Maternity Care Designed Entirely Around You
We invite you to experience the one-of-a-kind maternity care that's been the Van Wert Health standard for years. From the moment you enter our doors, until the day you take your new baby home, you'll receive the expertise and compassionate, personalized care you've come to expect from Van Wert Health.
Our spacious Labor-Delivery-Recovery (LDR) rooms are fully-equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, private bathrooms, and a sleeping area for co-parents.
For cesarean deliveries, Van Wert Health has dedicated operating rooms located in the labor and delivery area, with a special recovery area, which allows you to remain with your baby and partner prior to settling into your postpartum room.
Following the birth of your child, families will stay in a postpartum room for rest and recovery. Newborns stay in the same room as their mothers and are cared for jointly by one nurse, to ensure bonding time and support breastfeeding. Some standard procedures may be done outside the room as well.
Admission to Van Wert Health
The moment's come. You're on the way to the hospital, but where do you go?
If you have not already pre-registered and arrive between 7 AM and 4:30 PM on weekdays, please register at Central Registration upon arrival. This is located near the Main Entrance (Door #6).
If you arrive after 4:30 PM on weekdays or anytime during the weekend or a holiday, go to the Emergency Department to register.
What to Bring
You may wish to prepare an overnight bag. Here are some items to consider:
- Comfortable sleep wear and/or robe
- Nursing bras, nursing pads
- Socks, footies or slippers
- Personal items including lip balm, hairbrush, toothbrush, lotion, shampoo, makeup, etc.
- Camera, memory cards and batteries
- Phone charger
- Snacks, books, magazines, tablet computer/games for you and your labor coach
- Tools for back pressure
- Baby book (we'll be happy to capture those first footprints for you!)
- Car seat (leave the base in the car)
Birthing Classes
Van Wert Health birthing classes are offered free-of-charge to expectant parents. Mothers and partners will learn when to come to the hospital, what to expect during labor and delivery, pain relief options, breathing techniques and more.
Taught by experienced members of the Van Wert Health team, our classes include in-depth explanations of birthing options, including Cesarean delivery, labor induction and various medications. Partners will also learn how to best support mothers on delivery day. Attending the classes together and gathering information often helps lessen anxiety for the much-anticipated birth of a child.
The class includes a tour of the Van Wert Health labor and delivery unit. A list of upcoming classes is posted on our Classes and Events section.
Breastfeeding Support
Everything you need to know about breastfeeding - if you are soon-to-be expecting or are postpartum and need additional help. Our certified instructor discusses how to tell if baby is getting enough to eat, ways to establish a good milk supply and how to prevent or manage common early feeding problems.
- How breastfeeding works
- Common challenges and what to do about them
- Latch
- When to feed the baby
- Nutrition for breastfeeding moms
- Hands-on practice of positioning
Maternity Tours
Tours available for expectant parents who are interested in learning about our childbirth facilities, amenities and services designed to enhance your birthing experience.
New Mom Help Line
Once new mothers return home with their baby, oftentimes the questions begin. The Van Wert Health Labor and Delivery team knows that in an effort to do what's best for baby, it is easy for new moms to become overwhelmed. Sometimes all that is needed is a second opinion and support from one of our nurses. We are here to help. Whether new mothers are concerned about a health issue or just have a question about caring for a newborn, we encourage new mothers and caregivers to call us anytime at 419-238-8618. There is no cost for this service and we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
