Delivery

SUPPORTIVE DELIVERY CARE

Getting Ready for Delivery

Every birth story is different. While experiences may share similarities, each journey is uniquely your own, and we’re honored to be part of it. Our goal is simple: a healthy mom and a healthy baby.

There are many ways to prepare. Both hospitals where we deliver offer childbirth education, breastfeeding classes, and infant CPR. Nurture Nashville Yoga provides additional options, including birth education, movement classes, and postpartum support. Some patients also choose to work with a doula for added education and labor support. We’ve included helpful local resources below.

Some patients find it helpful to create a birth plan, or what we often call birth preferences. This is simply a way to think about what matters most to you during labor. Because birth can be unpredictable, preferences may evolve. We encourage flexibility and open conversation, and we're always happy to talk through your preferences throughout pregnancy and delivery.

Preregistration for Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital

Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown Childbirth Education Center

Birthing Center at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown

Tristar Centennial Women’s Hospital Registration

Centennial Medical Center Childbirth Education Center
(Choose Labor and Delivery)

Nurture Nashville Yoga Classes

Area Doulas

Birth Preference Worksheet

Breast Pump Information

Delievery Service

Going to the Hospital

How to Know You’re in Labor

Signs of term labor (37+ weeks) include:

Regular, painful contractions that continue despite rest or movement
Contractions that become stronger, longer, and closer together
Sensations in the lower back, abdomen, or pelvis

To time contractions, measure from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. Most contractions last 25–60 seconds. Call when contractions are about 5 minutes apart for 2 hours or more, unless your provider has given you different instructions based on your history.

If Your Water Breaks

Call the office right away if you experience a large gush of fluid or continuous leaking of fluid. If this happens, note the time your water broke and the color of the fluid (clear, brown, green, etc.)

If you are 37+ weeks and your GBS test is negative, you may be advised to labor at home for a short time. Please still call so we can guide you.

Mucus plug / “bloody show”
You do not need to call if you pass your mucus plug unless you begin having regular contractions, or you think your water has broken. This can be a normal sign your body is preparing for labor.

Call the Office If You Have

Contractions meeting the timing guidelines above
Decreased or absent fetal movement
Bright red vaginal bleeding
A gush or continuous leaking of fluid

Fetal Movement

You should continue to feel regular baby movements, even near your due date. Call if movements are significantly decreased or stop or if you do not feel at least 10 movements within 1 hour after a meal. You may be asked to come in for monitoring.

When You Call

Please call the office at 340-4655. We prefer to speak directly with the patient whenever possible. Be ready to share:

Your due date
Contraction pattern (if applicable)
Any bleeding or fluid leakage
Your planned delivery hospital
Whether you’ve had a prior C-section

If you are instructed to go to the hospital, please have someone drive you. Do not drive yourself.

What to Bring to the Hospital

Infant car seat (installed)
Nursing bra (if planning to breastfeed)
Outfit for baby
Comfortable outfit for you (you may still look pregnant after delivery)
Slippers and a robe
Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste)

Cesarean Delivery and VBAC

A cesarean delivery (C-section) is the birth of a baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus. Nationally, about 1 in 3 babies are delivered this way. Every pregnancy is unique, and the decision to perform a cesarean is based on what is safest for both mother and baby.

Why a Cesarean May Be Recommended

There is no single reason for a cesarean delivery. Often, it’s based on a combination of factors, including:

Maternal health conditions that make labor or vaginal delivery unsafe
Baby’s health or position, such as distress during labor or breech presentation
Labor progression challenges, including a baby not fitting safely through the pelvis
Placental concerns, such as placenta previa or placental abruption

In some cases, a cesarean is planned in advance. In others, the decision is made during labor if a vaginal delivery is no longer the safest option.

VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)

In the past, repeat cesarean deliveries were routine. Today, many women with a prior low transverse cesarean incision may be candidates for a trial of labor after cesarean (VBAC).

VBAC success rates can be as high as 60%, though outcomes vary by individual. Benefits may include shorter recovery time, lower infection risk, and less blood loss.

The most serious risk is uterine rupture at the prior incision site, which is rare (less than 1%). Whether VBAC is appropriate is a highly individualized decision that should be discussed with your provider. In some cases, tools like a VBAC calculator may help guide this conversation.

What to Expect With a Cesarean Delivery

A cesarean may be planned or unplanned. Even when it becomes necessary during labor, the focus remains on a safe, calm environment for you and your baby.

Most cesareans are performed using regional anesthesia (such as a spinal or epidural), so you are awake but comfortable.
A support person can often be present and sit near your head during the procedure.
You may feel pressure or pulling, but not pain.
After delivery, your baby will be assessed by the care team while the surgical team completes the procedure.

Recovery After a C-Section

After surgery, you can expect:

IV fluids and medications initially
A temporary bladder catheter
Close monitoring of vital signs and incision healing

As anesthesia wears off, abdominal soreness is normal. Early movement—such as sitting up and short walks—is encouraged and helps promote healing. Pain medication and support are always available to keep you comfortable.

Eating After Surgery

Many patients can begin with clear liquids shortly after surgery and gradually return to a regular diet. It’s normal for digestion to take a day or two to fully return, and some temporary bloating or gas discomfort can occur.

Going Home After a Cesarean

In the hospital and during the first few days at home, you may feel sore or more fatigued than expected. Activities like holding or feeding your baby may feel more challenging at first, and recovery can take longer than after a vaginal birth. It’s also normal to experience mood swings as your body heals and hormones shift. If you’re struggling emotionally, please talk with your care team — support is always available.

By the time you go home, you’ll typically be eating normally and no longer have an IV or catheter. Your incision should be healing well, and activity can gradually increase as your strength returns. Gentle movement—like short walks—helps recovery. Breastfeeding, if you choose to breastfeed, is not affected by having a cesarean delivery.

Cord Blood Banking

Cord blood banking is an optional choice that takes place at the time of delivery. After birth, blood from the umbilical cord — and sometimes a portion of the cord tissue — can be collected and stored. These materials contain stem cells, which are being studied and used in the treatment of certain blood disorders, cancers, and immune conditions. Research is ongoing into other potential uses.

The decision to bank cord blood is a personal one. Some families choose it for potential future medical use, while others decide against it due to cost or preference.

How Collection Works

If you enroll with a cord blood bank, a collection kit will be sent to your home. Bring this kit with you to the hospital. After delivery, blood is collected from the umbilical cord and cord tissue may also be stored if requested. The process is safe, painless, and the same whether you have a vaginal delivery or cesarean.

Cost

Private cord blood banking typically includes:

A one-time processing fee (often around $1,800–$2,100)
Ongoing annual storage fees
Possible additional fees for cord tissue storage
In some cases, a collection fee from your provider

Transport and Storage

After delivery, you’ll contact the cord blood company, and a courier will pick up the sample and transport it to storage.

Private vs. Public Banking

Cord blood banking can be done through either private or public programs, each with important differences to consider. With private banking, your baby’s cord blood is stored exclusively for your family’s potential future use, meaning you retain access to the sample, although this option typically involves upfront and ongoing storage fees.

Public banking, on the other hand, allows you to donate the cord blood so it may be used by anyone in need; there is no cost to donate, but the sample is no longer reserved for your family. If you are considering public donation, registration is usually required between 32 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, and availability may vary depending on your region.

Learn More

If you’re considering cord blood banking, we’re happy to discuss options with you. You can also explore reputable educational resources, including The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), National Marrow Donor Program (Be The Match), and Major cord blood banking organizations.

Postpartum: The First 6 Weeks

The postpartum period deserves just as much preparation as delivery. Recovery looks different for everyone, and having support in place can make a big difference. Use the planning outline below to think through your support system and recovery needs.

Physical Recovery

Bleeding: Postpartum bleeding (lochia) changes from bright red to pink/brown, then light yellow-white over several weeks. Passing small clots can be normal. Call if you pass a clot larger than a tennis ball or have heavy bleeding.

Cramping: After-birth cramping is normal and helps the uterus return to its normal size. It may be stronger during breastfeeding and typically improves within a few days. Warm compresses and ibuprofen can help.

Breasts: Breast engorgement is common when milk comes in. If breastfeeding, feed frequently for relief. If not breastfeeding, use a supportive bra and ice packs, and avoid stimulation

Swelling & Constipation: Common and improve with time. Stool softeners are recommended. Call if swelling is severe, painful, or associated with headaches, or if constipation is persistent.

Healing & Comfort: Vaginal tears or episiotomies typically heal within 3–6 weeks. Sitz baths, cold packs, and peri bottle rinsing can improve comfort. Hemorrhoids, hair shedding, and temporary bladder leakage are also common and usually resolve over time. We recommend waiting until your postpartum visit (about 6 weeks) before resuming intercourse. Vaginal dryness—especially while breastfeeding—is normal and lubricants may help.

Emotional Health

Mood changes are common after delivery. Postpartum blues may include tearfulness, irritability, or anxiety in the first 1–2 weeks and usually resolve on their own. Postpartum depression can occur anytime within the first year and may include persistent sadness, overwhelm, difficulty bonding, or changes in sleep or appetite. If you’re struggling emotionally, please call us. You are not alone, and support is available.

Call us if you experience: