Your comfort during this exciting time is vital to your birthing experience! Each private birthing suite is equipped for any birthing method you choose. In a home-like labor/delivery room, you’ll have all the technical support needed for a safe birth, and pleasant and soothing surroundings for the most comfortable delivery.

The birthing unit features 15 private birthing suites that include: Modern birthing bed Jacuzzi tub Sleep sofa for labor partner 27” flat panel television with DVD/CD player Wireless Internet Large windows with panoramic views of downtown Des Moines Refrigerator Three C-section rooms with private recovery rooms for post-surgery Two spacious waiting rooms for friends and family

As part of the high level of care that Mercy delivers to our patients, a Mercy neonatologist is available in the hospital 24 hours a
day, seven days a week. A neonatologist is a pediatrician who has received specialized and advanced training in caring for babies who are premature or have medical complications. A Mercy neonatologist attends all C-section deliveries, premature deliveries (before 37 weeks of gestation) or any delivery in which your obstetrical doctor feels it is needed. Mercy’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is located directly above the Birthing Unit–mere steps away.

After your baby is born, Mother/Baby Nurses provide the education and reassurance to prepare you for your journey home, helping you feel comfortable caring for yourself and your baby once you leave the hospital.

Pain management options
Most moms to-be are nervous about the potential pain from labor and delivery. The amount of pain you will experience
will be different than your sister or best friend—and can be influenced greatly by your preparation for it. Attending
childbirth education classes is helpful to educate yourself about the birthing experience.
At Mercy, our staff will provide you with many options to help minimize pain during labor. We will do our best to accommodate
you with pain-relieving techniques of your choice (be sure to complete the birth communication tool on page 15 after
referencing the pain medication preference scale on page 17). Remember, the safety of you and your baby is always the first
consideration.
Mercy offers the following options for labor pain management:

• Breathing techniques
• Touch or massage
• Relaxation
• Music
  Position changes
• Medications (including epidural and intrathecal)
• Aromatherapy
• Water therapy with whirlpool tubs