Having a Baby Having a baby--a significant time in the life of a family. To make sure that everything goes smoothly and that you and your family are comfortable and receive the highest standard of care, Sibley has created a healthy, loving and nurturing environment to make the birth of your child a joyful beginning.

Childbirth in Comfortable and Secure Surroundings
Sibley's new birthing suite has been designed as part of an overall plan to expand and improve facilities for maternal and infant services. The birthing suite consists of ten spacious and well-appointed private rooms fully equipped for labor, delivery and recovery. Each room features such homelike touches as television, rocking chairs and sleep chairs, adjustable lighting, hardwood floors, and bathroom with shower. State-of-the-art equipment monitors your progress throughout labor and ensures a safe delivery.

Our highly trained staff helps you create the birth experience you want, comfortably and safely. A nurse specialist in obstetrics will be with you during labor to answer questions, offer support, attend to your needs, and make you comfortable. The nurse also assists the father or support person throughout the birthing process.

For mothers who have a planned or unexpected cesarean birth, there are two fully equipped surgical delivery rooms. Board-certified anesthesiologists are available around the clock. A board-certified neonatologist or your pediatrician examines each baby.

Each family is special and unique, so our emphasis is on flexibility and choice. Sibley's family-centered approach allows parents to participate in decision making with their obstetrician and decide on the birthing options best suited to their needs.

A Family-Centered Approach
The birth of a baby is an event the whole family shares. Our staff encourages the family to become acquainted with the newborn and to create strong bonds and a loving relationship. Mothers may keep their newborn with them, and fathers are invited to remain with the mother and new baby throughout the hospital stay. We make every effort to involve siblings, grandparents and other close family and friends in the introduction of the newest family member.

Family-centered care also means your family's needs are met by knowledgeable nurses who are responsible for your hospital care, guiding you through feeding, diapering and bathing your baby, and answering any questions you or your family may have about your baby's needs. Our staff includes lactation consultants to give breastfeeding mothers and babies a good start.

If Your Baby Has Special Needs
Sibley's new facility includes a nursery with sophisticated monitors and advanced technology to meet the intensive needs of premature (low-birth-weight) or at-risk infants. Our experienced medical team--nurses and neonatologists provide the skilled and nurturing care that gives these babies the chance to develop into healthy children. Parents spend as much time as possible in the nursery, participate in caring for their baby, and prepare for the baby's life at home.

Medical Excellence Skilled Nursing
Sibley's Women's and Infants' Service is staffed by professionals--anesthesiologists, obstetricians, midwives, lactation consultants, childbirth educators, and experienced nurses, most of whom hold advanced certification in obstetrical nursing. That is one reason so many distinguished Washing-ton-area obstetrician/ gynecologists have chosen to join Sibley's medical staff and why so many expectant mothers seek physicians affiliated with Sibley.

Click here for your obstetrician Physician Directory.

Click here to find out about Sibley's Childbirth and Baby Classes.