George Washington Birth Stats

COVID Visitor Policy

• Labor & Delivery: 2 persons

• Postpartum: 1 person

About GWU

"No matter your age or stage in life, our obstetrics and gynecologic providers offer a full range of quality care with a holistic approach to your wellness." - GWU Obstetrics and Gynecology

"For women seeking natural, unmedicated childbirth, Midwifery Services at GW Hospital offer the best of both worlds—natural childbirth with a certified nurse midwife in a hospital environment." - GWU Midwifery Services 

Stats

*Depending on the circumstances, patients may be able to birth a breech baby vaginally. Midwifery patients will be supported by obstetricians with breech experience. It is very rare for the midwives or obstetricians to accept a breech transfer into their practice late in pregnancy.

General Information

Specialists

Induction Methods

*Midwifery patients are occasionally encouraged by the midwives to use castor oil or nipple stimulation to induce or augment labor. They allow you to use a breast pump, either your own or the hospital's, while you are at the hospital.

Pain-relief Options

Labor and Delivery Amenities

Visitation During Labor and Delivery

*Additional support persons and siblings may not be allowed during flu season 

**Partners, doulas, and other support persons must leave for 30 minutes during epidural insertion.

Labor Policies

Nurses can accommodate most safe birthing practices. Some alternative birthing practices may need to be approved by your midwife or doctor.

*Broth, juice, ice, crackers, jello are provided. Midwives allow mom to eat and drink whatever she is in the mood for, as long as she doesn't have the epidural. OB patients, and midwifery patients with an epidural, are asked to only drink clear liquids.

**OBs typically ask patients to be on continuous monitoring. Depending on the OB, they grant exceptions to this, especially for unmedicated moms. Depending on the midwife on-call, midwifery patients are asked to go on the monitor either 20 minutes out of every hour, or to simply listen through one contraction each 30 minutes. As long as baby looks good and mom is laboring without an epidural, narcotic, or pitocin, she can continue this monitoring schedule until delivery. During delivery, all patients must have continuous monitoring. However, most nurses will hold the monitor in place so mom can push in whatever position is right for her.  

Delivery Positions 

Your doctor has the most influence on which position you can deliver in. Though options are more limited with an epidural, you can still ask for an upright position.

GWU hospital supports mother-led pushing. As long as mom and baby are doing well, mom picks her position and the nurses and care providers support her.

Newborn Services

GWU Hospital provides all routine newborn procedures. However, you can opt-out of any procedures and screenings, except the newborn exam, by signing a waiver. 

If you have a strong desire about any newborn procedure, be sure you mention it when you arrive, and remind them again just before delivery.

*Moms can take their placenta home with them the day of delivery. You are encouraged to bring a cooler and have your doula or other support person take it home and process it within a few hours of your birth.

Postpartum Recovery

All visitors must be healthy. Everyone must bring an ID and check in on the third floor at the Women's Center Concierge Desk. 

Lactation Support

Nurses can help you get started with breastfeeding. A lactation consultant is available during the day to offer guidance and support.

Other

Reviews

Feel free to contact me about photography or birth doula services at GWU Hospital.