Memorial Health System Birth Center

We offer full birth care services at two convenient locations:

Memorial Hospital Central
(near downtown Colorado Springs)
1400 East Boulder St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Hospital Operator: 719-365-5000
(map & directions)

Memorial Hospital North
(northern Colorado Springs)
4050 Briargate Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Hospital Operator: 719-364-5000
(map & directions)

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HealthLink

Call HealthLink at 719-444-CARE (2273) to:

- find a doctor
- schedule a free tour of the birth center
- request a free birth center packet be mailed to you
- sign up for childbirth and parenting classes
- get answers to pregnancy health questions

Or, search online:

» Find a doctor
» Online health library
» Childbirth and parenting classes

Please note: a consultation may require a doctor's referral. Contact your doctor for more information about the diagnosis or treatment of a medical condition.

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Virtual Tours

Birth Center at Memorial Hospital Central

Birth Center at Memorial Hospital North

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Download Birth Packet

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Other contact information:

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Visiting Hours

There are no set hours for visiting. However, we ask that visitors not come too early or stay too long. Children are welcome to visit patients. Please be considerate and keep your visit brief if the patient is in pain or in need of rest. To protect the health of mothers and babies, people with contagious illnesses will not be allowed to visit.

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Parking

Memorial Hospital Central - Parking is located in the main garage on the north side of the hospital campus. Free valet parking is available at the Boulder Street entrance, the North entrance, and the emergency department entrance. Tipping is allowed, but not required.

Memorial Hospital North - Parking is located in the main parking lot which can be accessed using the Briargate Parkway and Austin Bluffs Parkway entrance. Visitors can enter through the main hospital doors.

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Gift Shop

Send loved ones congratulations, encouragement and support - even when you can't be there in person. Our gift shops have an extensive collection of merchandise for mom, baby and family.

» More about: Gift Shop

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Dining

Visitors at Memorial Hospital Central and Memorial Hospital North have a variety of choices for meals, snacks and beverages.

» More about: Food services

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Internet Access

Free, high-speed wireless Internet access (also know as Wi-Fi) is available at both Memorial Health System Birth Center locations. Patients and visitors must bring their own laptop computer with wireless capability.

» More about: Wireless Internet Access

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WebNursery(R) - Our365.com

The Our 365 website is a safe and secure online service that allows you to share baby photos with family and friends online. For more information, talk to your nurse or visit www. our365.com.

» Go to: Our 365 website (www.our365.com)

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Labor & Delivery Prepayment Plan

For women who have no health insurance or a high deductable, Memorial Health System's SelfPay Maternity Package provides a 55% discount on hospital services. The following criteria must be met to qualify:

- not have any health coverage for maternity services
- must sign an agreement with Memorial Health System prior to delivery
- pay a $2,000 down payment

For more information, call our patient financial services department at 719-365-5681.

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Buckle Up Baby

Buckle Up Baby is a program funded in part by Memorial Health System's Auxilary for patients facing financial hardship and cannot afford to purchase a car seat. The goal of this program is to ensure that all children are restrained in appropriate child passenger safety seats regardless of their financial situation. For more information, call 719-365-5834.

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Birth Certificates

To obtain a copy of your baby's birth certificate, contact the El Paso County Health Department at 719-575-8492 or visit their website.

» Go to: El Paso Count Health Department Website (www.elpasocountyhealth.org)

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When should I come in to the hospital?

You should come to the hospital when directed to do so by your doctor. If you suspect that your water has broken or, if you are having contractions that are 5 minutes apart and last for more than an hour – and don’t go away when you rest – it is time to go to the hospital. If you are unsure about coming to the hospital, call your doctor for guidance.

What will happen when I come to the hospital?

Compassionate nurses and professionals will determine whether you are in labor. A specially-trained registered nurse will do an assessment and your doctor will be contacted to decide whether you should be admitted to the Birth Center or sent home.

What if I have a birth plan?

The day you deliver your baby is one you will likely remember for the rest of your life, and we want you to have the birth experience that you desire. Communicate any special requests to your admitting nurse. It is also important to discuss your birth plan with your doctor/midwife prior to coming to the hospital.

What can I eat during labor and during my recovery period?

Most women are allowed to have clear liquids during active labor. Memorial provides cranberry juice, apple juice, tea, water, Popsicles, and lemon-lime soda for our patients. Additional items may be ordered from room service or, patients are welcome to bring items from home. Once the baby has been delivered, mothers may eat a normal diet. Room service is available from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is included in the room charge.

How will my pain be managed during labor?

There are many ways to manage the discomfort of labor, including breathing techniques, positioning with birthing balls and squat bars, medications and epidural analgesia. Board-certified anesthesiologists are available 24 hours a day to provide epidural analgesia if you desire.

What if I need a cesarean section?

During a cesarean section (c-section), an incision is made in the abdomen and the baby is removed from the uterus. The birth centers have special operating rooms prepared specifically for cesarean deliveries. In most cases, your partner will be allowed to be in the operating room with you. The doctor will allow you to visit with your baby in the operating room after delivery. Cesareans are done for many reasons. For example, if a baby is very large, or is not tolerating the contractions of labor, a decision may be made to deliver via cesarean birth.

How soon may I breastfeed after delivery?

You may breastfeed your baby immediately following delivery, if you wish. Some babies are inclined to feed shortly after delivery and some are not. Nurses are trained to help you with breastfeeding. We also have specially-trained lactation consultants on our staff to assist you with special needs.

When will I be discharged after giving birth?

Most women stay 24 to 48 hours after a vaginal delivery and about three days after a cesarean delivery.

What items should I bring to the hospital?

Be sure to pack ahead of time and tell your support person where your bag is located. Mom should bring:

• Toiletries and toothbrush
• Warm socks, a robe, slippers, and a nightgown with front opening for breastfeeding
• Nursing bra with pads
• An outfit to go home in

Please bring the following items to the hospital on the day of discharge for the baby:

• Car seat - Please take time before the baby is born to read the directions that came with your car seat and install the seat in your vehicle. All car seats are different, and they can be tricky to install. You may want to consider taking a car seat safety class through HealthLink prior to your baby’s birth. Call 719-444-CARE (2273) to register. If you need help obtaining a car seat, call Safe KIDS at 719-578-3254.
• An undershirt, a one-piece outfit, three or four receiving blankets and bunting (if it is cold outside).

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