Women's Memorial Hermann at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center is an award-winning program in a facility designed to serve the unique health care needs of women and babies in a caring, compassionate environment. We offer the most advanced, family-centered obstetrical care available in west Houston.
The quality of your childbirth experience matters to us. Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of mom and baby. That is why we have put numerous mechanisms in place to ensure our patients receive the very best care. We have an OB Emergency Center, in-house OB/GYN and Neonatology coverage and dedicated OB Anesthesia in preparation for any possibility, just in case.
OB Emergency Center
The OB Emergency Center at Women’s Memorial Hermann at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center provides that added reassurance for moms-to-be in the event of an emergency.
No one knows more about you and your baby than your own doctor. You should always check first with him or her before seeking care at the hospital. In the event your physician directs you to our OB Emergency Center, one of our OB/GYN hospitalists can examine you, evaluate the progress of your labor, monitor the baby’s heart rate and review test results. These hospitalists are board-certified OB/GYNs, trained in routine and emergent obstetrical care. The affiliated OB/GYN hospitalist will communicate all results and coordinate care with your regular OB/GYN. They are available to care for moms-to-be at our hospital 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
The OB Emergency Center is available for women who are 20 weeks or more in their pregnancy. It is located in the Memorial Hermann Tower at 929 Gessner on the 3rd floor. If you are 19 weeks or below, proceed to your nearest Emergency Center, unless indicated by your physician.
You Choose How to Give Birth
At Women’s Memorial Hermann at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, we’ll work to accommodate your birth plan and make the birth of your child a personalized experience. Feel free to discuss your wishes with your nurse. The choice of "natural" birth without the use of any pain medications is available. But rest assured, you have the option at any time to request and receive pain medication as directed by your doctor, if needed.
Our specially designed, private labor suites are equipped to accommodate the entire birth process through recovery and transition of the baby. The mother has her choice of having two attending support people who are encouraged to take an active role during labor and delivery.
Delivery by C-Section
Whether cesarean birth is planned or unexpected, our dedicated surgical suites provide the latest technology together with a staff of specially trained experts including dedicated OB Anesthesia. As part of our family-centered approach to childbirth, the father or coach may accompany the mother into surgery, with doctor approval.
Mother and Baby Bonding After Birth
We are a mother and baby friendly facility and offer transition care in the labor and delivery unit for mothers who are interested. The transition period is the first two hours after birth for a newborn. During this period, we monitor your baby closely while you bond with your baby as they get adjusted. To encourage a mother and baby friendly environment we immediately place the newborn on mom after delivery, encouraging skin to skin contact, and do not remove until the completion of first breastfeeding.
Studies show that a close mother-child bond is critical for the baby’s ongoing growth and development. Skin to skin contact in the first hours and days of your baby’s life plays a key role in helping you become securely attached. Close contact has also been found beneficial in synchronizing feeding and rest patterns and establishing breast milk production. Babies who are close to their mothers are more content, cry less often, and rest better.
Postpartum Care
After delivering your baby, you and your baby will be moved into a private room on our postpartum unit to rest, recover and bond with your newest family member. As soon as your physician allows, you may order something from our room service menu. Each of our postpartum rooms provide comfortable amenities for the patient and family, including sleeper sofa, adjustable lighting, television, and wireless Internet.
To ensure our patients receive the rest and privacy they need, we have implemented "quite time" from 2 to 4 p.m. Patients can use this time as they please, however, rest and bonding are encouraged.
Baby’s First Exam
A pediatrician will complete your baby’s first thorough examination. Your baby will be accompanied by their trained and highly experienced nurse.
Breastfeeding and Lactation Consultations
Women’s Memorial Hermann at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center is a Baby-Friendly® designated facility and encourages mothers to breastfeed their babies. Our team has completed a multiyear journey towards a comprehensive program that provides evidence-based, maternity care with the goal of achieving optimal infant feeding outcomes and mother/baby bonding.
In addition to providing a special time of bonding, breastfeeding reduces your child's risk of infections while helping your body recover from the stress of pregnancy, labor and delivery.
Breastfeeding can be one of the most beneficial things you do for your baby, but often is a challenging process.
To help ensure rewarding breastfeeding experience, our certified lactation consultants provide guidance through regularly scheduled classes, and one-on-one assistance during your hospital stay.
Newborn Photos
Your baby’s first pictures will always be cherished. For your convenience, a professional photographer specializing in newborn portraits will be available to photograph your baby with your permission. Pictures are available for purchase from the photographer, and photos will also be posted on a secure website. Please let your nurse know during your stay if you are interested in having newborn photos taken.
Learn More About Postpartum Care
To help you be better prepared for what to expect, Memorial Hermann offers you a free booklet via download of Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care available anytime throughout your pregnancy or after. This booklet will help you understand how to care for yourself and your baby after birth.
Leading Care for High-Risk Pregnancy – Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU)
Kate Lindig Neonatal Intensive Care Unit – Level III NICU
Should your newborn require highly specialized care, it’s reassuring to know that we offer the Kate Lindig Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a 24-bed Level III NICU that is conveniently located one floor above the Labor and Delivery unit.
Our NICU features state-of-the-art patient rooms with specialized equipment in a quiet, soothing environment designed for optimal healing. A skilled affiliated neonatologist physician is in-house 24 hours a day and works closely with nurses experienced in caring for high-risk newborns regardless of gestational age. This multidisciplinary team can provide services that ill or premature babies may need, including continuous monitoring and specialized medical care.
If needed, experienced emergency pediatric and neonatal transport teams will take patients to the Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital Level IV NICU in the Texas Medical Center via ground ambulance or Memorial Hermann Life Flight®.
NICU Health Care Team
Your baby will be cared for by a multidisciplinary care team while in the NICU, all specially trained in treating the needs of premature and high-risk newborns. Team members may include:
- Cardiac sonographer
- Clinical pharmacists
- Lactation consultant
- Neonatal dietitian
- Neonatal nurse practitioner
- Neonatologist
- Nursing staff
- Occupational and speech therapist
- Pediatric anesthesia
- Pediatric radiologist
- Physical therapist
- Respiratory therapist
- Social worker support
Children’s Memorial Hermann at Memorial City has more than 40 fellowship-trained pediatric subspecialty physicians on the medical staff who work in collaboration with the neonatology team to support the development and care of your child.
NicView Camera Monitoring System
NicView™ is an innovative secure camera system in the Kate Lindig NICU that allows parents, family and friends to view their infant in real-time, 24 hours a day, through a secure online portal. This free service helps families develop that bond with their preemie even when they can’t be in the NICU with him or her. NicView can add peace of mind and provide reassurance when you can’t be at the bedside.
The camera delivers a secure image stream for parents and family members to view their baby remotely. Family members can securely access NicView using a secure online portal from anywhere there is an Internet connection via a laptop, smartphone or tablet. Cameras do not transmit sound and do not record video. No other users will have access to your baby’s images unless you have provided them the log-in credentials.
Special Care Nursery – Level II NICU
Prioritizing Safety
Our team takes extra precautions to keep our youngest patients safe. Our NICUs are locked units and all visitors must check in at the security desk on the 1st floor and security will escort them to the 4th floor.
Classes
Women’s Memorial Hermann at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center is proud to offer a range of excellent learning opportunities for expectant mothers and their families. We encourage you to register for classes before the seventh month of pregnancy. Class topics include:
Prepared Childbirth Class
Prepares expectant parents for their childbirth experience. Tour of Women’s Memorial Hermann at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center is included. Cost: $70 per couple.
Breastfeeding Class
Teaches expectant parents techniques to make breastfeeding a successful, satisfying experience. Cost: $30 per couple.
Newborn Care Class
Teaches prospective parents the fundamentals of infant care. Cost: $30 per couple.
CPR for Infants
Teaches basic techniques used in the event of foreign-body airway obstruction (choking) in infants. Cost: $70 per couple (can be father, grandparent, etc.)
Register for classes by calling (713) 222-CARE.