With expert care from Indiana’s only nationally ranked pediatric health system, you can be reassured you and your baby will receive the best care possible. As you plan for delivery at the Riley Maternity Tower, review the helpful information below on what to expect, and reach out to your physician if you have any questions or concerns.
COVID-19 FAQs: Pregnancy & Childbirth
COVID-19 FAQs: Pregnancy & Childbirth
As an expectant mother, you may have a little more anxiety these days. We want to reassure you that you, your baby and our team members are our first priority. As part of the largest healthcare system in Indiana, we are well-positioned to adapt our approach to best meet your pregnancy care needs. Each patient’s care will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Visit our COVID-19 online resource center for the latest updates from IU Health. We value the trust you have placed in our skilled physicians, nurses and team members. We are proud to be your partner during this time. We will continue to bring an unwavering commitment to providing you and your baby with the compassionate, safe and quality care you deserve.
We know you will likely have questions. We have answered the following questions to help ease concerns about your labor and delivery at this time.
When it comes to labor and delivery, can I have a support person with me?
If you are admitted to an IU Health hospital and in labor, one visitor is allowed with you.
The visitor must be the same person throughout the entire stay and must screen negative for COVID-19. We encourage you to stay connected with your loved ones through video conferencing apps available to you.
Am I a high-risk person for COVID-19 while I’m pregnant?
Pregnant women are in the same high-risk category as the elderly, as well as women who are within 6-8 weeks after delivery due to immune system concerns. Data suggests that pregnant women are not more likely to experience severe symptoms of COVID-19 if they become infected.
Am I allowed to have a doula during labor and delivery?
Yes. A doula is considered part of your healthcare team and can also be allowed in addition to your support person.
Will I or my newborn be close or come in contact with any COVID-19 patients?
No. All patients and visitors are screened for COVID-19 upon entry. Patients with symptoms will not be near you or your newborn. You will be directed or escorted to the labor and delivery unit upon arrival. Additional personal protective equipment like eye wear and face shields are being worn by our providers.
What if I test positive for COVID-19? Can I pass the infection to my newborn?
If you test positive for COVID-19, we can help you take steps to reduce the risk of infecting your baby. We will make sure you receive the follow-up care you need to best manage potential symptoms and complications of infection. Babies who test positive for COVID-19 generally recover completely, but it is a new illness and the risk to newborns is not entirely understood.
Will there be any changes in my care after delivery?
Postpartum care will remain relatively the same in hospital. Depending on your location, the nursery may be closed, in which case rooming-in will be encouraged. Well-check appointments and postpartum check-ups will be moved virtually if appropriate.
Can my prenatal appointments be virtual or over the phone?
We will conduct some routine office visits by video or telephone based on your care needs. We have been reducing in-person visits to decrease the amount of in-office traffic. We are working hard to communicate changes before your visit, but please call your doctor’s office if you have any questions about your appointment.
Will I be able to schedule pre- or post-birth class, delivery suite tour or pediatric get-to-know you visits?
Depending on your location, classes, tours and visits have been cancelled or moved virtually. To view all virtual classes and events, visit iuhealth.org/classes-events. For further details, talk to your provider or call your office.
Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for all people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to get pregnant now or in the future.
The CDC also says pregnant people with COVID-19 have an increased risk of severe illness compared with non-pregnant people. Pregnant people with COVID-19 also might be at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth, compared with pregnant individuals without COVID-19. There is no evidence that fertility problems are a side effect of any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines.
What do IU Health experts recommend for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals?
IU Health supports the recommendations from the CDC. IU Health recommends that people who are pregnant or breastfeeding consult with their doctors on the right course of action for them. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals can sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine by visiting ourshot.in.gov.
Do I have to wear a mask in my room or while I'm in labor?
Masking is required when any care team member is in the room. However, exceptions to masking are made when pushing begins to help mom be comfortable during delivery.
Before Your Stay
Before Your Stay
Childbirth Education
To help prepare for this experience, IU Health offers among its maternity services a variety of childbirth programs designed to educate and enlighten those waiting to welcome new life into the world. Learn more about childbirth education opportunities.
What to Bring With You to the Hospital
As you prepare for your hospital stay, remember to bring these items with you:
- Photo IDs
- Social Security numbers
- Dates of birth
- Cell phone with charger and your contact numbers
- Personal care items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and soap
- Change of clothes for mother and support partner
- Car seat
- Outfit for baby to wear home
You are welcome to bring other personal items such as a pillow, blanket, robe, sleepwear for the baby, and snacks and drinks for your support partner. A cabinet for your belongings will be available in your private room. The hospital cannot assume responsibility for personal belongings.
During Your Stay
During Your Stay
When You Arrive to the Riley Maternity Tower
Parking and Check-In
Patients may be dropped off at the Maternity Tower entrance located at 702 Barnhill Drive. Free valet parking is available 24/7 at this entrance for Maternity Tower patients and support partners (up to two vehicles per patient). As you enter the new Riley Maternity Tower and go through security, you will take the glass elevators to the second floor where you will greet our team at patient check-in.
You may choose to self-park in the Simon Family Tower parking garage instead of using the valet. The Simon Family Tower parking garage is located on Riley Hospital Drive just south of 10th Street. This garage offers access to the hospital’s Simon Family Tower entrance and main lobby, which is open 24/7.
Visitor Information
Visitors may self-park in the Simon Family Tower parking garage on Riley Hospital Drive just south of 10th Street. This garage offers access to the hospital’s Simon Family Tower entrance and main lobby, which is open 24/7. Parking fees are posted at the garage.
Visitors must check in at an information desk to receive a visitor pass for identification.
You may have up to six designated visitors in your room during your stay. Up to four visitors will be permitted in your labor room. Only two visitors may visit at any one time in all other areas of the Maternity Tower. Visitors must be 18 years or older. Designated visitors may wait in the Maternity Tower atrium lobby and rotate into the room 24/7.
Should you have a cesarean delivery, you will be allowed one adult visitor in the operating room and up to two adults in the post-anesthesia care unit. One adult visitor is allowed overnight in the postpartum and antepartum units from 9 pm – 8 am.
Your Birth Experience
Private Birthing Suites
Our modern labor and delivery suites are built for the whole-person birth experience. Your private suite will include a daybed for your support partner to rest, a private bathroom and interactive TV. Birthing balls, massage therapy and aromatherapy options are available. Some labor and delivery suites include a water birth tub. Wireless fetal monitoring also allows you to move around the room and unit as you labor.
Lactation Consultation
We offer breastfeeding classes before the birth of your baby. A lactation consultant (someone who gives you breastfeeding help and advice) will visit your hospital room after you have given birth.
Breastfeeding Support
Our breastfeeding experts will help you with advice and support. They can also help you choose supplies and accessories so you can make breastfeeding work for you and your baby. Learn more about the breastfeeding support services offered.
You can receive your breast pump through IU Health Expressions Home Medical Equipment. With a variety of pumps to choose from, we will find the best for you. Call Expressions at 844.231.1627 or learn more about breast pumps.
Postpartum and Recovery
Once you’ve been moved to postpartum, you will enjoy a private postpartum suite for you and your family to be comfortable. Your private suite will include a daybed for your support partner to rest, a private bathroom, glider chair, interactive TV and mini-refrigerator for snacks and beverages during your stay.
Ronald McDonald Family Room
The Ronald McDonald Family Room located on the third floor of the Maternity Tower will be open daily. Maternity Tower patients and visitors may access this space, which includes a kitchen and gathering space, as well as beauty bar, hydro-massage chair and nap pod by appointment.
After Your Stay
After Your Stay
Before discharge, a nurse will go over your care and as appropriate, your baby’s care, along with talking to you about follow-up appointments and explaining the discharge procedure. If your baby is going home with you at discharge, please bring the car seat to the unit to place your baby in prior to discharge. Once you are ready to leave, you can request your vehicle from valet and your support partner can help load your vehicle in front of the Maternity Tower entrance. If you did not use valet, your support partner can bring your vehicle to the Maternity Tower entrance located at 702 Barnhill Drive. Please do not use the emergency department entrance or Simon Family Tower entrance for discharge.
Within two weeks after you are discharged, you may receive a phone call asking about the care your received. Your honest answers and comments will assist us in identifying areas we need to modify to improve our care and service.