Labor and delivery

There are a few key things you can do ahead of your baby’s birth to make things easier once they get here. We recommend that you:

• Enroll in classes: We recommend registering for classes at least three months before your due date. You can view our childbirth and education classes through our online calendar. You can also call our Health Line at(843) 402-CARE(2273)to register.
• Find a pediatrician: Make sure you have a pediatrician who can care for your baby in the hospital and after you go home.
• Prepare birth certificate details: When you plan to have a baby at a Roper St. Francis Healthcare hospital, we will give you a packet with details about your delivery with us. This packet will include a sample South Carolina birth certificate worksheet. We recommend reviewing the worksheet ahead of time, but you’ll complete this worksheet while in the hospital.
• Practice installing a car seat: Af ew weeks before your due date, purchase an approved infant car seat. Practice installing it in your car. The car seat should be installed when you leave the hospital with your newborn.
• Start insurance coverage: Remember to call your health insurance company and enroll your baby for medical coverage.

When you start to go into labor, remain calm. Call your doctor or certified nurse midwifeonly if you are unsure whether you are in labor. They will judge how far along you are and tell you the best time to get to the hospital.

There are several key signals that your baby is on the way. Call your doctor about heading to the hospital if you experience: 

• Increased pressure in your pelvis
• Passing the mucus plug (brownish or red-tinted jelly)
• Strong contractions that occur every three to five minutes
• Water breaking (can be a steady trickle or a gush)

Your doctor or nurse midwife will call the hospital to let us know you’re on your way. In the meantime, we’ll prepare everything we need to take care of you while you’re in delivery.

Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital
The maternity suites are located at the Women’s Center. The Women’s Center is on the west side of the hospital (pink building). Parking is available next to the Women’s Center entrance.

Berkeley Hospital
The maternity suites are located on the second floor. When you first come in the main entrance, turn left into the main hallway to find the visitor elevators. Once you get to the second floor, ring the call bell next to the waiting room.

When you arrive at the hospital, we will escort you to a maternity suite. Family and friends can spend time in the waiting room or nearby courtyard while you are in labor. Your partner can stay with you during the delivery. 

Our staff is specially trained in all aspects of labor and delivery. Whether you choose to have natural (unmedicated) labor or want to receive anesthesia, our nurses will provide support for you and your partner. Nursery nurses will also attend the delivery. This helps make sure your baby has a healthy start to life.

We also have anesthesia experts on hand during your delivery. These specialists can provide epidurals during labor or general anesthesia if you need a cesarean section (c-section). C-sections are usually done in the maternity suite.

We have multiple pain management options available for laboring moms. Our non-medicated options include breathing techniques, massage, peanut balls, rocking chairs and large showers. All of our labor and delivery nurses are trained to support moms who choose to have a natural, unmedicated delivery. Our anesthesiologists are also available to offer medicated options including epidurals, spinal blocks and IV medications.

You should prepare an overnight bag three weeks before your due date. Bring your photo ID, insurance card and a form of payment if needed. Your hospital bag should also include: 

• A bathrobe
• Chargers for your phone or other electronics
• Flat slippers or flip flops
• “Going home” clothes for the baby (including a blanket)
• Loose-fitting clothes you can wear home
• One or two bras, including a nursing bra and nursing pads
• Personal toiletries, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant
• Two or three comfortable outfits that include shirts that open in the front (for breastfeeding)
• And don’t forget to bring the car seat for your baby’s first ride home!

It can be helpful to bring your baby’s name written down somewhere with your exact preferred spelling if you have a name picked out ahead of time to help with filling out the birth certificate. Bringing your own pillow, a blanket or snacks may also make you feel more comfortable while you’re with us.

Most people stay in the hospital for one to two days after giving birth. However, if you have a C-section, you may need to stay in the hospital for three days.

Unless your child needs specialized or emergency care after birth, your baby will stay in the room with you for better bonding. We can conduct all newborn screenings in your childbirth suite and provide bedside breastfeeding guidance if needed.