Giving Birth at Clearwater’s Morton Plant Hospital
Tampa Bay is fortunate to have many excellent options for giving birth, including Morton Plant Hospital in downtown Clearwater. Our team has spent many years supporting families giving birth at Morton Plant, and we’re pleased to share what you can expect.
Before You Go into Labor
You can pre-register for your hospital stay before your baby arrives. Morton Plant also offers a variety of classes for expectant families, including childbirth preparation, newborn care, breastfeeding, Infant/Child CPR, and water birth education. You can also take a tour of the Birth Center to see the labor and birth suites, Mother-Baby unit, and other important areas of the hospital.
In Labor
Once you’ve been admitted to the hospital, you’ll have several options for comfort and pain management during labor. Hydrotherapy is available, and Morton Plant also offers nitrous oxide for those who would like another option for managing discomfort. IV medications and epidurals are also available.
Giving Birth
This hospital allows you to labor in a birth pool, if you like, which can make your labor experience a lot more comfortable. If your baby will be born via c-section, the operating team can also offer you a gentle c-section, including a clear drape, keeping your baby within view, and encouraging skin-to-skin contact in the operating room. Because Morton Plant has achieved the prestigious Baby-Friendly Hospital designation, babies are placed skin-to-skin with her mother for at least one hour immediately after birth. The hospital also has a level II NICU for babies who need additional medical care and offers donor breastmilk, too.
Postpartum Recovery
Enjoy a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico and intracoastal waterway from your recovery room in the mother/baby unit, where specially trained Mother-Baby nurses provide care and support. Lactation support is also available during your hospital stay, including assistance from board-certified lactation consultants when needed.
Arriving Home
Breastfeeding support continues after you leave the hospital. Morton Plant offers a Breastfeeding Help Line, in-office consultations with lactation consultants by appointment, and free breastfeeding support groups for families who would like additional support after going home.
With private birthing suites, a variety of options for labor and birth, and specialized care available when needed, Morton Plant continues to be a popular choice for families giving birth in the Tampa Bay area.
Christie Rinder is the founder of Buddha Belly Doulas, Tampa Bay's original and largest doula agency. Supporting families since 2009, she's passionate about ensuring every family has the support they need during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She believes in helping women recognize their own inner wisdom, strength and power.
Having served as President of the Tampa Bay Birth Network for six years and 17 years serving families as a doula and agency owner, she has a reputation for leadership, dedication and compassion. A childbirth educator, certified lactation counselor as well as a certified doula, she makes a point of ensuring mothers and their partners understand all their birthing options and what to expect on their journey. > learn more about Christie
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