Labor & Delivery
Welcome your baby into the world with an exceptional birthing experience at UNC Health Rockingham. Make this exciting time in your life memorable with a compassionate care team and a safe, comfortable environment to give birth.
When You’re in Labor
Talk to your OB-GYN as you near your due date about what to do when contractions start. Attend our childbirth class to learn about what to expect during labor. When you have consistent labor pains that don’t go away, go to the UNC Health Rockingham Birthing Center.
Delivering at the Birthing Center
When you arrive at the Birthing Center and check in, you’ll go to one of the labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum (LDRP) rooms.
Your Birthing Plan
If you have a birth plan, present it when you arrive. Your labor and delivery care team will follow and accommodate your individual wishes as much as possible. Besides your partner, you can bring a doula for support during labor and delivery.
Skilled Care During Childbirth
Even if you’ve given birth before, this birth will be unique. Labor and delivery can progress differently with each pregnancy. Feel confident your specialized care team at UNC Health Rockingham has the experience to guide you through:
- Vaginal birth
- Cesarean section (C-section)
- VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean)
Comfort During Labor
You and your partner may choose one or more methods to cope with labor pain, including:
- Birthing balls
- Breathing exercises
- Epidural anesthesia
- Intravenous (IV) pain medication
- Positioning
- Relaxation techniques
- Walking
After Delivery
The UNC Health Rockingham Birthing Center practices Delayed Bath, which means Mom and Baby have more time together immediately after delivery before the baby is bathed. Delaying your baby's first bath has benefits:
- Promotes fewer interruptions during the first moments after birth
- Gives the newborn time to steady their body temperature and sugar levels
- Preserves the natural moisture of the baby’s skin and decreases infection
- Allows baby to stay skin-to-skin and helps encourage breastfeeding
Our staff will assist you with your personal care and recovery, and will answer any questions about your baby’s care. Your physician and pediatric provider will also visit daily to keep you informed of your own and your baby’s progress.
Room Amenities
Feel at home in your room at the Birthing Center. You, your family, and visitors will enjoy:
- Dining table and chairs
- Private bathroom with a shower
- Relaxing seating
- Television with remote control
Bonding With Your Newborn
Strengthen your connection with your newborn and partner after birth. During your recovery and postpartum time—in the same room you gave birth—you can begin skin-to-skin contact with your baby through cuddling and feeding.
During your hospital stay, you’ll room-in with your little one to simplify feeding and start building a strong relationship.
Breastfeeding Support
Trust our trained, certified lactation consultant to educate and support you. As a breastfeeding-friendly hospital, UNC Rockingham encourages breastfeeding. We want to help you feel comfortable with your ability to nurse your baby before you leave the hospital.
Well Baby Care
After birth, an experienced labor and delivery nurse will tend to your newborn’s needs in your room. Expect your baby to get blood tests and health screenings.
Secure Environment & Visiting
Put your safety in our hands during your stay. Feel confident you, your baby, and other family members will be safe and secure at the UNC Health Rockingham Birthing Center.
Rest assured we take precautions to keep your baby safe each time your newborn is outside of your room. We encourage parents to accompany our medical staff when your baby is transported for standard testing, and match your baby’s ID bracelet with the identical bracelet that you and your partner wear to ensure identity.
