Specialties & Services

Labor and Delivery

Parenthood begins with an unforgettable moment. Our childbirth centers provide safe, welcoming environments and expert care to support you through labor and delivery, with experienced teams focused on your comfort, confidence, and well-being every step of the way.

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Labor and delivery services and specialties

Explore personalized birth planning, diverse birthing options, and compassionate midwifery, maternal-fetal medicine, and OB-GYN care designed to support your preferences, comfort, and confidence before, during, and after delivery.

Birth planning
Birth planning helps you prepare for labor and delivery by outlining your preferences, goals, and care options, so you feel informed and prepared for your birthing experience.

Birthing options
BJC offers a variety of birthing options—including vaginal birth, scheduled and unplanned cesarean sections, and scheduled inductions—with care plans and support tailored to your preferences, comfort, and medical needs.

Midwifery
Certified nurse-midwives work alongside the rest of your care team, providing compassionate, evidence-based care and advocacy during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

OB-GYN care

 OB-GYNs provide women's health care at every stage of your life, including routine wellness visits, prenatal care, high-risk pregnancy management, menopause support, and gynecologic concerns.

Maternal-fetal medicine

 Expert care for high risk pregnancies, including advanced testing and treatment options to support safer outcomes for moms and babies.

Maternity care for every stage

No matter where you are in your maternity journey, you can count on BJC.
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Family planning

We help you meet your reproductive goals. Our BJC HealthCare and WashU Medicine experts provide counseling, education, and contraception in a judgment-free environment.
More about family planning
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Pregnancy and Prenatal

BJC HealthCare and WashU Medicine delivers expert, personalized pregnancy care—from routine to high‑risk—through compassionate providers, advanced services, and coordinated support, helping you feel informed, confident, and cared for every step of your pregnancy journey.
More about pregnancy and prenatal
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Newborn care

BJC HealthCare and WashU Medicine provide compassionate, expert care for every newborn—from healthy infants to those with complex needs—offering advanced neonatology services, screenings, and family support before and after birth.
More about newborn care
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Postpartum and recovery

BJC supports your postpartum journey with compassionate care for body and mind, offering lactation guidance, physical recovery services, and mental health support—helping you feel confident, cared for, and ready for life with your baby.
More about postpartum and recovery

Why choose us for labor and delivery?

Choosing where to give birth is an important decision. At BJC HealthCare, you can feel confident knowing experienced teams, advanced resources, and compassionate support are available for you and your baby at every step.

We work closely with WashU Medicine physicians, BJC Medical Group, and trusted providers across the region to deliver exceptional maternity and newborn care. Our childbirth locations are designed to put your comfort, privacy, and peace of mind first. We strive to create a calm, welcoming environment where you can focus on your birth experience and your growing family. Depending on your delivery location, you may have access to dedicated antepartum, labor and recovery rooms, separate postpartum mother-and-baby rooms, or private all-in-one suites. These single-room options allow you to remain in the same space from admission through labor, delivery, recovery, and discharge.

At BJC you can expect:

  • Patient- and family-centered care: We listen closely to your birth plan, pain-management preferences, and personal goals. Our teams work with you to help create a safe, respectful, and supportive experience.
  • Low nurse-to-patient ratios: BJC HealthCare’s lower labor-and-delivery nurse-to-patient ratios mean more focused care, faster response times, and closer monitoring, which studies link to safer births, fewer complications, and better outcomes for mothers and babies.
  • Comprehensive specialty services: From uncomplicated births to high-risk pregnancies, we offer a full range of care. Emotional and mental health support is also available, including screening and treatment for postpartum depression.
  • Advanced newborn care: We provide access to Level II, III, and IV NICUs, including the region’s highest level of newborn care at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Many units are directly connected to labor and delivery areas for easier visits.
  • Education and preparation: Classes, tours, and resources help you feel informed and ready for your baby’s arrival.
  • Doula-friendly environment: If you choose to work with a doula, our care teams welcome and coordinate with them throughout your birth experience.

Doula support

Evidence has shown that community-based doulas have a positive impact on the health outcomes of pregnant moms and their infants when they are in the clinical space. BJC HealthCare welcomes doulas during your pregnancy journey and partners with three community-based doula organizations: Jamaa Birth Village, Midwest Doula Fund, and St. Louis Doula Project.

Doulas can be hired privately and are able to attend prenatal appointments, labor, delivery, and postpartum follow-ups. For low-income families, support may be available through BJC’s Community Health Improvement (CHI) program. For people in Illinois, prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum doula care is covered through Medicaid.

Locations near you.