Joyful Beginnings Childbirth Center
Since we first opened our doors—almost 120 years ago—we’ve delivered more than 170,000 babies at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital - Oklahoma City. But we celebrate every single birth like it’s the first. Enter Joyful Beginnings directly at the circle drive on Lee Avenue, between 9th Street and 10th Street, and we’ll get you directly to a labor and delivery nurse—24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your nurse will assess your condition, call your physician and take care of any paperwork for you. If you’re still in the early stages of labor, we may admit you to our outpatient monitoring area, where our staff can monitor your progress and keep your physician updated.
Once we’ve admitted you, you’ll relax in our spacious birthing suites with private baths/showers. And our Joyful Beginnings unit is completely enclosed, which means you and your new baby will be safe, secure, and comfortable.
A Family-Centered Baby Friendly Environment
We love to welcome dads and siblings into your room during labor and delivery if you like. And when your newborn arrives, we’ll bathe, weigh, and measure your baby right in your room. We keep a comfortable, rollaway bed in every room, so dad can stay all night. If your new baby needs an extra few days in the hospital, you can “room in” at no charge (if we have rooms available).
A Designated Baby-Friendly Hospital
SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital - Oklahoma City has been recognized with the prestigious international recognition as a designated Baby-Friendly Hospital, from Baby-Friendly USA, Inc.
Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. is the U.S. authority for the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, this prestigious international award recognizes birth facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence, and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.
To be recognized as a designated Baby-Friendly Hospital, the facility must undergo a rigorous on-site survey. The results are then reviewed at UNICEF Headquarters to determine if the facility meets the global Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative standards. Currently there are only 604 active Baby-Friendly Hospitals and birth centers in the United States.
Birthing Suite Amenities
Both Joyful Beginnings patients and your guests will have full access to our concierge staff. You’ll also enjoy other amenities, including Saints Link, our complimentary wireless Internet, and room service.
Experienced Staff
We’ve staffed Joyful Beginnings with registered nurses, cross-trained to care for both you and your baby. We have anesthesia available 24 hours a day. More often than not, we even have a physician present, just in case anything unexpected comes up. Even if it turns out you need a Caesarean, you can rest easy. We’re ready.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Our NICU has the capacity to care for 15 neonatal patients and is a locked unit equipped with state of the art infant security features. Staffed by neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners, and specialized neonatal registered nurses, the level II NICU provides a nurturing environment, allowing the babies to eat, sleep and grow safely and comfortably.
Understanding the essential role parents play in the development of their newborn, the new unit features a family-centered care environment. Within the NICU’s spacious rooms, ample accommodations are provided for parents in support of overnight stays. Families are encouraged to be fully involved in the care of their newborn.
Breastfeeding Support
We support your decision to breastfeed your baby and offer our assistance to help you get started. All of the nurses in Joyful Beginnings are “Breastfeeding Advisors.” They have received additional training to help you at the bedside from the moment of birth on.
We also have two full time International Board Certified Lactation Consultants who are available to visit you in your room during your postpartum recovery, and follow up with you after discharge in the Lactation Office.
The Lactation Office is open Monday - Friday from 8 am - 4:30 pm. To make an appointment or ask a question, please call 405-272-6207.
Childbirth and Breastfeeding Classes
In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, SSM Health St. Anthony is offering a free online perinatal class option. This course includes information on labor, delivery, postpartum care, newborn care and infant feeding. If you are interested in learning more, please email Angela Strickland.
For questions about lactation services, rental breastpumps or other breastfeeding topics, contact the lactation department at 405-272-6207.
Whether you’re expecting, or trying to conceive, trust the team at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital - Oklahoma City. We look forward to partnering with you on this exciting new chapter in your life. Find the nearest OB/GYN today and get started.
Infant Safe Sleep Training
We take every step to help set you up for success upon taking your baby home. SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital - Oklahoma City is recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program as a Bronze Safe Sleep Hospital for our commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep. We follow the safe sleep guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and provide training programs for parents, staff and the community. The hospital offers safe sleep training during perinatal classes for childbirth, baby care and breastfeeding, as well as prior to hospital discharge following the birth of a baby. Our training will help you rest easier knowing that you’re educated in the best practices of infant sleep.