Your Labor and Birth

You may already know how you want your baby’s birth to happen. At Texas Health Rockwall, we work with you to achieve the birth you want, while keeping you comfortable and secure. We support family involvement in your birth, as part of our family-centered care philosophy. We know that babies thrive when their family is engaged in the birth.

Other items that may keep you comfortable during labor include:

A deck of cards, books, magazines, music, tablet, etc.

Bathrobe or labor gown

Labor support tools

Comfy slippers/socks (skid-proof)

Snacks for your partner

Please note you do not need to bring your luggage or car seat to your room until after delivery.

What to Expect During Labor and Delivery

We are here to help you have the birth experience that best fits your wishes and needs.

Our modern and spacious labor and delivery suites provide a private and comforting environment. Each room includes:

Flat-screen TV

Sleeper sofa for a support person

Free internet access

A private bathroom with a shower

Wireless monitoring systems available by request

If you have a birth plan, please share it with your nurse when you arrive at your labor room. You do not have to create one. We will try to follow your wishes as long as they does not interfere with the health and safety of you or the baby.

View Visitor Guidelines

Documenting this special occasion is important for many of our families. Cameras are allowed with the following conditions:

Your medical provider and any nurses or other providers in the room must consent to the video or photography. The individual recording the birth must sign the hospital’s Photographer/Videographer Agreement.

Video or photography can begin only when allowed by the provider or hospital staff.

The individual must obtain permission to photograph or videotape any hospital staff before doing so.

Only hand-held devices are allowed in Labor and Delivery (no tripods).

Please note that the provider or nurse may require the individual to stop photographing or videotaping at any time.

There is no medical “best choice” for managing pain during labor. Everyone has different pain thresholds. Instead, it’s a question of what makes the most sense for you and your partner. If you find that you want additional pain management during labor, the options available at Texas Health Rockwall include:

Natural Labor Support Techniques

Labor Support Tools

IV medication

Epidurals

Texas Health Rockwall has birthing balls, peanut balls and labor bars for use during labor and invites you to bring other labor-support tools. When you arrive at Labor and Delivery, please notify your nurse if you would like to use one of them.

Scheduled Cesareans and Inductions

Our goal is to maintain scheduled delivery dates. To provide excellent care to you during the birth of your child(ren), the scheduled time of your arrival might change. If there are any changes, we will call you (usually 1-2 hours before admission). We will also communicate any changes with your doctor. If you have questions or concerns about changes to your scheduled delivery, talk to your doctor.

If you are having a scheduled induction or cesarean at Texas Health Rockwall, please remember the following:

Do not eat or drink anything at least eight hours before your procedure.

After check-in, you will be prepared approximately two hours prior to the procedure.

When you arrive at Labor and Delivery, please inform the staff that you're here for a scheduled cesarean. You will be taken to your room, where you’ll stay for approximately two hours. During this time, nurses will monitor your baby, and your anesthesiologist will meet with you to discuss your options before you head to the operating room.

In the operating room, you can expect a team that typically includes two physicians, two nurses, an anesthesiologist, and a certified surgical technician. One support person may accompany you during the surgery, provided there are no safety concerns. The procedure generally lasts about one hour.

After surgery, you and your baby, along with your support person, will be moved to a recovery room, where you will remain for approximately two hours. If there are no safety concerns, you will have skin-to-skin contact with your newborn to facilitate the first feeding.

Learn more about what to expect before, during and after your c-section.

After Delivery: What to Expect

Skin-to-Skin

Immediately after birth, your baby will be placed skin-to-skin with you for at least one hour. This intimate contact facilitates the first feeding, keeps your newborn warm, stabilizes blood sugar levels and is beneficial for all babies.

The first hour after birth is called the “Golden Hour.” During this special time, only mom, baby and one support person will be allowed in the room to promote a peaceful environment for resting and bonding.

After the first hour, your newborn will receive their first examination. At this time, your family can be present for baby’s first exam and measurements.

We encourage you to select a pediatrician before your baby’s birth. Following your baby's birth, we will promptly notify your pediatrician. If you haven't chosen a pediatrician or one without hospital privileges, the on-call pediatrician will provide care for your newborn.

You and your baby will remain in Labor and Delivery for about two hours before being transferred to your designated room for the remainder of your stay.