Joyful Beginnings Childbirth Center

Since we opened our doors in 1898, the dedicated caregivers at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital have brought hundreds of thousands of babies into the world. But we celebrate every single birth like it’s the first.

An Exceptional Experience

Enter Joyful Beginnings directly at the circle drive on Lee Avenue between NW 9th Street and 10th Streets, and we’ll get you directly to a labor and delivery nurse. Your nurse will assess your condition, call your physician and take care of any paperwork for you. If you’re still in the early stages of labor, we may admit you to our outpatient monitoring area, where our staff can monitor your progress and keep your physician updated.

SSM Health supports many options for childbirth. We always keep your wishes and plans in mind first and will always work with your personal and family goals should the situation remain safe to do so.

A Family-Centered Baby Friendly Environment

We love to welcome dads and siblings into your room during labor and delivery. And when your newborn arrives, we’ll bathe, weigh and measure your baby right in your room. We keep a comfortable, rollaway bed in every room, so dad can stay all night. If your new baby needs an extra few days in the hospital, you can “room in” at no charge (if we have rooms available).

A Designated Baby-Friendly Hospital

SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital - Oklahoma City has been recognized with the prestigious international recognition as a designated Baby-Friendly Hospital, from Baby-Friendly USA, Inc.

Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. is the U.S. authority for the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, this prestigious international award recognizes birth facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence, and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.

To be recognized as a designated Baby-Friendly Hospital, the facility must undergo a rigorous on-site survey. The results are then reviewed at UNICEF Headquarters to determine if the facility meets the global Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative standards.

Birthing Suite Amenities

Both Joyful Beginnings patients and your guests will have full access to our concierge staff. You’ll also enjoy other amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi and room service.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Our NICU has the capacity to care for 15 neonatal patients and is a locked unit equipped with state-of-the-art infant security features. Staffed by neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners and specialized neonatal registered nurses, the level II NICU provides a nurturing environment, allowing the babies to eat, sleep and grow safely and comfortably.

Understanding the essential role parents play in the development of their newborn, the new unit features a family-centered care environment. Within the NICU’s spacious rooms, ample accommodations are provided for parents in support of overnight stays. Families are encouraged to be fully involved in the care of their newborn.

Breastfeeding Support

We support your decision to breastfeed your baby and offer our assistance to help you get started. Inpatient and outpatient lactation education and consulting is available.

Childbirth and Breastfeeding Classes

Through a partnership with Birthly, St. Anthony Hospital offers its patients access to a variety of perinatal education classes virtually at a 40 percent discount.

Classes offered include Early Pregnancy Preparations, Prenatal Education Bootcamp (English and Spanish), Coping and Comfort, Breastfeeding 101(English and Spanish), as well as Newborn Care (English and Spanish). All classes are virtual and live, so patients can learn from and interact with certified and experienced childbirth educators on their own schedules.

To register, please visit mybirthly.com/ssmhealth-st-anthony.

Infant Safe Sleep Training

SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital - Oklahoma City is recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program as a Bronze Safe Sleep Hospital for our commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep. We follow the safe sleep guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and provide training programs for parents, staff and the community. The hospital offers safe sleep training during perinatal classes for childbirth, baby care and breastfeeding, as well as prior to hospital discharge following the birth of a baby. Our training will help you rest easier knowing that you’re educated in the best practices of infant sleep.