The MercyOne family is growing! When the time comes to bring your new baby into the world, talk to your provider about delivering at MercyOne West Des Moines! Their brand-new birthing center opened December 1 and features private birthing suites, postpartum suites, and a newborn nursery with a Level II neonatal intensive care unit. Click here for a virtual tour!
Let’s walk through a typical birthing experience at MercyOne West Des Moines. Upon arrival, you and your birthing partner will be escorted to a private labor and delivery suite. In this spa-like suite, you will find cool, calming tones and comfortable furniture options. Each delivery suite features a whirlpool tub/shower, a labor and delivery bed, television, and refrigerator. Your birth experience is deeply personal and something many of us envision long before the big day arrives. They offer volunteer birth doulas, nitrous oxide, intravenous and epidural pain management, and support and guidance throughout your labor and delivery.
If you are planning on a Cesarean delivery, or should the need arise, they offer two state-of-the-art Cesarean section suites on the unit. Your Cesarean delivery experience is important to them and their team of excellent nurses and doctors will be by your side providing safe, compassionate care for you and your family.
After Delivery
Once the baby arrives, he or she will be placed on your chest for those first few moments of life! Skin to skin time is so helpful for newborns as they transition through the first hours and days and is a really special time for mom and her support person as well!
Approximately two hours after delivery, you and your baby will be settled into your postpartum suite. Comfort and family bonding time was top of mind when designing this space! Each suite features a comfortable bed for mom and an adjustable bassinet for your baby. There is a beautifully decorated on-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower and ample space for your personal comfort items. A restful sleeper sofa is available for your birth partner to remain at your side throughout your stay. The postpartum room features a built-in baby bath sink for your little one’s first bath and your baby can stay with you as much as you would like.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Should your baby need extra monitoring or care after birth, the nursery is available 24/7. The MercyOne West Des Moines Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a Level II unit and is part of the newborn nursery. It is equipped to provide a higher level of neonatal care for newborns delivered at 32 weeks gestation and beyond. There are four private NICU suites, including one room built for twins.
If the baby needs to stay in the NICU after your discharge from the hospital, they have a shower room available for parents, and mom’s meals will continue to be provided.
Safety and training
For your safety, the Maternity and Infants’ Care unit is locked at all times. Your infant will be protected with an alarmed infant security bracelet immediately after delivery.
Their nurses have special training to assist with breast and bottle feeding. A lactation nurse is also available. If you desire or need lactation support after discharge, you can schedule an outpatient lactation visit with an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
When you arrive at MercyOne West Des Moines, you will SEE a beautiful new state-of-the-art birthing center. Throughout your birth experience and recovery, you will FEEL compassion and care. Talk to your provider today about delivering at MercyOne West Des Moines!
About the author
Kristen Ernsperger, MSN-CNL, RNC, is the Mother-Baby Unit nursing director at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center.
Connect with MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
Website: MercyOne.org/desmoines
Twitter: @MercyOneDSM
Facebook: @mercyonedesmoines
Instagram: @mercyonedesmoines
Pinterest: @MercyOneDesMoines
This article is part of a series of sponsored articles by MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
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What to do when your child has a fever
What you need to know on COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)
Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician
Convenient Medical Care During Social Distancing
Child Care Is Crucial During Even During a Pandemic
What to Expect When Expecting During a Pandemic
Well-Child Visits, Sports Physicals, and Vaccines
Parenting in a Pandemic. Adjusting to Back to School + The New Normal
