Labor & Delivery
When it’s time to deliver your baby, you may feel excited, anxious and so many other feelings—all at the same time. Our skilled Labor & Delivery teams will be with you every step of the way, aiming to support your birth plan and deliver a comfortable stay in our state-of-the-art birth center.
When labor begins
Call Labor & Delivery at (608) 775-3167 when:
- Your contractions grow stronger, lasting one minute or more
- Your contractions come every five minutes or less for an hour
- You experience vaginal bleeding or decreased fetal movement
- You are too uncomfortable to stay at home
- Your water breaks. This may be a sudden gush or slow leak. When it happens, note the time your water breaks, as well as the color, odor and amount of fluid.
How to find us
At our La Crosse hospital, use our free Valet service or park in Parking-Blue. Take elevators A to Level 5, then follow the signs to Labor & Delivery where you’ll be checked in to a birthing suite and surrounded by experts ready to help you welcome your baby.
Your stay with us
Your comfort is important. Thoughtful touches in our birth center’s birthing suites and on our postpartum floor make your stay more than just a hospital visit. Some amenities include:
- Valet service so you don’t have to park your own vehicle
- Options for comfort techniques during labor, whether you desire pain-relief medications or natural methods
- Choices for delivery, including water birth (for those who are eligible)
- State-of-the-art, modern birthing suites
- Room service
Virtual tour
Safety and visitors
Nothing is more important than the safety of our patients. That includes the safety of your new baby. For everyone’s safety:
- You and your newborn will wear security bands in the hospital.
- Only leave your baby in your room with someone wearing a security band, or with staff from Pediatrics, OB or the Nursery.
- All Gundersen staff and students wear a photo ID. Ask to see an ID before you let anyone take your baby.
- Do not take your baby off the Postpartum Unit.
- Always use the infant crib when transporting your baby in the hallway.
- Family and friends who visit must wear a badge available at the Hospital Information Desk. If you or your family members have questions about visiting, please call (608) 775-3161.