Mary V. O’Shea
Under the care of the Saint Peter’s certified nurse-midwives, women with low-risk pregnancies can experience labor and birth in the comfortable, homelike bedroom suites in the Mary V. O’Shea Birth Center. Each room features a queen-size bed, a sleeper chair, bathroom with shower and a spa-size Jacuzzi tub where moms can relax during labor. Other center amenities include open space for walking, a dining table and lounge area for birth support partners.
The Birth Center, staffed by certified nurse-midwives, supports a natural birth without any pain medication. The Center is equipped to offer a variety of nonpharmaceutical pain management options including:
• Hydrotherapy
• Aromatherapy
• Nerve stimulation
• Sterile water papules
• Various massage techniques
To give birth in the Mary V. O’Shea Birth Center, mothers must complete a two-session class by week 36 of their pregnancy:
Introduction to the Birth Center – This session reviews the philosophy of the midwifery model of care and Birth Center criteria, support systems, comfort measures, use of birth tools and explanation of the mother’s birth plan
Early Discharge from the Birth Center – This session includes a tour of the Birth Center, along with a review of the immediate post-partum period for mom and baby, the importance of choosing a pediatrician, early discharge and follow-up care.
The two-session class is offered in one day, once a month, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 11:00 AM – to 1:00 PM. Partner attendance is strongly encouraged. Fee: $40 per couple.
To register online for our birth center classes, click here.
Saint Peter’s University Hospital’s Mary V. O’Shea Birth Center is New Jersey’s first Birth Center to be located on the grounds of a hospital and the first and only hospital-owned birth center in the state to be accredited by the Accreditation of Birth Centers (CABC).
Centering Pregnancy
For pregnant women interested in an alternative to traditional prenatal visits, the Mary V. O'Shea Birth Center offers Centering Pregnancy, a group prenatal care model proven to improve health outcomes. Groups of 6-8 pregnant women and their support persons meet for sessions between 90 minutes and 2 hours for a total of 10 visits. This group model engages pregnant women in their health care, bringing together diverse participants to learn from each other and build social support networks. Before joining a Centering Pregnancy group, clients will have two individual visits with a certified nurse-midwife for thorough health assessments, with the first Centering Pregnancy group session starting at 12-16 weeks gestation. Beyond each Centering Pregnancy group session, our midwives are happy to see any of our clients individually by request at any time during their pregnancies.
