Labor & Delivery

Just for Partners—What to Expect
The partner’s role in childbirth has changed since the old days of the doctor entering the waiting room to announce, “It’s a…” Today, most partners are involved early on and attend everything from prenatal appointments to childbirth classes to the actual birth itself. At the BirthCare Center, we encourage a partner’s participation in the birth. A homelike atmosphere is provided in the spacious Labor, Delivery and Recovery Suites, and in the days after delivery, partners are invited to visit with mom and baby as often as they’d like.

As the due date nears, partners need to be as prepared as possible. When the big day does finally arrive, things are guaranteed to be both exciting and hectic! Here is some important information to get you ready for delivery day.

• Be sure to take a tour of the hospital with your partner. Familiarize yourself with where to park, how to get to the BirthCare Center, how to get to the hospital cafeteria called the Plush Pantry and Seaside Café when you’re ready for a snack or meal, and where the gift shop is located in case you need supplies or flowers. Call (800) MEMORIAL to schedule a tour.
• Make sure your partner is pre-admitted, so that she can head directly to labor and delivery once she goes into labor.
  Pre-Admission Form
• Print out and fill out the Partners’ Checklist
• Keep your gas tank full—you may not have time to get to the gas station if your partner is in labor.
• Have your cameras (video, digital and still) charged and ready to go. Bring extra film and batteries, just in case.
• Plan for emergency back-up transportation, in case you’re not around when your partner goes into labor.
• Be supportive of your partner. She will probably have trouble sleeping, getting comfortable in general, and may experience contractions called Braxton hicks before actually going into labor.
• Be patient and listen to her concerns. Your support during the final countdown will be important to her.