Family Birthing Services: West Bank

• Breastfeeding support. Our hospital is certified by The Gift, a Louisiana Department of Health Office of Public Health, Bureau of Family Health program that encourages breastfeeding best practices. Our Lactation Center provides prenatal lactation consultations by phone and in-person. Postpartum lactation assistance is available by calling 504-391-5195.
• Experienced, multidisciplinary team. Our team includes OB/GYNs, neonatologists, neonatology nurse practitioners and a tight-knit team of nurses, many of whom have worked together for more than 20 years. We have an excellent relationship with our local pediatricians, who round on their patients when they’re preparing to give birth at our hospital.
• High-level facilities. Home to a level 2 labor and delivery unit and level 3 neonatal intensive care unit, our hospital has the services and expertise to care for mothers and babies who need extra support. In the NICU, our team cares for babies born as early as 22 to 23 weeks of gestation. Feeding and respiratory support and rehabilitation services are available.
• Recognitions for excellence. U.S. News & World Report recognized Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans (inclusive of Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank Campus and Ochsner Baptist - A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center) as High Performing in Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy). We also received Louisiana Birth Ready Designation for improvement in perinatal health outcomes from the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative.
• Seamless connectivity to a large network of care. At Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank Campus, you’ll receive the same level of care that’s available at our sister location, Ochsner Baptist - A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center. If your baby needs a service that’s not available here, we’ll transfer them to Ochsner Baptist - A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center or Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans quickly and seamlessly.

In our birthing suite, parents-to-be will find elements designed to make them feel at home and help them celebrate one of life’s most meaningful events. These include 21 all-private mother/baby rooms, a West Bank-inspired mural by a local artist, and a special announcement board where new parents can write details about their baby and take a photo to share with friends and family on social media.

Other highlights of the Family Unit include:

• Two nearby operating rooms

• Four observation rooms

• 15 antepartum and birthing rooms

• 16-bed NICU

• Family waiting room for the labor and delivery and mother/baby areas

Within easy driving distance for many residents of southern Louisiana and southern Mississippi, the Family Unit is located on the second floor of Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank Campus. Learn more about this location.

Our family birthing services feature childbirth classes and other resources to help parents and babies thrive, including:

• Baby Basics class. Learn the basics of infant care in this free class.

• Breastfeeding class. In this free class, a lactation consultant will provide information about positioning, pumping and other breastfeeding basics.

• Car seat safety checks. Want to ensure your child’s car seat is installed correctly? We offer car seat safety checks by appointment with a certified child passenger safety technician. To schedule, email carseatinstalls@ochsner.org.

• Family Unit tours. Let us show you around and tell you more about everything our family birth center offers.

• Infant CPR. Find out how to perform CPR for infants and children and learn important safety information in this class by the American Heart Association. The fee is $15 per person or $25 per couple.

• Prenatal classes. In these free classes (offered quarterly), you’ll learn about labor and delivery, medical interventions, the postpartum period and caring for your newborn.

Check out the 2024 class schedule. To register for a class or schedule a tour, email wbpnc@ochsner.org.

Our unit is family friendly because we know it’s important for new mothers to have their support network around them. The safety of moms and babies, however, is our top priority, which is why our visitor guidelines vary based on the risk posed by illnesses circulating in our community, such as respiratory syncytial virus. To find out the current visitor guidelines, check with your nurse upon arrival.

Babies might need to spend time in the NICU if they are born prematurely or have difficulty feeding or breathing on their own. We transfer babies who need surgery to one of our sister facilities: Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans or Ochsner Baptist - A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center.

Yes. You may rent a hospital-grade breast pump through our lactation center. Breast pump parts and other breastfeeding supplies are also available. For more information, please call 504-391-5195.