Maternity Care
Having a baby is one of the most exciting and rewarding times in a woman's life, and Merit Health River Oaks is dedicated to providing expectant mothers and newborns with care during this special time. Our maternity services are provided by obstetricians, labor and delivery specialists, nurses and other caring professionals in a welcoming, comfortable environment.
You'll find a range of care, from prenatal to postpartum, including high-risk pregnancy care and advanced labor and delivery services. Our care extends beyond delivery, with a variety of educational resources for new parents.
Many women are introduced to Merit Health River Oaks for the first time through the birth of a child. More than 1,200 babies make their arrival each year in The Baby Suites - one of Jackson's first family-centered birthing centers. From the day their doctor gives them the good news to the day their baby is born, patients receive a special brand of pampering that is unique to our hospital. Patients have come to rely on the care, privacy and personal attention they receive at Merit Health River Oaks during this special time in their life.
Prenatal Care
Merit Health River Oaks's care begins in the earliest stages of pregnancy, with prenatal checkups and services tailored to your specific needs. You'll learn about proper nutrition and work with your obstetrician to develop a birth plan, choose a pediatrician and get properly prepared.
High-Risk Pregnancy Care
Perinatologists (doctors who specialize in high-risk pregnancy care) are available to manage pregnancy-related conditions such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, as well as provide specialized care for those with existing medical conditions.
Labor and Delivery
The Baby Suites at Merit Health River Oaks contain LDR suites - where labor, delivery and recovery all occur in a comfortable, homelike setting.
The Baby Suites are equipped with technology and trained physicians and nurses, including neonatologists and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). From the moment they arrive, patients experience a special kind of care that continues until they leave with their newborn. The physicians and the staff members of labor and delivery, postpartum and nursery work together as one team to give patients the best experience possible.
The antepartum and postpartum rooms are located on the third floor near the newborn nursery. All rooms are equipped with private bathrooms, flat screen TVs, internet access and pull-out beds.
Rooming-in
Here at Merit Health River Oaks we encourage rooming-in – that means you can have your baby with you at all times. Rooming-in allows you to strengthen the bond with your baby right after the birth and to establish a strong emotional attachment. You can hold, stroke, cuddle and breastfeed your baby whenever you want.
The Golden Hour
We honor the first hour of life. During the “Golden Hour,” we initiate skin-to-skin contact, which can enhance the bonding experience for parents and their newborn right after birth. During the Golden Hour, we ask that all visitors remain in the waiting area. A staff member will let you know when visitors are allowed in the room.
Breastfeeding Support
The Baby Suites are staffed by nurses specializing in breastfeeding to assist patients with infant care and breastfeeding. We encourage breastfeeding and will do everything possible to make this a positive experience for you and your baby. The breastfeeding specialists visit all mothers within the first 24 hours after delivery and, along with the nursing staff, are available to help you with breastfeeding techniques and various aspects of your infant's care (holding, feeding, bathing and dressing). In addition to assisting with breastfeeding and infant care while patients are in the hospital, the breastfeeding specialists are available after patients are discharged to answer any questions.
Birth Plan
Download our birth plan.