Your Care in Saratoga's Mother/Baby Unit
Collaborative Obstetrician-Midwife Care Model
Patients can receive the best of both worlds in a safe and supportive environment. Our collaborative physician-midwife model of care has proved to be the best approach for mothers and newborns. It also helps ensure that, as much as possible, families have the experience they want during childbirth.
Our certified nurse midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses who have earned a graduate degree in midwifery or midwifery education, plus certification from the American College of Nurse-Midwives. Midwifery focuses on the understanding that pregnancy and delivery are natural processes, and that through patient education and patient-centered care, optimal health outcomes can be achieved.
For prenatal and postpartum care, you choose the physician or nurse midwife you're most comfortable with. If you have a routine labor and vaginal delivery, most likely a midwife will deliver your baby. OBGYN physicians are always available. They also handle all higher-risk deliveries.
Learn more about our services at the Mother/Baby Unit at Saratoga Hospital
We believe in offering as many birthing options as possible, including vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC). Our providers consult with patients and the care team to determine if this option is appropriate, and if so, provide the care patients need along the way.
From aromatherapy to nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to completely natural birth, we offer the latest options to maximize each patient's comfort.
Our providers offer expert care and advice for women experiencing breastfeeding problems, such as latching difficulties, painful nursing, and low milk production. Our compassionate and experienced team will help address any additional concerns, such as meeting breastfeeding goals while returning to work or school, care and use of breastfeeding equipment, and safe storage of expressed milk.
Patient Education
We offer many courses to ensure a rewarding birth experience and a smoother transition into parenthood, including:
Breastfeeding Basics
We discuss techniques and positions, benefits for both mom and baby, what to expect in the early days, and how your baby's feeding needs may change over time.
Breastfeeding Support Group
Connect with other breastfeeding mothers. We will celebrate our successes, share our struggles, and offer guidance and support. Expectant mothers are encouraged to attend, and the group is open to all mothers regardless of delivery location.
Childbirth Preparation Series—4 Classes
This series is designed to educate expectant parents on their options during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. We discuss having a healthy pregnancy, the work of labor and birth, coping with labor, options for medications and other interventions, being an active participant in your care, the role of the birth partner, and the first 48 hours after birth.
Childbirth Preparation—One Day Course
This weekend course offers expectant parents the opportunity to enroll in a one-day program to learn about their options during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. We discuss having a healthy pregnancy, the work of labor and birth, coping with labor, options for medications and other interventions, being an active participant in your care, the role of the birth partner, and the first 48 hours after birth.
Expectant Parent Night
Our free one-hour class will introduce you to the Women's Health Services Unit and our neonatal providers, Saratoga Hospital Midwives, and Saratoga OB/GYN at Myrtle Street.
Infant Care Class—2 Classes
Expectant and adoptive parents are invited to join us and learn about a variety of care topics, including newborn characteristics and behaviors, hospital routines, daily care and bathing, diapering, swaddling, feeding issues, crying, and colic. we will also discuss health and safety information, including SIDS risk factors, and car seat safety training will be provided.
Prenatal Yoga—6 Classes
In six 75-minute classes, instructors will guide you through postures which may decrease common pregnancy discomforts, such as back pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel, swelling, anxiety, and fatigue, in addition to stretching and toning muscles used during labor and delivery. Instructors will focus on meditation, breathing, relaxation, and visualization in preparation for childbirth.
Visit the Events Calendar for more information.
Postpartum Mental Health Resources
We are committed to caring for you even after you leave with your baby. Contact us if you need assistance or get in touch with one of these resources:
Crisis Text Line
Text "Got5" to 741741
Emotional Support Helpline
1-844-863-9314 (8 a.m. - 10 p.m.)
NY Statewide Helpline
1-855-631-0001 or 1-631-422-2255
Saratoga Hospital Emergency Department
518-583-8313
Saratoga Community Health Center
518-886-5600
Parental Stress Hotline
1-800-632-8188
SAMHSA
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
1-800-662-4347
