The Birth Place
They say the best things in life come in small packages, and Durham Regional Hospital has been helping to deliver them for nearly 30 years.
Our experienced team is ready to pamper mom, dad, and baby with the exceptional care and special touches only found at a community hospital that is part of a world-class health system. At Durham Regional Hospital, we deliver more than 2,000 babies each year, but when you are here you and your baby are our top priority.
Our comfortable delivery suites allow you to deliver your baby in a cozy, home-like atmosphere, with necessary medical equipment hidden behind wood paneling and furniture until needed. Four of the suites even have whirlpools for relaxation during labor.
The Birth Place team prides itself on working with you to give you the birth experience you desire. Our labor and delivery nurses are some of the most experienced in the region -- many have worked at Durham Regional for more than 10 years.
Our nursery and postpartum staffs are experts in helping new moms learn how to care for their little ones, including breast feeding. Babies can room in with mom, or be cared for in the nursery. We also offer a Level II Special Care Nursery staffed by Duke neonatologists for those infants who require a little extra attention.
The Birth Place offers:
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Eight labor and delivery suites, four with whirlpool tubs
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Two dedicated operating rooms for C-sections within the labor and delivery unit
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Hospital-based anesthesia team available 24 hours a day
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36 private postpartum rooms
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Lightweight cordless fetal and maternal monitors provide mothers and the care team with greater freedom of movement during labor and more flexibility in choice of birthing positions
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Strict infant security system
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Tours for expectant parents and other family members
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Prepared child birth, parenting, infant/ child CPR and breast feeding classes
Special Care Nursery
Should your baby arrive a little ahead of schedule, The Birth Place has an 18-bed level II Special Care Nursery.
This nursery provides care for at-risk, acutely ill, and convalescing infants as early as 32 weeks of gestation. Your baby will receive individualized care to promote growth from our experienced team of Duke neonatologists and Durham Regional nursing staff.
Infants born earlier than 32 weeks of gestation requiring surgery or subspeciality medical care are stabilized and transported to a level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, usually at Duke Children's Hospital. The Special Care Nursery not only cares for premature infants, but also full-term babies who need extra help.
Guided Tours of the Labor and Delivery Unit
Guided tours of the Labor and Delivery Unit are offered at Durham Regional Hospital every Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Children and other family members are welcome. Please arrive a few minutes before 7 p.m.
To register, call 919-416-DUKE (3853) or register online.
Preparing for the Big Day
It's almost here ... the day you've been waiting for. Whether this is your first child or your fifth, you're probably filled with emotion -- nervous anticipation, excitement, joy, even a little bit of apprehension. At Durham Regional Hospital, we are committed to providing a memorable experience for you and your family as you welcome your little one into the world.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- If you suspect labor has started or if you have any questions or problems, call your physician.
- When you arrive at the hospital, please enter through the Emergency Room (ER). You can go straight to the back of the ER to Patient Registration. Please have your insurance card with you. One of our staff members will take you upstairs to Labor and Delivery, where we will complete the registration process.
- For your comfort and safety, no more than three visitors are allowed in the labor and delivery room at one time. Other family members and friends are welcome to relax in our comfortable waiting area located near the elevators. Siblings or other children must always be accompanied by an adult.
- Cameras and video cameras are welcome in the room. However, we ask that you not take pictures or videos of the actual birth. For security reasons, pictures of any type are not allowed at the Nursery windows.
- Patient safety is our top priority, and Durham Regional has a strict infant security system. Your nurse will explain the security system to you.
Wondering what to bring to the hospital?
- We recommend comfortable walking shoes, a robe and gown, comfortable clothes to wear home (remember, it takes time for your body to recover -- loose fitting clothes like those you wore in early pregnancy are probably the most comfortable), three or four receiving blankets, an outfit for baby to wear home (something with legs -- gowns don't work well with car seats), two to three diapers, and a nursing/support bra. You may also want to bring snacks, although the hospital has a full-service cafeteria and 24-hour vending machines.
- Your baby cannot leave the hospital without an appropriate rear-facing car seat. Please make sure your car seat is properly installed and that you know how to fasten your infant in it safely. See the closest locations for car seat installation. Many locations operate by appointment only.
We look forward to welcoming you and your little one into the world! For questions about The Birth Place use this form to send us a message.
