nurses who specialize in the care of sick and premature infants.

The NICU is located on the second floor adjacent to the newborn nursery. Parents and family members are encouraged to visit the baby in the NICU. Ask your nurse about specific visiting guidelines.

Cafeteria

The Camellia Café is located on the first floor, and food can be eaten in the cafe or taken out. Please check with the cafe for exact service times and daily specials. In addition, guest trays are available through the dietary hostess for a nominal fee.

Gift Shop

The Care Package Gift Shop is located in the Gause Boulevard Lobby and is open Monday through Friday. Cards, balloon bouquets and gift items are available.