Birthing Center
The Women & Children’s Pavilion encompasses all aspects of care
for your maternity and infant needs. From maternal transport to neonatal
intensive care, we are able to provide care close to home. During pregnancy,
our Birthing Center offers a variety of childbirth and child-care classes,
including monthly prenatal classes and tours designed to make the entire
family feel more comfortable during this exciting time. Each room in the
Birthing Center provides new mothers with the latest in convenience, comfort,
and technology. Each phase of the birth experience: labor, delivery, and
recovery, takes place in a cozy suite designed to reflect the familiar
comforts of home.
Labor & Delivery
When in labor or scheduled for delivery:
What to do?
Stay in touch with your provider's office for instructions on when
to come in for your delivery. If needed, call the Birthing Center at 828.326.3200
to let them know you are in labor and what your plan is for arriving at
the hospital.
Where do I go?
You will be coming to the Birthing Center located in the Pavilion, Center
for Women and Children. The Pavilion is located at the Southwest corner
of the hospital.
Where do I park?
Directional signs are located at the corner of Fairgrove Church Road and
11th Ave SE. Follow the signs to the Pavilion Parking Lot (do not go to
the Emergency Room if you are in Labor). Park as close to the entrance
as needed. Wheel chairs are available on the Entry Level. If the inner
corridor door does not open, follow the instructions provided for entry.
Where do I go once inside the Pavilion?
Choose Level 2 on the elevator to reach the Birthing Center where you
will be shown to one of our 18 Labor & Delivery Suites.
What are my pain management and medication options?
To help manage pain during labor there are several options for use as
appropriate. These options include: Birthing and peanut balls, breathing
techniques, labor tub in your L&D suite, movement and positioning
and relaxation methods.
Medication options include: Epidural anesthesia, intravenous (IV) pain
medication and nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
How is the Cesarean process different?
You may have one support person accompany you to the OR. After the birth
you will have a short recovery period before returning to your room. Your
nurse will keep you informed of when you may receive additional visitors.
Things to know during your stay:
Kangaroo Care
Also known as Skin-to-Skin contact, it is a form of developmental care
which, when initiated just after birth, helps regulate your baby's
heart rate, breathing, and body temperature.
What is the visitation policy?
COVID-19 positive patients are allowed one consistent visitor. Otherwise,
you may elect to have up to three (3) persons 15 years or older with you
throughout Labor & Delivery. After a 2-hour bonding period with your
baby and your partner, you may elect to have a maximum of six (6) visitors
at a time. Visitors may switch out and can be any age.
Birth Certificate
When you are admitted to the hospital you will be given a BIRTH CERTIFICATE
REGISTRATION SHEET WITH INSTRUCTIONS. (BRIGHT GREEN PAPERS). It is important
to fill out the Registration Sheet according to the instructions, front
and back, as soon as you can. Give the ACCURATE AND FULLY COMPLETED sheets
to your nurse to give to the Birth Registrar.
Taking Pictures and Video
It is the policy of CVHS to permit limited photography under specific
guidelines. Participating staff will educate the photographer to the guidelines.
North Carolina Newborn Screening Program
Your newborn will receive three (3) screenings before being discharged.
Tests performed are Metabolic, Hearing, and Heart Screenings. Results
for the Hearing and Heart Screenings will be available before you leave
the hospital. Your baby's doctor will give you the results of the
Metabolic Screening.
Feeding Options
If you decide to breastfeed your infant there are staff who are trained
in assisting mothers to breastfeed. In addition, International Board Certified
Lactation Consultants are available both in the hospital and after you
go home to support you and your baby in your breast-feeding journey.
Bottle feeding is also supported. Bottles and formula are provided for
your baby while in the hospital.
Things to be aware of after delivery
Care and support after delivery
Each Labor & Delivery Suite is equiped with a sleeper sofa to provide
comfort and rest for your support person without separation from mom or
baby during the most important first days of life.
Moving if needed
After delivery, depending on number of patients, time of delivery, and
anticipated need of Labor & Delivery Suites, patients will likely
be moved to our Postpartum Tower until time for discharge. Our staff will
make the arrangements to move belongings to the room.
Length of stay
Minimum stay for regular delivery is 24 hours from time of birth and 48
hours from time of birth for a Cesarean (C-Section) delivery.
Car Seat
Ideally you will have your infant car seat installed and inspected before
you come to the hospital to deliver. If you need assistance with installing
before or during your stay please contact The POD at 828.326.3062 or SAFE
KIDS Catawba County at 828.485.2300 ext. 6206 to schedule an inspection.
Catawba Valley Medical Center has received the Women’s Choice Award
from WomenCertified distinguishing it as one of the Best Hospitals for
Patient Experience in Obstetrics every year from 2013 - 2023.
For a tour of the Birthing Center, please sign up via our
online calendar or contact our Education Center at
thepod@cvmc.us.
Thank you for choosing our Birthing Center for your care. Our Birthing
Center is led by Rachel Pitts, Director, Women and Children, Birthing
Center. Interested in learning more about our Birthing Center? Please
call 828.326.3062.