Your Labor and Delivery at Atrium Health Floyd
We've delivered over 150,000 babies at Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center. And, while this amazing number speaks to our experience, it speaks to your trust as well. It's a special bond with growing families in the communities we serve that's almost 80 years strong.
From our
Family Birth Center amenities, to excellent care after your
baby is born and the peace of mind from knowing the region’s only
Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is available 24/7 right here, every day, you can trust Floyd for a safe and memorable birth experience.
Pain Management During Labor
Our labor and delivery nurses are trained in Lamaze, breathing and affirmations for natural pain management if you wish.
If you choose pain medications, anesthesiologists are onsite 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you don’t have to wait for relief. We offer a variety of safe pain management options, including:
-
Epidural or spinal block -- Regional anesthesia that blocks pain to the pelvic region
-
Local anesthesia injections -- Pain medication delivered directly to the pelvic area, or the perineum
-
Nitrous oxide -– A gas that passes quickly in and out of your body and helps decrease awareness of pain
What to Expect
At Floyd, you receive safe, compassionate labor and delivery care.
Before Labor
A few weeks before your due date, we recommend you pack two bags, one for during labor and one for recovery. Be sure to pack:
- a copy of your birth plan
- a current insurance card
- advance directives and consent forms
Also, remember to install the baby’s car seat safely in the back seat of your car.
Once labor begins, call your doctor to find out when you should arrive at the hospital.
When You Arrive
If you are scheduled for an induction or Cesarean delivery, or you are in active labor, go to our Family Birth Center entrance on Turner McCall Blvd. The entrance has dedicated parking and easy access to birthing center. Take the elevator up to the Family Birth Center.
If you are in active labor, a nurse will assess your stage of labor in the triage room. You may also need to complete necessary forms. When it’s time, we’ll show you to one of our labor and delivery rooms specifically designed for your comfortable childbirth experience.
During Labor
Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center labor and delivery nurses are specially trained to care for you throughout labor and childbirth. Our nurses will monitor your progress and help keep you comfortable, whether you decide to:
- take a shower
- walk around
- use a birthing ball
- listen to music
- take pain medications
An OB-GYN from your practice is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you have access to a familiar doctor when you need it. You can trust our entire team is committed to your safe, healthy delivery.
Visitation During Labor
Patients who are in active labor may have two visitors with them. A doula or labor coach is also welcome and are not considered visitors.
Additional safety cautions include:
- Visitors must:
- Be in good health (free from cough, fever, shortness of breath or other flu-like symptoms).
- Follow safety requirements. This includes wearing a medical-grade mask, staying six feet from others and handwashing.
Just After Delivery
Immediately after delivery—during what is called the Magic Hour—we help your new family bond and form a strong relationship from the start .
After birth, if possible, your baby will be placed on your chest for skin-to-skin contact, referred to as kangaroo care. Skin-to-skin contact is shown to help soothe newborns as well as regulate their body temperature and stabilize heart rate and breathing. Moms and partners are encouraged to participate.
If you choose to breastfeed, all our nurses are trained to assist in first feedings. We also have certified lactation consultants onsite to help if needed.
When you and baby are ready, you both will move to a private mother-baby room for recovery. You can expect the highest level of service and care
after your baby is born.
The Magic Hour
At Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, we reserve the hour immediately after birth, or the Magic Hour, as a time for you and your partner to bond with your newborn alone. These special first moments are ones you will cherish for a lifetime.
Research shows that early contact between parents and baby, especially during the first hour of life, promotes a healthy relationship. During this time, we’ll ask family and friends to stay in the waiting room. Your labor and delivery nurse will be available to help with everything your new family needs.
Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
The goal of every birth is a safe and healthy experience. However, if your baby is premature or requires special medical care, our neonatal experts are close by and ready to assist 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Learn more about
Floyd’s Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)—the region’s highest level of neonatal intensive care.