Birthing Center

One of the most treasured moments for a woman is the birth of her baby. Doctors and nurses at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale’s Birthing Center find this so rewarding. For them, it’s not just another day on the job. It’s their mission to make this experience about you. This sentiment is one reason SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale is nationally recognized for patient experience and was honored with the 2024 U.S. News & World Report High Performing in Maternity Care award and designated as a Maternity Care Access Hospital. This will be one of the most memorable times of your life, and we’re here to make sure it happens safely and comfortably.

Birthing Rooms

Our birthing rooms are spacious and private, and equipped with everything needed to deliver your baby. Labor, delivery, and immediate recovery happen in the same space. Several of these rooms are equipped with Jacuzzi tubs to help you relax. If this is a feature you desire, please let your nurse know.

Mother/Baby Suites

Following your immediate recovery in a birthing room, you’ll be moved to a comfortable mother/baby suite for the rest of your stay. Nearly all of these suites are private, but five of them can be converted to doubles, should the need arise.

You’ll recover in these rooms and start the journey of getting acquainted with your baby, who can stay in the room with you as much as you wish.

Special Care Nursery

Occasionally a newborn will require special services. The Special Care Nursery at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale is the only Level 2 Plus nursery in the Southern Illinois region. Care is provided for infants greater than 30 weeks gestation and weighing more than 2.75 pounds. About 20 infants, on average, are provided special care each month and parents are encouraged to actively participate in that care along with our nurses and providers.

Obstetrics Emergency Department (OB ED)

Get 24/7 pregnancy emergency care at SIH Memorial Hospital’s OB Emergency Department in Carbondale. Specialized care for urgent pregnancy and postpartum concerns.

24/7 emergency care for pregnancy and postpartum concerns in Southern Illinois

At SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, our Obstetrics Emergency Department (OB ED) provides immediate, specialized care for women experiencing urgent concerns during pregnancy and up to six weeks postpartum.

As the only OB Emergency Department in Southern Illinois, this dedicated unit ensures you are seen right away by an obstetric provider—without the delays often experienced in a traditional emergency room. Our OB ED is staffed 24/7 by board-certified OB hospitalists and specially trained nurses who focus exclusively on pregnancy-related and postpartum emergencies.

Unlike a general ER, the OB ED delivers fast, targeted evaluation and treatment for conditions that can change quickly during pregnancy. From the moment you arrive, our team is ready to assess, diagnose and begin care.

Your primary OB or midwife remains at the center of your care. The OB ED is designed to support your provider—not replace them—ensuring seamless communication, continuity and a higher level of safety for you and your baby.

We care for patients from 20 weeks of pregnancy through six weeks after delivery, giving women across Southern Illinois a clear, trusted place to go when something doesn’t feel right.

When to Go to the OB Emergency Department

If you are pregnant or recently gave birth, seek care at the OB ED if you experience:

• Pelvic Pain
• Signs of pre-term labor
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Urological issues, such as urinary tract infections or bladder infections
• Conditions related to high risk pregnancy, such as high blood pressure

If you’re unsure, don’t wait. Come in for evaluation. Early care can make a critical difference.

Call 911 immediately for life-threatening emergencies.

Why Choose SIH for Pregnancy Emergency Care?

• Only OB Emergency Department in Southern Illinois
• 24/7 on-site obstetric specialists
• Faster evaluation and treatment
• Coordinated care with your OB or midwife
• Part of SIH Memorial Hospital's nationally recognized maternity program

Rooming-In

During your stay, we ask that you keep your baby in your room with you. This will allow you (and any others) to not only become more familiar with your child.

Call 618-549-0721 for more information. Or, if you’re ready, choose a physician now.

Group Tour of the Birthing Center

Southern Illinois Healthcare Birthing Center provides a comfortable environment that features private rooms, low lighting, infant warmers, television and all of the necessary monitoring equipment. Additionally, we offer specially equipped operating rooms for Caesarean births. Our delivery services, including anesthesia, are available 24/7 to ensure that we'll be ready when you are.

The nursing and professional staff can accommodate your birthing preferences and needs by working closely with your private obstetrician and/or midwife. You and your baby will also receive individual care and teaching from highly experienced obstetrical nurses and lactation consultants. Would you like a tour of the Birthing Center – sign up below – we offer tours the 3^rd Thursday of each month at 2:00 p.m.