Our Labor & Birth Center at St. John’s Mercy is known in the community for providing women with exceptional care during the birth of their babies. Along with your physician, our dedicated nursing staff provides compassionate care using advanced technologies, within a nurturing environment. Those women interested in their anesthesia options can read more at www.obepidural.com.

There’s added peace of mind knowing that our Level III (highest level) neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is available to care for a premature or critically ill baby. Following the birth, our new mothers and babies spend those precious first days in private room accommodations with hotel-like amenities, including room service.

Our experienced lactation consultants work closely with moms and their babies to provide education and support for successful breastfeeding. Many concerns and questions can be answered with a phone call to a lactation consultant: 314-251-6781.

St. John's Mercy can also provide specialized services for pregnant women, such as treatment from a Certified Hand Therapist to relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which is pain caused by nerve compression due to water retention and hormone changes.

The Perinatal Center uses advanced technology and personalized care to help achieve the best possible outcome for mom and her baby. Maternal-fetal medicine specialists, registered nurses and certified ultrasonographers use sophisticated diagnostic equipment and therapeutic techniques to treat women with high-risk pregnancies. Women are referred to these services by their private physician.

Genetic counseling may be recommended for a variety of pregnancy concerns. Genetic counselors provide information and support to families regarding birth defects and genetic disorders. Our genetic counselors, specially trained in medical genetics, are able to present complex information in a way that is clear and understandable. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 314-251-6884.

The Women’s Evaluation Unit (WEU) provides care for women experiencing complications with their pregnancy. Women are referred to the WEU by their physician for evaluation and treatment. A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) completes a history and physical exam, including an ultrasound if needed. The physician and CNM consult with each other to determine the plan of care.

Fertility Care Services (FCS) helps couples learn to interpret the natural changes of a woman’s body to avoid or achieve pregnancy, through the Creighton Model Fertility Care System of Natural Family Planning.

Other services include Mother Daughter Teas and Father Son Facts and Fun to discuss fertility and promote communication between parent and child. For additional information, please call 314-991-0327.

The Women’s & Children’s Education Department offers classes and programs to help expectant women and their families prepare for childbirth and parenthood. The classes include infant and child care for adoption, childbirth center tours, prenatal exercise, Lamaze childbirth preparation, infant care, CPR for Family and Friends, and special classes for new fathers, siblings and grandparents. For more information or to register, please call 314-961-BABY (2229). View our searchable database of all classes available through St. John's Mercy.

© 2008 St. John's Mercy Health Care
615 S. New Ballas Rd., St. Louis, Missouri, 63141