Delivering at Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital

What You Need to Know

From what to pack to postpartum care, the information on this page will help you learn what to expect for your delivery.

 Woman in hospital bed cradling a baby with man leaning in
  • Overview
  • What to Pack
  • When to Come
  • Where to Park
  • Admission
  • Going Home
  • Resources

    • Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital has been named among the best hospitals for maternity care by U.S. News & World Report and has received a Level IV Maternal Levels of Care designation from the Joint Commission (the highest possible level) so you can be confident that when you deliver your baby here, you will receive expert, compassionate care for both you and your baby. Explore the information below to learn more about each step you will take along your delivery journey, from what to pack to postpartum care.

     

    What to Pack

    As you near your delivery date, it’s a good idea to pack essential items you’ll want to have on hand during your hospital stay. The following checklist will help you prepare.

    As you near your delivery date, it’s a good idea to pack essential items you’ll want to have on hand during your hospital stay. The following checklist will help you prepare. You may want to pack:

    • Going-home clothes for you and your baby. Remember, loose-fitting clothes will be the most comfortable
    • Toiletries including shampoo, deodorant, comb and brush, toothbrush and toothpaste
    • Infant car seat. Practicing installation and use ahead of time is highly recommended. Assistance is available through the Mott Buckle Up! Program at 734-763-2251.
    • Cell phone and charger

    Optional:

    • Lip balm (your lips may get dry in labor)
    • Copy of Durable Power of Attorney or Living Will, if you have one
    • Your own pillow, with a colored or print pillowcase to keep it separate from hospital pillows
    • Robe

    NOTE: Please remove all piercings and leave body jewelry and other valuables at home.

    When to Come to the Hospital

    During one of your prenatal visits, discuss with your health care provider when to come to the hospital. When you are ready to come to the hospital, or if you need help deciding, contact OB Triage at 734-764-8134.

    Where to Park

    Please use Parking Structure P4 or valet parking at the front entrance of C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital.

    If using Parking Structure P4:

    • You can enter off East Hospital Drive, across the street from the main entrance to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital. See our Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital Location page for more information about parking options.
    • It is staffed 24 hours a day throughout the week by parking attendants.

    If using valet parking:

    • Our valet parking services are available for a fee at the main entrance to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital.

    Patients in labor or pregnant patients with urgent needs should pull into the main children’s and women’s hospital entrance on East Hospital Drive. This entrance is staffed by U-M Health Security Guest Service Specialists 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you.  

    Admission to Labor & Delivery

    Patients in labor or pregnant patients with urgent need to quick access to the hospital should pull into the main entrance to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital on East Hospital Drive. This entrance is staffed by Michigan Medicine security and guest service specialists 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you.  

    Going Home from the Hospital

    Planning will help you make a more comfortable transition from hospital to home after your baby’s birth. Arranging for someone to be with you at home, especially during the first two weeks after birth, will help you adjust. At this time, your primary job is to rest, recover, and get to know your baby. The amount of time you will spend in the Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital after birth is based on your clinical needs. Your physical recovery and your baby’s adjustment after birth will be checked carefully. See below for more details about when you can expect to go home and what to do before you leave.

    For vaginal births without complications, patients usually go home about 24-30 hours after delivery, with some variation depending on the time of day

    For Cesarean births without complications, patients are normally ready to go home approximately two nights after delivery

    A copy of your baby’s physical exam will be sent to your baby’s physician. Your nurse will help you get the information and skills you need to make a safe transition from hospital to home care.