United Hospital partners with Our365.com to offer baby portraits. For more information visit Our365.com.

Studies have shown that breastfeeding has many benefits for both infants and their mothers and is a healthier choice than formula feeding.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breast milk improves resistance to infectious diseases, enhances the immune system, and provides nutritional growth and developmental benefits for babies. Mothers who breastfeed enjoy improved maternal health, less postpartum bleeding and have a reduced risk of ovarian and postmenopausal breast cancer.

To encourage women and help them in their choice to breastfeed, The Birth Center at United Hospital and Children's Hospitals and Clinics-St. Paul created The Breastfeeding Resource Center. This program, established in 1985, was the first of its kind in Minnesota and was designed to help mothers and their babies enjoy the most rewarding and satisfying breastfeeding experience possible.

The Center is staffed by lactation consultants who are registered nurses with advanced education, internal board certification and many years' experience helping breastfeeding mothers and their babies. They provide services to all women who choose to breastfeed, with emphasis on those who have special needs or problems. Services include:

• inpatient consultation for mothers
• telephone counseling and support
• outpatient clinic for evaluation/treatment of complex breastfeeding problems
• private space for employees of United and Children's-St. Paul who are working and continuing to express breast milk
• professional consultation and annual education for more than 300 health care professionals
• retail sales of specialty products for pregnancy and parenting

Our collaboration with Minnesota Perinatal Physicians and the neonatal specialists at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota has led to excellent care for high-risk obstetric patients and premature or sick newborns.

When you are in labor we ask that you call The Birth Center at 651-241-6202, so we can prepare for your arrival. If you think you are in labor but are not sure, call your doctor or nurse midwife. You may be asked to come to the hospital for observation and evaluation. When you arrive at the hospital, you should use the Garden View entrance at 347 Smith Ave. Parking is available in the Red Ramp on Grand Avenue, adjacent to the building

Newborns rooming-in with their mothers is encouraged and shown to be the best way for mothers to learn their newborn's feeding cues. A Nursery is also available for newborns as needed.

Babies who are premature or who need highly specialized treatment from expert pediatricians will go to Children’s Hospital & Clinics – St. Paul Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Children’s NICU is across the hallway from the Labor and Delivery.

The OB Homecare program offers a number of services in the patients’ home, like monitoring diabetes or preterm labor during pregnancy. As well, OB Homecare nurses will visit new parents and newborns following delivery, giving them a chance to ask questions, ensure proper healing and ensure the baby is gaining weight. Many services are covered by insurance, so patients are encouraged to check with their insurance plan.

The Birth Center offers both pharmacological and non pharmacological pain management during your labor.

The following non pharmacological pain management treatments are available:

• Accupressure
• Aromatherapy
• Bath salts-if water has not broken
• Birth ball
• Birthing bar
• Changing positions frequently
• Focused breathing techniques
• Focus points-divert your attention from the pain
• Imagery-imagine you are somewhere else
• Massage/back rubs: Efflurage: circular stroking of abdomen with fingertips during contractions. Sacral counterpressure: steady pressure using heel of support person’s hands against laboring patient’s sacral area.
• Music therapy
• Walking in the hall promotes gravity

The Birth Center at United Hospital offers postnatal body therapy (in hospital wellness treatments), through Bavia Health, to help ease recovery after childbirth.

Gentle massage, heat and guided relaxation improve sleep, reduce water retention as well as decrease aches and pains common so that mom and dad feel celebrated, rested and ready for parenthood!

Treatments are conducted in the mother's room on the evening before discharge. Same evening services are available for all orders placed by 4:30pm. Also, you may order in advance at Bavia Health or by calling 855-242-2842 at any time.

This free and ongoing group offers education and support for women who are experiencing or are at risk for postpartum depression. Mothers are invited to bring their babies to meetings. Postpartum Depression Support Group-West St. Paul

Pregnancy Condition Center: Your recovery at home: Your emotions

The Pregnancy and Diabetes Clinic provides treatment and evaluation for women who have diabetes during their pregnancy. In one convenient location, patients have immediate access to obstetric registered nurses, registered dietitians, certified diabetes educators and endocrinologists. Learn more about the Pregnancy and Diabetes Clinic.

This class is for anyone interested in how to care for an infant. Topics include early childhood illnesses, bathing, diapering, holding, calming an infant, how to take a baby's temperature, safety concerns and much more. Register for "All About Babies" class .

Focuses on the benefits of breastfeeding, care of breast, positioning, "latching on," frequency, length of feedings, pumping, storing milk, returning home from the hospital and weaning. It is encouraged that your labor companion attends with you. Register for "Breastfeeding Preparation" class

For first-time parents, the class includes details on labor, birth, comfort measures, medical procedures, cesarean birth, role of labor companion, adjustment to parenting, newborn characteristics, medications and a tour of the Birth Center. It is recommended you complete your class no later than one month prior to your due date.
Register for weekend express class.
Register for weekly series.

Designed only for fathers-to-be to attend. It includes topics of concern to new fathers such as fears about labor and birth, bonding with your newborn, common joys and problems during the transition to parenthood. Register for "Expectant fathers" class.

Grandparents come learn updates on changes in maternity care, labor and birth options, and new trends in infant care. The class discusses the important role of grandparents. Expectant parents are invited to attend. Please register for each couple that will be attending the class. For example, two sets of grandparents and the expecting parents would result in three registrations. Register for "Expectant Grandparents" class.

Expecting Multiples

Father Baby Class

Infant CPR

Infant Massage

New Brother New Sister

Refresher Childbirth and Parenting

New Parent Connection

Pregnancy After a Loss

Postpartum Depression Support Group