Virginia Hospital Center Birth Stats
As doula and birth photographer, I have compiled helpful stats and info about the birth environment at VHC.
Check out my photography galleries, doula services, or learn more about a particular hospital.
About VHC
| NICU | Level III |
| Well-baby Nursery | ✓ |
| Births per Month | 381 |
| C-section | 21.8% |
| Early Elective Deliveries | 0.0% |
| Episiotomies | 0.6% |
| Unmedicated Birth | Common |
| Vaginal Multiples | ✓ |
| Breech | ✓ |
| Waterbirth | No |
Hospital Information
| Hospital Location | 1701 N George Mason Dr, Arlington, VA 22205 |
| Labor and Delivery | 3rd floor 703- 558-6171 |
| Parking* | Green garage $5/day |
| Vallet Parking | Only in Blue garage |
| After hours | Use ER entrance |
*There are a few reserved spots in front of the Women and Infant Health wing. Park there until you are able to move the car to the Green Parking Area.
Specialists
| NICU | Level III |
| Well-baby Nursery | ✓ |
| Anesthesiologist | 24/7 |
| Neonatologist | 24/7 |
| Pediatrician | 24/7 |
Induction Methods
| Swiping membranes | ✓ |
| Breaking water | ✓ |
| Cervical Ripening | ✓ |
| Pitocin | ✓ |
| Castor Oil | No |
| Breast Stimulation | No |
| Acupuncture | No |
Pain-relief Options
Some pain-relief options are not available later in labor. In fact, the closer you get to delivery, the more likely you'll only be able to use an Epidural. If you are hoping to use something else, be sure you mention it early on.
| Epidural Block | ✓ |
| Spinal Block | ✓ |
| Narcotics | ✓ |
| Local Anesthetic Injection | ✓ |
| Pudendal Block | ✓ |
| Tranquilizers | ✓ |
| Sterile Water Injections | No |
| Nitrous Oxide | No |
Labor and Delivery Amenities
| Private LDR Rooms | All Rooms |
| Toilets and Showers | All Rooms |
| Adjustable lights | All Rooms |
| Adjustable temperature | All Rooms |
| Jacuzzi Tub | No |
| Squat Bar | Upon Request |
| Birth Ball | ✓ |
| Peanut Ball | ✓ |
| Birth Stool | No |
| Telemetry EFM | Upon Request |
| Wireless EFM Unit | No |
| Microwave | No |
| Refridgerator | ✓ |
| Freezer | ✓ |
Visitation During Labor and Delivery
| Persons allowed in triage | Partner and Doula |
| Persons allowed in LDR | Up to 5 |
| Persons allowed during epidural insertion | Partner Only |
| Siblings allowed during labor | ✓ |
| Persons allowed during c-section | Partner Only |
Labor Policies
Nurses can accommodate most safe birthing practices. Some alternative birthing practices may need to be approved by your midwife or doctor.
| Saline/Hep lock | Required |
| Drinking | Clear liquids only |
| Eating | Not allowed |
| Time Limit after PROM | Labor must start within 18 hours |
| Stalled Labor | Pitocin after 1-2 hours |
| Pushing time limit | 3 hours |
| Vaginal exams | Routine |
| Blood pressure cuff | Intermittent* |
| Electronic Fetal Monitoring | Intermittent* |
| Typical monitoring | 40 off - 20 on |
* You'll need to be continuously monitored once your water breaks, you start Pitocin, or if your baby is in distress. If you don't have an epidural, you can still move around, as long as they can get a good strip.
Delivery Positions
Your doctor has the most influence on which position you can deliver in. Thought options are more limited with an epidural, you can still ask for an upright position.
| Laying down with stirrups | Most Common |
| Semi-sitting | ✓ |
| Side-lying | ✓ |
| Hands and knees | ✓ |
| Squat on bed | ✓ |
| Backward on bed | ✓ |
| Squat on floor | No |
| Water Birth | No |
| Birth Stool | No |
Newborn Services
Though the staff may encourage you to comply with routine newborn procedures, you can opt-out of any procedures and screenings - except the newborn exam. You'll need to sign a waiver.
If you have a strong desire to delay cord clamping or the newborn exam, be sure you mention it when you arrive - and remind them again just before delivery.
Newborn procedures (except weighing) can be done on mom's chest; just ask for a nurse that is comfortable doing it there.
| Newborn Exam | ✓ |
| Cord Clamping | Can delay |
| Encourage immediate skin-to-skin | ✓ |
| Encourage first feeding in LDR room | ✓ |
| Delay procedures while mom and baby bond | ✓ |
| Vitamin K shot | ✓ |
| Vitamin K oral drops | You must provide |
| Erythromycin eye ointment | ✓ |
| Metabolic screening test | ✓ |
| Bilirubin test | ✓ |
| Hearing Screening | ✓ |
| Hep B Vaccine | ✓ |
| Circumcision | ✓ |
| Public cord blood collection | ✓ |
| Private cord blood collection | ✓ |
| Placenta Services | Can be taken home within four hours |
Postpartum Recovery
| Length of stay: Vaginal | 2 nights |
| Length of stay: C-section | 3 nights |
| Postpartum rooming-in | Encouraged |
| Nursery | Available |
| Private postpartum recovery rooms | All rooms |
| Sleep-chair for partner | ✓ |
| Partner visitation | Unlimited |
| Family Visitation | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Other vistors over 12 years old | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Lactation Support
Nurses can help you get started with breastfeeding. A lactation consultant is available during the day to offer guidance and support. The day after your baby is born, you are invited to attend a lactation consultation on the L&D floor.
| Certified Lactation Consultants | ✓ |
| Breastfeeding supply store | ✓ |
| Breastfeeding support group | Meets Weds 12:00 PM & Thurs 10:30 AM |
Other
| Mom, baby, and partner have matching security bands | ✓ |
| Free WIFI | ✓ |
| Family waiting room | ✓ |