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Methodist Maternity Center

Giving birth is a life-changing experience. We want to make it as memorable as possible. At the Methodist Hospital Maternity Center, we offer natural child birthing options. Our center provides the expertise of a full-service hospital, including support to high-risk patients, along with holistic options you may desire.

Prenatal Care

As you anticipate the birth of your child, we can help every step of the way. As soon as you know you are expecting, contact your physician or nurse midwife to schedule your first prenatal visit; ideally, that should take place in the first three months of your pregnancy.

You can also sign up for some of the many prenatal childbirth education classes we offer. Our classes educate you about pregnancy, childbirth and the early months of parenting. If you are expecting multiple births, we can provide education and support for that as well. You may also schedule a tour of the maternity center.

Our Staff

In addition to obstetricians, we have several certified nurse midwives on staff. Our nurses are trained in natural childbirth methods, and we welcome doulas (labor support persons) to assist you.

Our Facilities

Each of our private, home-like rooms provides modern, comfortable surroundings, including a pull-out bed for your partner. Take an online tour of our modern private labor and delivery rooms and our NICU.

Depending on the medical needs of you and your baby, you may choose options including:

  • Water births -- Water birth is a gentle way of welcoming your baby into the world. Warm water often decreases labor discomfort. Water birth benefits babies as well. After months of living in the watery environment of a womb, being born into a tub of water is a comfortable transition. Of course, if you have complications, medical help is immediately available. You may also labor in a tub but deliver in a birthing bed. For more information visit our childbirth education section.
  • Birthing balls, massage therapy and aromatherapy
  • Wireless fetal monitoring
  • Self-hypnosis techniques via Hypnobabies Childbirth Preparation -- This is a complete childbirth education course that teaches medical hypnosis techniques to mothers so that they can enter hypnosis, deepen it themselves and remain mobile and aware during birth, completely comfortable at all times. Learn more about Hypnobabies birth method at www.hypnobabies.com.

Breastfeeding Support

Methodist is one of 83 facilities in the United States named as Baby-Friendly Hospitals by the World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). We encourage breastfeeding and bonding, and encourage you to keep your baby with you at all times if your baby is healthy and doesn't require medical support. These early interactions help you develop a lasting, meaningful bond. Lactation consultants can also teach you appropriate breastfeeding techniques.

Nursery

While we encourage rooming-in after your baby is born, a nursery is available 24 hours per day. If your baby is expected to require intensive support after birth, a special team from our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) will be present at your delivery to provide the care your baby needs. Methodist Hospital has a Level III NICU staffed by neonatologists from Riley Hospital for Children to provide care to critically ill babies. Our staff will help you prepare for your baby's special needs as you return home.

Family-centered Care

The first few days after childbirth are a special time for you and your family to bond with your newborn. We welcome all people whom you deem as "your family" to visit you during this time. In other words, we don't limit family to your nuclear family. Instead, we allow you, the new mother and father, to define who your family is. We are also here to meet your physical, cultural, spiritual and social needs during this special time in the life of your family. Read about patient stories.

Methodist Maternity Center
Methodist Hospital
1701 N. Senate Blvd.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
317-962-1478

Content Modified on: 08/11/2009 16:18:41

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