United Hospital

The Birth Center of United Hospital

Welcome to the Birth Center of United Hospital and Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, a regional center dedicated to excellence in health care for women and infants.

We believe that the childbearing experience is a natural, healthy process. Each woman experiences in her own unique way the variety of emotions and physical changes that pregnancy brings. Our role as health care professionals is to help our patients understand these changes and guide them to the resources they need.

Promoting healthy pregnancies

Most women have uncomplicated pregnancies and births and healthy babies. However, women who choose to give birth at The Birth Center can take comfort in knowing that we are prepared to handle any complication that may arise.

The Birth Center is a designated Level III perinatal center. That means that we have the staff and resources to care for women with high-risk pregnancies and births, and we are equipped to handle emergencies 24 hours a day. We also have a newborn intensive care unit (NICU) located close to the labor and delivery area.

Free Weekly Newsletter

United Hospital offers a free, weekly electronic newsletter for expectant parents. Sign up today!

The Breastfeeding Resource Center

Studies have shown that breastfeeding has many benefits for both infants and their mothers and is a healthier choice than formula feeding. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breast milk improves resistance to infectious diseases, enhances the immune system, and provides nutritional growth and developmental benefits for babies. Mothers who breastfeed enjoy improved maternal health, less postpartum bleeding and have a reduced risk of ovarian and postmenopausal breast cancer.

Perinatal clinic

Our collaboration with Minnesota Perinatal Physicians and the neonatal specialists at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota has led to excellent care for high-risk obstetric patients and premature or sick newborns.

Minnesota Perinatal Physicians

Post-natal body therapy

The Birth Center at United Hospital offers postnatal body therapy (in hospital wellness treatments), through Go Home Gorgeous, to help ease recovery after childbirth.

During postnatal body therapy, low light, soft music and aromatherapy create a "spa-spital" atmosphere while gentle massage, steam towels and guided relaxation help decrease water retention, lessen anxiety and reduce the possibility of postpartum depression.

Treatments are conducted in the mother's room on the evening before discharge. Same evening services are available for all orders placed by 4:30pm. Also, you may order in advance at gohomegorgeous.com or by calling 612-547-0085 at any time.

Baby portraits

United Hospital partners with Our365.com to offer baby portraits. For more information visit Our365.com.

Birth Center classes

The Birth Center offers a variety of programs and classes to ensure that your pregnancy is as healthy as possible. We also have services that can help you and your family prepare for the birth of your baby.

Instructors are professionals from The Birth Center and include maternity and pediatric nurses, exercise specialists and dietitians. Classes are offered during daytime, evenings and weekend hours to accommodate a variety of schedules. For women on bed rest, home instruction can be arranged.

All About Babies

This class is for anyone interested in how to care for an infant. Topics include early childhood illnesses, bathing, diapering, holding, calming an infant, how to take a baby's temperature, safety concerns and much more.

Register for "All About Babies" class

Breastfeeding Preparation

Focuses on the benefits of breastfeeding, care of breast, positioning, "latching on," frequency, length of feedings, pumping, storing milk, returning home from the hospital and weaning. It is encouraged that your labor companion attends with you.

Register for "Breastfeeding Preparation" class

Childbirth and Parenting Prep

For first-time parents, the class includes details on labor, birth, comfort measures, medical procedures, cesarean birth, role of labor companion, adjustment to parenting, newborn characteristics, medications and a tour of the Birth Center. It is recommended you complete your class no later than one month prior to your due date.

Register for "Childbirth and Parenting Prep" class

Expectant Fathers

Designed only for fathers-to-be to attend. It includes topics of concern to new fathers such as fears about labor and birth, bonding with your newborn, common joys and problems during the transition to parenthood.

Register for "Expectant fathers" class

Expectant Grandparents

Grandparents come learn updates on changes in maternity care, labor and birth options, and new trends in infant care. The class discusses the important role of grandparents. Expectant parents are invited to attend. Please register for each couple that will be attending the class. For example, two sets of grandparents and the expecting parents would result in three registrations.

Register for "Expectant Grandparents" class

Expecting Multiples

This special class is for parents expecting multiple births. The class covers prenatal care, emotional and physical aspects of a multiple pregnancy, coping skills, relaxation and adjustment tips, pre-term labor, labor, delivery and tour of the Birth Center. It is recommended you complete your class no later then one month prior to your due date.

Register for "Expecting Multiples" class

Father Baby Class

For fathers with babies through six months of age. Discussions on infant growth and development, safety and methods of comforting and calming baby. The class is taught by Rick Bell Ph. D., father and psychologist. Father and baby attend class together.

Register for "Father Baby" class

Infant CPR

Infant CPR is for expectant or new parents and/or caregivers of infants. A certified cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instructor demonstrates methods such as clearing an airway and how to help a choking child. Instruction covers newborn to children eight years of age. The class does not qualify participants for certification. Adults only - please leave the kids at home.

Register for "Infant CPR" class

Infant Massage

Designed for parents and for children from three weeks to four months old. Massage can help relax and soothe both you and your infant and/or child, deepen bonding and strengthen communication.

Register for "Infant Massage" class

New Brother New Sister

Designed for children ages two to ten whose parents are expecting a new baby. It includes play activities, an age appropriate birth video and discussion time. Bring a doll or stuffed animal to practice holding and diapering. You may wish to bring a camera. Parents must attend.

Register for "New Brother New Sister" class

Refresher Childbirth & Parenting

Designed for parents who have previously attended a childbirth class. It includes information on labor and birth, breathing and relaxation techniques, the role of the labor companion, medications and sibling relationships. It is recommended you complete your class no later then one month prior to your due date.

Register for "Refresher Childbirth & Parenting" class

New Parent Connection

New Parent Connection offers education and support for parents and babies up to four months.

The New Parent Connection class is held in the Birth Center Parent Education Room, #2248 from 12:30 - 2:30 pm every Tuesday. For more information please call 651-241-6290.

Pregnancy After a Loss

This support group is for pregnant women and their families who have previously experienced a pregnancy loss. Please call Annette Klein, 651-241-6206, before attending first meeting.

For more information on Pregnancy After a Loss support groups

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group

For parents who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death. Please call 651-241-6206 before first visit or for more information.

For more information on Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Groups

Postpartum Depression Support Group

For women who have experienced or are at risk for postpartum depression.

For more information on Postpartum Depression Support Groups

Birth Center video tour

Please call 1-866-904-9962 to schedule a Birth Center tour.