Skip to Content

Labor and delivery

Just as every baby is unique, so is every delivery. As your trusted care partner, we work to provide a personalized birthing experience that begins long before your first contraction and continues well after delivery.

The Birth Place

Choosing where to give birth is a big decision. We're honored to be part of that.

For over 35 years, The Birth Place at Parkridge East Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has supported new families throughout pregnancy and childbirth. Our experienced team will be with you every step of your maternity journey, providing coordinated services and encouragement.

Need a physician referral?

MedLine can help. We are available by phone Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 7:00pm CST.

MedLine can help. We are available by phone Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 7:00pm CST.

Related specialties

Learn more about our related specialties.

Features and services of our maternity program

We offer the highest levels of healthcare practices throughout your labor and delivery, as well as follow-up care once you've left the hospital.

Our birth center

We work to cultivate a family-centered environment with all the comforts of home, but the safety net of a hospital. Our delivery rooms include high-definition TVs, free wireless internet, rocking chairs, sleeper chairs and a refrigerator. These and other amenities allow you to comfortably recover following delivery, so you can focus on bonding your new addition to the family.

Your comfort is deeply important to us, and the longstanding nursing team at our hospital has as strong a dedication to best practices as they do to you. We take pride in seeing our families have positive experiences at the start of your newborn's life.


Childbirth classes

Start your pregnancy off right with prenatal care from our highly skilled and experienced obstetricians. Our prenatal team provides comprehensive pregnancy care for both mom and baby by offering tips on nutrition, exercise, as well as sophisticated prenatal testing and imaging.

We also help you prepare for your baby's arrival with a variety of prenatal classes and childbirth educational opportunities, in addition to classes and support in breastfeeding and everyday care.


Perinatal care

Our team of board-certified perinatologists are focused on providing comprehensive, compassionate care for moms and babies before, during and after delivery. If your baby arrives early, our Level III NICU can also give you the security of one of the highest levels of care your baby can get. In addition, we keep a watchful eye for signs of perinatal and postpartum depression, and can help with classes focused on prenatal education and the realities of being an expectant mom or family member.

Postnatal care

After delivery, the same nurse caring for your postpartum needs will also tend to your newborn. Our experienced care teams, which include obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs), specially trained nurses, lactation specialists, respiratory and speech therapists and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses, will support your family in a relaxed, private environment. Working together, these specialists are prepared to meet the needs of all types of newborns, including both premature and full-term babies.

Lactation support

The specially trained, certified nurses on our lactation team have extensive knowledge in lactation and breastfeeding, and are available seven days per week to help make your breastfeeding as successful as possible. Following delivery, these dedicated professionals fully support new mothers, while encouraging immediate skin-to-skin contact and offering a number of breastfeeding and pumping options.

Our lactation team also leads a number of breastfeeding classes, in addition to a monthly breastfeeding support group that meets on the first Monday of each month. The group is open to all nursing moms, infants and siblings.


Preparing to go home

Typically, you and your baby can return home within two days after a vaginal birth and four days after a cesarean birth. When your physician and pediatric care provider discharge you, you will receive important information regarding life outside the hospital. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your nurse.

The day before discharge

There are some important things to be aware of before going home, and understanding these with ample time to prepare will prove helpful for you and your family. These include:

  • Arrange for a ride home from the hospital. Ask your nurse what time you should be ready for discharge.
  • Have someone start to bring some of your flowers and gifts to the car or home. You may also send belongings that you will not need to use overnight.
  • Make sure that the person taking you home knows how a car seat works, and has it properly set up when you arrive. Infants should ride facing the rear of the car, preferably in the middle of the back seat. If your car has two air bags in the front seat, make sure the baby is never in the front. Never place a rear-facing car seat in front of an air bag.
  • Pack clothes for the baby to wear home (at least a t-shirt and blanket that you provide). Be sure the clothes are right for the season, and make sure you have comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and shoes for yourself as well.

The day of discharge

Before going home with your new baby, it will be important to have the following information:

  • Bring your baby to the nurses' station in the crib, do not carry them. After the nurse is finished checking your bands, you may carry your baby to the main lobby or car.
  • Do not remove any of the identification bands on the baby or your wrist. Before you leave, someone will check your bands one last time, so leave one leg and foot out of any clothes on the baby.
  • Make sure that a friend or relative will be able to take you home at the appropriate time.
  • Please make sure you have signed the birth certificate worksheet. The birth registrar should have brought this to your room. If you haven't signed it prior to your discharge day, please check with your nurse or the birth registrar.
  • Wait until you and your baby are seen and discharged by the doctor before you leave.

Safety tips for you and your baby

Below are some important safety practices that we follow in the hospital. If you have any questions or concerns about your baby's safety, please ask.

  • If your baby has been away from you, the staff will check the baby's ID bands with you before you and your baby are reunited.
  • To prevent accidents, we do not allow anyone to carry a baby in the hallway. This includes the parents and other family members. If you are taking your baby down the hall, please wheel them in the crib.
  • Please do not take your baby out of the unit until it is time for you to go home.
  • Never leave your baby alone in the room or the bed. If you need to leave your room, bring your baby with you, or bring them to the nursery.
  • If you are showering, bring the baby to the nursery while you shower.
  • If you are adjusting your bed, please make sure the baby's crib isn't too close to the bed, as it can get caught and cause the baby to fall.
  • Always place your baby on their back to sleep, as this has been shown to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
  • It's important for babies to be held and cuddled a lot in the first weeks and months of life. We encourage you to hold your baby often while you are on the postpartum unit. It is fine to have your baby in bed with you while you are awake, but please do not have the baby in your bed if you are feeling tired or sick, as they could fall or be injured. Ask your nurse for help in these situations. Always place your baby back in the crib if you are going to sleep.

Women's services navigation

Our women's services nurse navigator program offers the information and tools you will need to welcome your new baby at our hospital. During pregnancy, delivery and postpartum, this program helps guide you through everything you can expect.

 


Ask the nurse navigator

We know planning for a baby can be exciting, and sometimes overwhelming, so our nurse navigator is here to help you become as comfortable as possible leading up to the big day.

Have questions? Please complete the form below, and our nurse navigator will contact you within three business days.

FAQs about hospital childbirth

We know you will enjoy the special months and years to come with your baby, and offer answers to some questions you may have to help ensure that your baby will begin their life safe, healthy and happy.

How many people can I have in the birthing room?

You may have two support people with you during labor.


How long will I be in the hospital after my baby is born?

Your length of stay depends on many factors and will be communicated to you by your physician. It's our goal to get you and your baby home in a timely manner.


Will I have my own room?

All labor and delivery (during your birth) rooms and postpartum (after your baby is born) rooms are private, and include your own bathroom.


What classes are offered to me during my hospital stay?

There are many classes we offer to help you before and after your baby is born. Most of the teaching will be done at your bedside by your nurses. We'll show you how to bathe, change and care for your new baby.


Will there be internet access in my room?

We are pleased to offer complimentary wireless internet throughout the hospital.


Can I come in and take an actual tour

Tours are offered to anyone who delivers outside of flu season. Please check with your obstetrician for the most up-to-date tour policies if you are planning to tour during the months of November through March.


What will the hospital provide?

For your convenience, the hospital has all the basic items you and your baby will need during your stay. This includes:

  • Baby blankets
  • Baby shirts
  • Diapers
  • Formula
  • Hospital gowns for mom
  • Maxi pads
  • Pain medications
  • Soap, shampoo and conditioner
  • Towels and bathing supplies
  • Wipes

What personal items should I bring?

Personal items you may want to bring include:

  • Contact lens supplies
  • Extra clothes (including any pajamas) for your partner or coach
  • Glasses
  • Going-home outfit for both mom and baby (something that fit when you were about six months pregnant)
  • Hair brush
  • Slippers or flip-flops
  • Toothpaste and toothbrush
  • Underwear

We ask that you keep any valuables at home.


The Birth Place at Parkridge East Hospital

We welcome expecting families to our hospital's birthing center, which provides family-focused, personalized care for you, your baby and loved ones.

Our Labor and delivery Locations

Currently Viewing:

Parkridge East Hospital
941 Spring Creek Rd
Chattanooga, TN 37412
 (423) 894 - 7870

Currently Viewing:

Parkridge East Hospital
941 Spring Creek Rd
Chattanooga, TN 37412
 (423) 894 - 7870

The Healthy Living Blog

Read our blogs to learn about preventive care and ways you can lead a healthier lifestyle.

Does cracking knuckles cause arthritis? 

December 02, 2024
Tayla Holman
As much as 54% of the population cracks their knuckles. But does cracking knuckles cause arthritis, or is it just a misconception?

Is it heartburn or heart attack? 

December 02, 2024
Tayla Holman
If you've ever had chest pain, you may have wondered whether it was heartburn or a heart attack. Here's how to tell the difference between the two.