Childbirth

It's Time: Delivering at SMH

Find out what to do when you go into labor and what to pack for your stay at Slidell Memorial Hospital.

Arriving at the Hospital

Call the hospital's Labor and Delivery Department at (985) 280-8596 and let them know you’re on your way. Don't worry if you don’t have time to call, our physicians and staff are always ready and waiting.

Remember to drive safely. Most deliveries take time and your safety comes first.

When you arrive at the hospital, use the Florida Avenue (blue awning) and 14th Street entrance to access the birthing suites on the second floor.

If it’s before 6 a.m. or after 8 p.m., use the Emergency Room entrance located on 12th Street, just south of Gause Boulevard. All other doors in the hospital are locked during these times for the safety of our patients and staff.

Visitor Policy

Slidell Memorial's Visitor Policy is as follows:

1. During labor, visitors are limited to four at a time. Visitation may be limited at any time based on patient's medical condition.
   
2. Minor children are not allowed to stay overnight, unless accompanied by an adult other than the patient, throughout the entire hospital stay.
   
3. Family attendance at delivery is limited to three (3) support people during a vaginal delivery and one (1) support person during a Cesarean Section. Support person may be asked to leave at the discretion of the physician. No minors are allowed to attend delivery unless arrangements are made in advance by physicians prior to arrival in Labor and Delivery
4. Surgical attire is required for attendance of Cesarean Sections and will be provided to support person. The surgical attire must be removed once support person leaves surgical suite.
   
5. Visitation in the recovery area is limited to two (2) people. When multiple patients are in the recovery area, visitation may be suspended.
   

What to Bring to the Hospital

To make your stay comfortable, consider packing these items:

• Sleepwear, robe and slippers
• Toiletries, including toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, shampoo, conditioner and soap
• Clothes for the baby's trip home
• Pacifier (if you intend to use one)
• Infant car seat
• A few dollars in change
• Nursing pads, gowns and bras (if you’re planning to breastfeed)
• A few changes of underwear that can be thrown away
• Cellphone charger
• Sports bra (without metal underwires)
• Pillows and blankets
• Comfort tools, such as a massager, birthing ball, rebozo or heat or ice pack

Please leave jewelry, watches and other valuable items at home. SMH cannot be responsible for items that are lost or stolen.