The classes and waiting are behind you—the contractions have begun. Anticipation mixed with a little anxiety overwhelms you, and it's off to the hospital!
Once In Labor
Follow your OBGYNs recommendations as to when to come to the hospital. If in doubt, you can always call his or her office and describe your symptoms as well as minutes between contractions.
Watch How Every Birth is Celebrated Hospital-Wide
Getting to the Hospital
Saint Francis Hospital
Saint Francis Hospital is located on the southeast corner of 61st Street and Yale Avenue.
6161 South Yale Avenue | Driving Directions
Tulsa, OK 74136
Campus Map
Favorite Place to Have a Baby
Parking and Entrance
Saint Francis Hospital Labor and Delivery is located on the second floor near the South Entrance (campus map). Expectant parents and visitors can take Yale Avenue to Saint Francis Drive. Turn right at the top of the hill and park in P4 or P5. Enter the hospital through the South Entrance. You will be on Level 1. Take the elevators up to the second floor for Labor and Delivery.
Saint Francis Hospital South
Saint Francis Hospital South is located on the northeast corner of Hwy 169 and 91st street.
10501 East 91st Street South | Driving Directions
Tulsa, OK 74133
Parking and Entrance
Saint Francis Hospital South Labor and Delivery is located on the third floor. Expectant parents and visitors can enter through the main entrance and take the west elevators to three for Labor and Delivery.
Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee
Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee is just off of Okmulgee Avenue at 36th Street. Expectant parents and visitors can enter through the main entrance.
300 Rockefeller Drive | Driving Directions
Muskogee, OK 74401
Checking in to the Hospital
Once you've reached the Labor and Delivery admissions desk, you will be checked in and taken to a private antepartum room for assessment. Your spouse/partner is welcome to join you.
You Are Checked In, Now What!?
Once admitted, the labor nurse will interview and examine you then will contact your doctor. An external fetal monitor may be placed around your abdomen to time your contractions and evaluate your baby's heartbeat. This information is used to determine how your baby is doing throughout labor and delivery and to track your progress through labor. Sometimes an internal monitor is used to gauge the baby's response throughout labor. Information from both the internal and external monitors can be accessed by nurses in your room or at the central monitoring station.
Your nurse will also place an intravenous line (IV) into your arm. This is to provide you with fluids and medications for pain and nausea upon your request or as ordered by your doctor. Our staff will help you with any additional preparations necessary to get you ready for delivery.
You may find it more comfortable to stay in your hospital bed throughout labor or may prefer walking in the halls part of the time. Your doctor can advise you about acceptable activities during labor. While lying in bed, you may be asked to rest on your side, which helps to increase the blood flow to your baby.
Your doctor and nursing staff will monitor your condition as you progress through labor. If pain relief or nausea medication is needed or requested, it can be administered during labor, under the direction of your doctor. If you choose to have an epidural, an anesthesiologist may start it on your doctor's orders. Tulsa moms, be sure to register for the epidural ahead of time—even if you're not sure want it. Once in labor, the epidural can not be ordered unless you have pre-registered.
As your labor progresses, our nurses can guide you through your breathing techniques or other comfort measures that may help you manage the various stages of labor. During the final stages of labor, nurses will help you with positioning and pushing techniques that will help your baby make its way through the birth canal.
We are honored to be sharing in one of the most exciting times in your life. That is why your comfort and convenience are a priority for us from the moment you reach the hospital until after you return home. Our staff is dedicated to providing a family-centered birthing atmosphere where you and your partner and/or support person will feel as "at home" as possible during your stay with us.
Visitors
Please help us maintain a safe environment for you and your family by following the guidelines below:
- A valid photo ID is required for adult visitors.
- Visitation is limited in Labor and Delivery and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- No siblings or visitors under the age of 18 are allowed to visit.
- See more detailed visitor information for Saint Francis Children's Hospital and the NICU.
- All other departments in the Women and Infant areas follow the general hospital visitation guidelines.