Overview
Congratulations, you are having a baby!
At Cleveland Clinic in Florida we are committed to giving you and your baby the best start in life. We provide a comprehensive, patient-centered approach from your first pre-natal appointment, through delivery and beyond to ensure you are supported throughout your journey.
What The “Patient-Centered” Approach Means To You and Your Baby
From the physician’s office to the labor unit, Cleveland Clinic in Florida’s patient-centered maternity care model is focused on transforming birth experiences and delivery outcomes. Our maternity care model recognizes every pregnancy is unique and on its own timeline. We support our patients by providing two sets of dedicated physicians and medical professionals, Clinic-based and Hospital-based obstetricians committed to providing the most ideal birth experience.
- Clinic-based OB/GYN physicians only see patients at their practice which means you will never have to worry about having a pre-natal check-up cancelled because your physician had to leave to deliver a baby or had a schedule conflict. We use a team approach to scheduled appointments ensuring you will be seen by one of our board-certified obstetricians, physician assistants or nurse practitioners. This means you may not always see the same medical professional but you will always receive the same dedicated quality of care.
- Hospital-based OB/GYN doctors or laborists, do not see patients in a clinical setting, they work exclusively out of the hospital’s maternity unit. Laborist physicians staff delivery units, around the clock at Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, alongside experienced nurses and midwives. This patient-centered approach ensures the patients’ labor can progress at its own pace, significantly less dependent on a specific physician’s schedule. On-site laborists are also ready to act immediately if a delivery requires surgical intervention or if a pregnant patient is admitted to the emergency room. Laborists work closely with nurses, midwives and doulas to give patients the best possible delivery experience.
With two sets of dedicated medical professionals, your delivery experience is less dependent on a singular physician’s schedule so you can focus on your baby’s birth knowing that you are continuously surrounded by specialists committed to you and your baby’s well-being.
Find a Clinic-Based OB/GYN Physician and schedule your Free Pre-natal Visit
Get To Know Our Hospital-Based OB/GYN Physicians
Obstetrics and Maternity Hospital Certifications
- Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital
The Joint Commission Perinatal Care Certification - Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital
Blue Distinction in Maternity Care
Comprehensive Women’s Health Services
Cleveland Clinic in Florida provides the full range of women’s health programs and services including:
- General gynecology.
- Gynecologic oncology.
- Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.
- Obstetrics and maternity care.
- Maternal-fetal medicine.
- Urogynecology and pelvic floor treatment.
Why Choose Cleveland Clinic in Florida?
Cleveland Clinic in Florida’s maternity care combines exceptional obstetrics and maternity care with a comforting and memorable experience. You’re in expert hands with our team of experienced obstetricians, high-risk medicine physicians, midwives and nurses. You can feel confident in our obstetrics and maternity care because we offer:
- Focus on special bond between mom and baby: Our team is here to give you the confidence and skills needed to embark on your parenting journey. We help keep your baby close during the first hours and days after birth. We also offer breastfeeding coaching and support. You can keep your baby at your bedside throughout your postpartum stay.
- Experienced doctors: Our caring, skilled obstetricians deliver the most advanced care to mothers and their babies throughout pregnancy and beyond. Together, our team of doctors care for thousands of mothers and babies each year. Our doctors provide expert care for high-risk pregnancies, cesarean sections and vaginal births. Meet our OB-GYN team.
- Dedicated hospital-based OB/GYN physicians (laborists): Hospital-based OB/GYN physicians working alongside nurses and midwives, enables every delivery to progress at its own pace thereby reducing stress on mothers and families.
- Certified nurse-midwife care: Our comprehensive labor and delivery team includes experienced certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) at our Martin North, Indian River and Tradition hospital locations. Our CNMs partner with our physician hospitalists to provide 24/7 care for vaginal births, including vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) at our Martin North hospital.
- Modern, comfortable rooms:Our spacious labor and delivery rooms are private rooms with private bathrooms. Some of our rooms also include labor tubs. Our nurses focus on helping you have a calm environment throughout your labor. Our labor and delivery and postpartum units are also secure and locked for your and your baby’s safety. Learn more about registering to take a tour at one of our facilities.
- Postpartum home care program: Taking a new baby home is both exciting and stressful. Our home care program is designed to extend the continuum of care for mother and baby by providing additional support at home that addresses self-care, nutrition, breastfeeding and more.
- Neonatal intensive care: If an emergency arises, Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital are equipped with Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Units and teams of neonatologists to care for newborns with complex medical problems. Learn more about the Neonatal Intensive Care Units at our hospitals.
- High-risk pregnancy care: Mothers facing a high-risk pregnancy have access to world-renowned physicians with extensive expertise in treating pregnancy complications. Whether its high-blood pressure or gestational diabetes, a multiple pregnancy (twins, triples, etc.) or baby with a suspected health problem, our skilled team of doctors will work closely with your obstetrician to provide the best possible outcome for you and your baby. Learn more about our maternal-fetal (high-risk) medicine services and physicians.
What Patient-Centered Care Means for You
No two pregnancies are the same. So, your care shouldn’t be the same as someone else’s. We make sure to personalize your experience to your needs and goals. Our team approach has you covered with:
- Prenatal appointments with our clinic-based team.
- Prenatal testing.
- Labor and delivery with our 24/7 hospital-based team
- Postpartum (fourth trimester) care, including home visits after you leave the hospital.
You'll get pregnancy care at your local Cleveland Clinic. And when it’s time to deliver, you will go to one of our birthing hospitals:
- Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital
- Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital
Hospitals & Tours
Cleveland Clinic in Florida is your partner during your entire pregnancy journey. Your comfort during labor, delivery and recovery is top of mind at both of our birthing hospitals. We offer:
- Family-centered environment.
- Personalized birth plans.
- Modern, comfortable private labor and delivery rooms with a bathroom.
- Staff obstetricians and midwives available 24/7.
- Highly skilled labor and delivery nurses.
- Doula support.
- High-risk pregnancy and newborn specialists.
- Specially equipped operating rooms for cesarean births.
- Secure labor, delivery and postpartum units.
- Postpartum homecare program.
Cleveland Clinic Tradition hospital offers special care nurseries and Level II NICU services. Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital offers Level 1 nursery services.
Birthing Hospitals & Tours
Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital
Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital provides a range of birthing experiences and a high level of birthing care. Our state-of-the-art facility offers exceptional medical care and services in a comfortable environment, which may include:
- Developing your own birth plan.
- Special Care Nursery and Level II NICU services.
- Staffed with 24/7 Ob/Gyn coverage, experienced nurses.
- Highly skilled nursing professionals.
- Midwife and doula services.
- Breastfeeding support.
- Specially-equipped operating rooms for Cesarean births.
- We accommodate birthing preferences by working closely with your obstetrician and/or midwife.
- Specialists in High-Risk Medicine and Neonatology are available for high-risk moms and babies.
- Postpartum Mother Baby Homecare Program.
Hospital tours are performed on a recurring basis on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. To register for a tour at Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital call 772.223.5945, ext. 16687.
Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital
Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital’s maternity center is designed for the needs of mothers and their babies with a warm, family-centered environment. From prenatal education to the time the new family goes home, the staff of the maternity center is committed to making childbirth a rewarding experience for you and your family:
- We accommodate birthing preferences by working closely with your obstetrician and/or midwife.
- Level I Nursery services.
- Staffed with Ob/Gyn coverage.
- Highly skilled nursing professionals.
- Midwife and doula services.
- Breastfeeding support.
- Specially-equipped operating rooms for Cesarean births.
- Specialists in High-Risk Medicine and Neonatology are available for high-risk moms and babies.
- Postpartum Mother Baby Homecare Program.
Hospital tours are performed on a recurring basis on the fourth Saturday of each month from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The tour is followed by a meet and greet with the Hospital-based physicians from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. To register for a tour at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital call 772.567.4311, ext. 6114.
Maternity Care Services We Provide
New mothers come to us for complete, compassionate maternity care.
We have the full range of labor, delivery and postpartum care. Services we provide include:
- Labor-delivery-recovery care.
- Surgical suites for cesarean births.
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
- Midwives and doulas.
- Breastfeeding support.
- Postpartum home care.
Labor-delivery-recovery care
Whether you choose our certified nurse-midwives or obstetricians, our team cares for you throughout your entire birthing experience. Our experienced labor and delivery nurses also support and monitor you continuously. We use the latest monitoring equipment to ensure your and your baby’s well-being during labor and after birth.
Surgical suites for cesarean births
For moms who need a cesarean birth (C-section), we have experienced obstetricians who perform planned and emergency procedures. After your baby arrives, you and your baby may move to one of our private postpartum rooms. Here, you and your baby have time to recover and bond in a peaceful environment.
Vaginal Delivery After Cesarean (VBAC)
It is possible to have a vaginal delivery after a cesarean section, and our team is here to support you. VBACs are also referred to as trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC); benefits include a faster recovery and a shorter hospital stay. Our experienced providers will help you determine if you are a good candidate for a VBAC. Some of the factors that are considered include the number of cesarean sections you have had, the time since the last c-section, health history and the type of uterine incision.
Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU)
When your baby needs extra support, we have the specialists and technology to help. Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital have Level II NICUs to provide intensive care services for babies. Our NICU beds provide exceptional care for babies with special healthcare needs. Neonatologists and staff care for your baby 24 hours a day. Our team communicates with you frequently to keep you informed of your baby's progress every step of the way.
Learn more about Cleveland Clinic in Florida’s Neonatal Intensive Care Units
Midwives and doulas
Physicians at Cleveland Clinic in Florida work hand-in-hand with licensed midwives and doulas to provide quality, patient-centered care within our healthcare system. Midwives and doulas lend a valuable sense of compassion, mutual respect and companionship to the birthing experience. They are always available to listen to the many concerns of an expectant family, and respond to those concerns. They encourage the involvement of the expectant partner or other support person throughout the delivery and support after birth.
Midwives and doulas work closely with our medical teams to support a birth’s natural process which progresses at its own pace. They strive to facilitate labors so that few, if any, interventions will be necessary. Midwives and doulas respect the decisions made by each family about the birth experience and make every attempt to abide by those decisions, as long as the safety of the mother and child are preserved.
The primary difference between a midwife and doula is that midwives provide medical care, similar to a doctor. Both midwives and doulas are critical members of our maternity teams, who provide you and your family with emotional and physical support as well as valuable information throughout your pregnancy, delivery and postpartum.
Lactation Consultants
Our board-certified lactation counselors and consultants are part of your healthcare team. After your baby is born, feel free to contact your lactation consultant with daily questions such as growth spurts, feeding frequencies and mom’s return to work. Your Lactation Consultant is available to you by phone or in person by appointment.
- Tradition Hospital: Call 772.223.5945, ext. 11665
- Indian River Hospital: Call 772.567.4311, ext. 1277
Postpartum Home Care
Home Visits
For new parents in Indian River and St. Lucie Counties, our complimentary Mother Baby Home Care Program offers a continuum of care and creates peace of mind after mother and baby have returned home.
For information on our Mother Baby Home Care Program:
- Indian River County: Call 772.563.5470
- St. Lucie County: Call 772.223.5924
Fourth Trimester
The fourth trimester is the transition period between birth and 3 months. In addition to a physical assessment of the mother and baby, our nurses provide education on:
- Self-care
- Nutrition
- Breastfeeding
- Postpartum depression
- Post-birth warning signs
Care and Safety
Newborn education emphasizes:
- Infant care and feeding
- Safe sleeping practices
- Home safety (fire, pool and water)
An education packet with available community resources is provided.
Accreditation
Our Home Care Program is accredited by The Joint Commission.
High Risk Pregnancy Care
Maternal-Fetal Medicine (High-risk Pregnancy)
We realize that pregnancy can be a stressful and emotionally challenging time for many families, and we have the expertise and resources to help, whether you have an underlying medical condition, problems with poor pregnancy outcomes, or a suspected or known problem with your baby (fetus).
Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU)
Our facilities are equipped to provide life-saving intensive care services to the most vulnerable patients. Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital has Level II NICUs and Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital has a Level I nursery.
Level I nurseries care for healthy, full-term babies. Additionally, they will also stabilize babies who require more specialized services and prepare them for transfer to a facility that provides advanced care. Level II NICUs care for babies born at or after 30 weeks and weighing more than 1,250 grams (2.75 pounds) who need treatment for acute conditions. Cleveland Clinic in Florida maternity units are fully integrated, we provide our own pediatric emergency ambulatory transportation vehicle, if the need arises.
Support After Birth
Our team will help you build the confidence and skills needed for your parenting journey while you're in the hospital. We'll focus on growing the special bond between you and your new baby by keeping them by your bedside during the first hours and days after birth. We can also help you navigate breastfeeding and how to care for yourself and your baby at home.
Breastfeeding Support
Our board-certified lactation consultants are part of your maternity care team. If you plan to breastfeed, our team will help you get started before you leave the hospital. When you go home, feel free to contact your lactation consultant to get answers to your questions. Our team will guide and answer questions like:
- How often should I feed my baby?
- What happens when my baby has a growth spurt?
- How can I breastfeed when I return to work?
Your lactation consultant is available to you by phone or in person by appointment:
- Tradition Hospital: 223.5945, ext. 11665
- Indian River Hospital: 772.567.4311, ext. 1277
Home Care in the Fourth Trimester
Our team considers the first three months after birth as the “fourth trimester.” And it’s a time when you may feel different emotions when you and your baby go home.
New parents often need extra support once they’ve left the hospital. So, we’ve designed a home care program that extends the care you and your newborn received during your stay with us.
New parents in Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie Counties can enroll in our complimentary Mother Baby Home Care Program. A Cleveland Clinic Florida registered nurse will visit you to see how you and your baby are doing. They’ll also spend time talking with you about important things to know, like:
- Self-care.
- Nutrition.
- Breastfeeding.
- Postpartum depression.
- Post-birth warning signs.
- Baby care and feeding.
- Safe sleeping practices.
- Home safety and childproofing.
You’ll also get an education packet with more information about available community resources.
For information on our Mother Baby Home Care Program call:
- Indian River County: 772.563.5470
- St. Lucie County: 772.223.5924
The Fourth Trimester Mother Baby Home Visitation Program is funded by Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County. The Children’s Services Council is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in St. Lucie County.
CSC St Lucie County (SLC)
https://www.cscslc.org
Childbirth & Parenting Classes
Our childbirth & parenting classes are brought to you in partnership with the Healthy Start Coalition of Indian River and St. Lucie counties. To participate in our childbirth classes, with no out-of-pocket cost to you, register early in your pregnancy to become a Healthy Start participant.
Classes vary by county, please contact your county’s Healthy Start Coalition directly for the most accurate information. Some of the classes offered include:
- Preparation for Labor and Delivery (On-site and online e-Class options)
- Breastfeeding (On-site and online e-Class options)
- Infant CPR
- Understanding Infant & Child Safety Class (Online e-Class)
How to register to become a Healthy Start Participant
Call the number below for the county in which you live.
- Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition, Inc.: 772.563.9118
- Healthy Start Coalition of St. Lucie County, Inc.: 772.467.2016
How to register for childbirth classes
At the beginning of your seventh month, call to speak with our Administrative Program Coordinator who will be happy to share our class offerings and schedule classes to meet your individual needs.
Call the number below for the county in which you live.
- Indian River County residents.: 772.563.9118
- St. Lucie County residents: 772.223.5945, ext.16687
Please note: Once you register for classes, you will receive an email to confirm your registration and give you the class date(s) and time(s). If you must cancel your class registration, we ask that you provide at least 24 hours notice.
Resources
Support Groups
Baby Café
Relax and join us for coffee, support and information by a lactation consultant/RN and other moms, in a casual atmosphere.
Every Tuesday
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Blake Library Martin County Library System
2351 SE Monterrey Road
2nd Floor Exploration Lab
Stuart, FL 34996
Breastfeeding Mothers at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health
Every Thursday
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Lewis Branch Library
2950 SW Rosser Blvd
Port St. Lucie, Florida, FL 34953
Everyone is welcome, no appointments needed. For more information or questions call Melissa Micheletti at 772.223.5945 Ext 17533.
Village of Support at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital - A support group for expectant and current mothers
Motherhood takes a village. Gather with a group of expectant and current mothers to share your experiences and support each other in the journey of motherhood. Little ones and support persons welcome. Register for the group. For more information and questions call Genevieve Mallen at 772-268-7419 or email malleng@ccf.orgmalleng@ccf.org.
Father and Child Resource Center
Father and Child Resource Center provides extensive information and resources to all new dads. New dads can call for support and education on being the best fathers they can be. For more information on the program, in Indian River County call 772.563.5470, for St. Lucie County call 772.463.2888.
Healthy Start Coalition
In partnership with Healthy Start Coalition of Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie counties, Healthy Start Coalition provides doula services for interested patients who apply. Because services may vary by county, please contact your county’s Healthy Start Coalition directly for the most accurate information.
Health Essentials
Want more information about pregnancy and childbirth?
eNewsletter for Parents
Get the latest information on your child's health and wellness straight to your inbox from our experts. Our Health Essentials eNewsletter for Parents is dedicated to encouraging good health and wellness for you and your family. Each issue offers health information for parents and children as well as a healthy recipe, tips for living well from Cleveland Clinic experts and much, much more.
Podcasts
Cleveland Clinic's Health Essentials Podcast:
Appointments & Locations
Appointments
Make an appointment at one of our Cleveland Clinic in Florida locations, or schedule a virtual visit.
Locations
Indian River Maternity Unit Renovation
In the fall of 2024, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital launched a major, year-long renovation of its Labor and Delivery and Mother Baby Units.
Designed to create a comforting and memorable experience for mother and baby, the expanded units will include:
- Five labor and delivery rooms
- Three triage beds
- A Cesarean section (C-section) surgical suite
Fifteen contemporary mother-baby rooms will enhance the unit’s commitment to family-centered care with ample space for the birthing experience, welcoming family and visitors, and accommodating multiple births.
