North Shore University Hospital's Labor and Delivery Unit contains 11 LDRs (rooms where labor, delivery and recovery may all take place so that you do not have to be moved from one location to another). There are also three operative delivery rooms primarily for Cesarean deliveries. In addition, the unit is equipped with designated areas for high-risk labor and critical care. A separate room for induction of labor and a seven-bed recovery room complete the unit.

Today there are many options for childbirth. It is up to you to decide whether or not you would like to use pain relief medication, whether you would like your partner to be with you throughout the birth and even whether you would like visitors while you are in labor. We encourage you to discuss the type of delivery experience you would like to have with your physician or nurse-midwife early in your pregnancy. Provided that you, your practitioner and the nurse taking care of you are in agreement and the situation allows, we will certainly try to accommodate your wishes.

More than 75% of all women who deliver babies at North Shore have taken a childbirth preparation course. Although it is not mandatory, it is extremely advantageous for you and your partner or coach to be as well-prepared as possible for this new experience. Fathers are permitted to attend all pre-arranged or elective Cesarean deliveries as medically indicated. Fathers may attend emergency Cesarean deliveries at the discretion of the attending physician and where general anesthesia is not used.

In the LDR or delivery room, in addition to your obstetrician and nurse, there will be an anesthesiologist and/or a certified registered nurse anesthetist if you request pain control. If your pregnancy or delivery is considered high-risk there will also be a pediatrician present to care for your newborn immediately after birth.

HIV Testing

If you have not had an HIV blood test during this pregnancy, the New York State Department of Health requires that you have this blood test while you are in labor. If you refuse to have this test the law requires that your newborn's blood be tested. We strongly encourage you to have this done prenatally. Please speak to your healthcare provider for more information.

Waiting Room

A waiting room for your family and visitors is conveniently located outside the Labor and Delivery Suite on the third floor. The waiting room contains ample, comfortable seating, a television and beverages, as well as a children's area. While you are in Labor and Delivery, you or your partner may telephone those in the waiting room to inform them of your progress. In compliance with the Patients' Bill of Rights, patient information is kept confidential by hospital staff. Information about your condition may only be released by you or your coach.

After Delivery

Immediately after delivery, you will remain in the recovery area of the Labor and Delivery Unit for approximately one-and-one-half hours. Again, at the discretion of your physician and nurse and in accordance with your wishes, you may have visitors while in the recovery area. When your condition allows, you will be transferred to the postpartum maternity unit, where you will spend the remainder of your stay. Your newborn will spend their first four hours in the nursery where they can be closely monitored and assessed. During this time, they will be brought to you for feedings.

Still photos are allowed, however, please check with the staff if they wish to be photographed.