Maternity Services

Baptist Medical Center Downtown is known throughout the region for specialized women's health care, offering infertility options such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), high-risk obstetrics, and routine to advanced maternity care. This includes an intensive care labor area for high-risk patients, private labor and delivery suites, a separate private postpartum room and a well-baby Newborn Nursery. Rooming-in is also available for Moms who would like to keep their babies with them most of the time during their hospital stay.

High-risk maternal and infant care is coordinated by recognized prenatal specialists. They provide clinical management of complex illnesses which place the mother and baby at risk. A specialized 48-bed Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is located immediately adjacent to the childbirth suites and surgical birthing suites. With Wolfson Children's Hospital on the same campus, families have access to pediatric specialty care if necessary.

General Orientation for New Moms and Dads

A specially designed orientation program is available at Baptist Downtown for our maternity guests. Information about the program is included in the packet distributed to mothers-to-be by their physician when you choose Baptist Downtown as your baby's birthplace.

Our nurses help prepare you in many ways for your special delivery. We offer expectant moms and dads this single-evening class (adults only) to learn more about what to expect about your upcoming birthing event. The program includes a tour of the maternity suites, pre-admission to the hospital (please bring your insurance card), information on how to register for other birthing and parenting classes, and discussions with our nursing staff about what to expect and how they can best help you. One-on-one discussions with our staff allow you a chance to ask any question you wish so you will be better prepared for your birthing experience.

Classes for Expectant Parents and Families

In addition to orientation, moms-to-be and dads-to-be can enjoy an exercise or educational class at Baptist Downtown or at Destination Maternity in The Markets at Town Center, 4880 Big Island Drive, Suite 6.

Classes include: Early Pregnancy Class, Childbirth Classes, Grandparents Class, Breastfeeding Class, New Fathers Class, Sibling Class, Lactation Counseling, Postpartum Support Group, Infant CPR, Infant Safety and Car Seat Safety. Whether newly pregnant or in their ninth month, new or experienced moms and their families can participate in creative activities and courses taught by experienced certified instructors with Baptist Health.

To sign up for classes, call Baptist Health's education class line at 904.202.2229, or stop into the Destination Maternity store and use a telephone linked directly to Baptist Health.

Web Nursery

Your newborn's picture is available for out-of-town family and friends on our Web Nursery routinely within 72 hours of delivery. Access to the picture is restricted by password and as the proud parent, you decide who sees the baby's photo.