
Labor and Delivery
You’re almost ready to meet your new little one!

Labor and Delivery
You’re almost ready to meet your new little one!
Preparing for Labor and Delivery
Generations of Idaho families have relied on St. Luke’s when it matters most. Our combination of caring providers and advanced maternity medicine has helped thousands of babies enter the world. Our dedicated team makes having a baby as smooth as possible for your growing family.
Pre-register Today for Your Hospital Delivery
Take a few minutes to complete the pre-admission process for your delivery at St. Luke's. We recommend you do this at least six weeks ahead of your due date.
Call (208) 381-9000 Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. to pre-register for your delivery; sign up for pregnancy, birth, and parenting classes; or to find a pediatrician for your baby.

What to Expect
When to Go to the Hospital
Especially if you’re a first-time mom, you may wonder how you’ll know when to go to the hospital. If you experience any of the following signs of labor, call your doctor or come directly to St. Luke’s Labor and Delivery—we’ll contact your doctor for you when you arrive:
- Your water breaks or you think it has (don’t wait at home for contractions).
- Contractions that are strong, regular, about 5 minutes apart, and have lasted more than 2 hours.
- Bleeding that resembles a menstrual period.
If you have concerns or questions about whether or not you're in labor, call St. Luke’s Labor and Delivery triage to speak with one of our caring nurses. We’re here to help you, any time of the day or night.
St. Luke's Labor and Delivery Nurse Triage
Boise
Elmore
(208) 587-8401, ext. 59
Magic Valley
McCall
Meridian
Nampa
Wood River
Classes to Help You Get Ready

Baby Care Basics: Mountain Home
During this one night class, you’ll learn all of the basics and “how tos” of caring for your newborn. We’ll cover comforting, diapering, bathing, feeding, cord care, and sleeping. We’ll also discuss immunizations, circumcision for boys, jaundice, and car seats.

Tour Virtual de las Salas de Parto: Ketchum
Nuestros instructores de educación para el parto están preparados para guiarle en un recorrido virtual por las salas de parto en St. Luke's Wood River.

Tour of St. Luke's Mother-Baby Unit: Ketchum
Half-hour tours of the labor and delivery suites.

Intuitive Birth: Boise
Prepare your body and mind for the incredible experience of childbirth and parenting that will offer you tools to reduce the effects of stress, create a sense of peace, and provide an optimal growing environment for your baby. The earlier you start these practices, the more benefit you will receive throughout your pregnancy.
In this four class series you will learn: • The anatomy and physiology of a normal birth • How to reduce the effects of stress • Meditative techniques that will help you prepare for birthing and parenting • How to cultivate a deeper connection to your body and your growing baby • To trust your body’s innate ability to give birth • How to envision your own birth environment to support the experience you desireIncorporating mindfulness-based techniques such as yoga, meditation and relaxation during pregnancy have been shown to be the best way to prepare for birth both physically and mentally, even if your pregnancy and labor require a higher level of intervention. These techniques help you and your baby’s immune systems and reduce stress which can affect a growing fetus—leading to complications and a more difficult birth.
Helpful Resources

Checklist for New Moms
Review these tips to help you get ready for delivery!

Health Insurance for Your Baby
When your baby arrives, adding your baby to your insurance plan is an important step.

St. Luke's Neonatal Intensive Care Units
Tender Care for Fragile Beginnings
Caring for our tiniest patients is a big job. Our newborn intensive care teams are dedicated to the delicate physical, emotional, and developmental needs of premature and severely ill infants, some of whom weigh just over one pound.
At our NICUs at St. Luke's Children's Hospital in Boise, St. Luke's Magic Valley, St. Luke's Meridian and St. Luke's Nampa, you'll find TLC for the babies, as well as the parents that love them.