Delivery Room Equipment

If there is one thing most mothers will tell you about their hospital birth, it’s that they had absolutely no bloody clue what their birth suite looked like.

In the haze of giving birth, it’s frankly the last thing on your mind. But for those who are curious, or want to prepare for the unexpected, this is a list of what you can find inside a delivery room.

Your bed

Delivery beds break down in the middle to become birthing beds, complete with stirrups, handles, and even a birthing bar (to hold onto as you push). Postdelivery, they can be pushed back together for when you’re feeding and getting to know your new bubba.

The Partner Chair

If your partner will be staying overnight with you, expect to find a chair that unfolds into a bed for a semi-comfortable slumber”¦ not that he can expect much of that!

A Fitball

This is a great tool for labour and can sometimes be much more comfortable than a bed.

A Bath and/or Shower

Some hospitals or birthing suites have tubs or Jacuzzi tubs but most will have a shower, which can be super soothing for labouring mothers.

Medical Equipment

There’s a surprising amount of medical equipment tucked away neatly and discreetly in labour and delivery rooms “” in case of an emergency. There may be suction and oxygen receptacles hidden and those nice wooden closets and doors often hold the delivery table and an array of infant resuscitation equipment that can be wheeled in at delivery.

The Foetal Monitor

Along with your bed, your IV pole, and your blood pressure equipment, most labour and delivery rooms hold a bedside foetal monitor that attaches to the mother’s belly to monitor contractions and the baby’s heart rate.

A Newborn Station

I am sure there is a technical name for this but basically, it’s where the midwives will take your baby after the birth (after you have had a long cuddle) to measure, weigh and inspect the baby. It’s also where the baby will be taken if there are any complications after birth, with the help of paediatricians.

A Newborn Bassinet

Both natural labour and C-section rooms will house a tiny newborn bassinet on wheels, for safe transport of your new precious cargo.

Are you prepared to deliver your baby?