MercyOne West Des Moines Birth Center

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Having a baby is one of life’s greatest journeys. That's why at MercyOne, we commit to giving you the highest level of care and comfort as you welcome your new bundle of joy into your family

MercyOne offers obstetric services at MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center, including the only Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the western suburbs. Mothers who are 32 weeks gestation or further are able to deliver at MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center.

Our expert health care team is prepared to assist with a variety of conditions that may arise during pregnancy. These can include breastfeeding challenges, blood sugar monitoring for gestational diabetes, miscarriage, postpartum depression, preterm labor, pre-eclampsia and stillbirth.

Services:

• Free access to the MercyOne maternity app
• Care for low- and high-risk pregnancies, deliveries, postpartum and newborns
• Cesarean section (c-section) deliveries
• Delivery of multiples (twins)
• In-person and virtual education classes for parents in preparation for baby’s arrival
• In-person and virtual tours of the birth unit
• Lactation consultations and support from experts
• LDR suites – labor, deliver and recovery in one suite, then move to another large, private suite for postpartum recovery
• Level II NICU
• Maternal fetal medicine
• Maternal Transport Team
• Neonatal specialists
• Neonatal Transport Team
• Nurses trained specially for labor, delivery and postpartum recovery
• Operating suites on birthing unit for c-sections
• Perinatal Center for high-risk pregnancies, obstetric ultrasounds, diabetic care, prenatal screenings and inpatient care
• Private rooms for expectant mothers having a c-section delivery, experiencing preterm labor, gynecological care or other complications
• Secure newborn nursery available 24 hours a day
• Triage rooms
• Volunteer Birth Doula services
• Wireless electronic fetal monitoring

Procedures and Practices:

• Baby’s first bath
• Baby’s first health examination
• Delayed cord clamping
• Depression screening
• Emergency c-section
• Epidural and nitrous oxide for pain control during labor
• External cephalic version (to turn baby’s position from breech to head down)
• Gestational diabetes
• Induction of labor
• Lactation consultation for breastfeeding and/or using a breast pump
• Neonatal resuscitation
• Skin-to-skin bonding
• Whirlpool therapy

Amenities (West Des Moines):

• Birthing balls
• Four dedicated labor suites
• Large windows for natural light
• Lights that dim
• Personal refrigerator
• Private bathrooms with jacuzzi tubs
• Privacy doors with blinds and soundproofing
• Sofa bed and recliner  
• State-of-the-art bed for baby
• Wireless internet  
• Fifteen private postpartum recovery rooms
• High-tech security system
• In-suite bathtub sink for baby
• Safe sleep environment for baby

Nationally Certified Safe Sleep Hospital

MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center is recognized for following the safe sleep guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and providing training programs for healthcare team members, and safe sleep education to family and caregivers.