The Childbirth Unit at East Alabama Medical Center is where we welcome more than 2,000 little miracles into the world each year. Services offered by the Childbirth Unit include antepartum testing, labor, delivery and immediate postpartum care, surgical services (Cesarean sections and immediate postpartum sterilizations), and post-anesthesia recovery. Located on the third floor, the Childbirth Unit features eight childbirth suites. Each suite is designed with laminate hardwood floors, crown molding, and armoires to provide a comfortable, relaxed and home-like atmosphere for your birth experience. The unit also has three observation suites for outpatient care and services and a spacious operating room for mothers requiring a Cesarean section.
Once admitted, the mother will be evaluated to determine if she is indeed in labor. If in labor, she will be admitted to one of our spacious birthing rooms. The rooms provide seating for your primary support person(s), a rocking chair, a television and special lighting and equipment that establish an environment that allows for labor, birth and recovery all in the same room.If there will be a cesarean birth, delivery will occur in our designated Obstetrical Surgical Suite.
Visitation will be limited to three people during labor. Once delivery is imminent, only two visitors will be allowed to stay in the labor room. Upon delivery of the new baby, the primary support person will remain with mom and baby, while the second visitor will go to the waiting area and update waiting family and friends. After delivery, mom may elect to have up to three visitors stay with her during in-room recovery. Should mom experience a cesarean birth, visitor access will be limited to one primary support person in the Obstetrical Surgical Suite and Recovery.
During the labor process, a RN will be providing care and support. If you would like, photographs may be taken during labor and delivery, but we ask that you refrain from videotaping of the birth.
Pain Management
We want you to have the birth experience you have chosen when possible. Whether you have chosen an unmedicated childbirth (with no anesthesia or pain medication), or to have medications, including an epidural, we are here to help.
No matter what time of day (or night!) that your baby decides to come, anesthesiologists are available around the clock to provide pain management. At East Alabama Medical Center, our staff and physicians will work to provide you with a safe and secure experience, whether you want a pain-free or medication-free birth process.