Labor and Delivery at Firelands Regional Medical Center

Whether a new mom-to-be or a seasoned mom-to-be, you want to know all you can about what to expect from labor and delivery. At Firelands Regional Medical Center, we have combined the intimate atmosphere of a home birth with the reassurance of our full range of medical services.

Preparing for childbirth

A new baby brings countless joys and many changes to your life, expected and unexpected. We want the transition to motherhood to be as easy and memorable as possible, and we want you to know what to expect from labor and delivery

Planning ahead

As your due date draws near, you and your partner will need to discuss and decide on several important aspects of your birth plans. You'll need to plan transportation arrangements, childcare if you have other children, and choose a physician for your new baby. We can help you with these questions.

If you need to choose a physician, you find an OBGYN, a family physician or a pediatrician you can search our provider directory. For more information, call the Center for Women and Newborns at 419-557-7596.

Part of feeling confident in what to expect from labor and delivery is understanding childbirth. Our classes will help give you confidence and reassurance to make this transition from being pregnant to dealing with the physical and emotional demands of childbirth and the challenges of motherhood. See all classes

What to pack

A few weeks before your due date, it’s a good idea to prepare and pack any items you’ll need to bring to the hospital for yourself and your baby. You’ll want to pack a labor bag and a suitcase with things to use after your delivery. A labor bag includes those items that you will need only while you are in labor.

Stork Express

This free program allows you to review and sign the necessary paperwork and take a virtual tour of our OB Department. Learn more

Labor & delivery: what to expect

You'll have a team of labor and delivery staff standing by your side, ready to guide you through every step. You are about to experience one of life’s true miracles, and we’re happy to be a part of it.

Fetal monitoring

When you are admitted for scheduled Cesarean birth, spontaneous labor, or labor induction, your contractions and your baby’s response to them will be monitored. This helps the staff determine how your baby is responding to labor. Firelands uses a state-of-the-art central monitor system, which enables your nurse and physician to see your baby’s monitor at all times, and can alert your health care team to certain potential problems.

Pain management options

Because the experience of childbirth is different for every woman, Firelands offers a variety of options for managing pain during childbirth. Laboring mothers are offered a range of options for pain relief. We're proud to have the only in-house 24/7 nurse anesthetist service in the area.

Prior to labor and delivery, some women may intend to deliver “naturally,” while others may prefer medications. It's important to be flexible about your options since each woman’s labor is unique. For some, it’s quick and easy, while for others it’s exhausting with more discomfort. It’s also a good idea to discuss the options with your doctor before delivery.

Enhanced security

Safety is one of our main concerns. We take every precaution to protect you and your baby at all times. For baby’s protection and your peace of mind, every nurse wears identification with a photo, so you can easily recognize staff.

You, dad, and your baby will all have identically numbered bracelets secured to you and your baby at birth.

Newborn nursery

To promote the mother-infant bonding process, we encourage mothers to room-in with their infant.

The nursery offers large viewing windows for siblings/families of babies, bassinets, and state-of-the-art equipment for premature babies or for those needing additional medical attention.

Pediatric hospitalists

We are proud to have pediatric hospitalists available 24 hours a day for high-risk deliveries as well as any situation when your baby may need specialized care.

After delivery: what to expect

Firelands’ postpartum unit

After a short rest period following your delivery, you and your baby will move to our beautiful postpartum unit for the remainder of your stay. These private, spacious rooms look more like luxury hotel rooms than hospital rooms.

As supporters of family-centered care, we welcome family and friends in sharing this special occasion with you. New parents are welcome to spend the night in your room if you choose, using the sleeper couches available in each of the rooms.

Remember, you and your baby are with us for only a short time. Please allow time for our staff to assist and teach you to care for both yourself and your baby so you will be better prepared when you go home.

Feeding your baby

Firelands Regional Medical Center is proud to support breastfeeding during your stay, as well as after you leave, through ongoing breastfeeding support.

Learn more about our breastfeeding support services

Birth certificates

Following your baby’s birth, you’ll receive a registration worksheet for his or her birth certificate. Once completed, a secretary will bring a typed copy of the form to your room to verify the information and obtain your signature.

Paternity

Ohio law specifically indicates that the birth certificate for a child will record the mother's husband as the father unless otherwise stipulated on a court order.

For unwed parents, a notarized acknowledgment of paternity form can be signed at the hospital at the time of birth. The father must have a current, valid picture ID card with him at the signing. The father's name may not be entered without the written consent of the individual to be named as the father.