Maternity & Childbirth
Compassionate Support for Every Mother
Bearing a child can be one of the most rewarding yet frightening times of a woman’s life. That is why at Memorial, your care is our utmost priority to ensure your pregnancy and child’s birth is a warm, comfortable, and joyous experience. Our family-centered approach to newborn care will help bring your family closer together as you open this special chapter in your lives.
First and Only Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Southwest Oklahoma
Memorial partners with OU Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) to provide neonatal-perinatal services in the NICU.
Infant Feeding Resource Center
Our certified International Board Certified Lactation Consultants support all moms through breastfeeding or formula feeding, from pregnancy through the postpartum period. Services are open to expectant and new mothers, including those who didn’t deliver at Memorial, and most insurances cover consultations.
Prenatal visits address any breastfeeding concerns and include education for moms, dads, caregivers, and other family members. After delivery, we provide ongoing breastfeeding support for both mother and baby, plus postpartum weight-check appointments available after discharge.
These services are available Monday through Friday and can be scheduled via physician referral or self-referral by calling 580.250.5253.
Benefits of breastfeeding your baby
The Infant Feeding Resource Center strongly encourages our mothers to breastfeed. Numerous studies show important benefits for both you and your baby.
Benefits For Mom
- 28% decrease in breast cancer
- 21% decrease in ovarian cancer
- 12% decrease in acquiring diabetes
Benefits For Baby
- 50% decrease in ear infections
- 27% decrease in the onset of asthma
- 39% decrease in acquiring diabetes
- 19% decrease in childhood leukemias
- 36% decrease in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
The First Hour: Bonding With Your Baby
Studies show that the mother-child bond is critical for your baby’s ongoing growth and development. We are promoting skin-to-skin in the first hours and days of your baby’s life to help the two of you get to know each other. Babies who are held skin-to-skin right after birth have more stable heart rates, temperatures and blood sugars. They breastfeed sooner, longer and more easily and even cry less.
This closeness is one of the best ways for you to learn about your baby and begin the important process of bonding and connecting with your newborn.
Breastfeeding Resources
Pregnancy Planning
Whether you are having infertility issues, a complicated pregnancy, or just need a physician for your newborn, Memorial has a wide array of high-qualified and skilled doctors on staff to address all your needs. Our OB/GYNs can help families with infertility issues, getting your body ready for pregnancy, and provide excellent prenatal care for you and your baby. Memorial physicians provide care to newborns through young adulthood.
Health & Nutrition
When beginning the preparation for pregnancy, remember these helpful tips to keep yourself and your baby happy and healthy!
- Reduce stress or learn to cope with stress in a healthy, effective way.
- Begin or maintain an exercise program.
- Learn prevention methods to avoid toxoplasmosis, a parasite infection that can cause mental retardation and blindness in babies.
- Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and address any first signs of fever immediately.
- Do not smoke or consume alcoholic beverages. Consult with your doctor about any current medications you may be taking.
- Take a multivitamin supplement that has 400 micrograms of folic acid and no more than 100% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of other nutrients.
- Limit caffeine intake to one serving a day.
Educational Classes
Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma offers educational classes to moms- and dads-to-be to help them be more prepared for what is ahead. Classes are offered in Childbirth Education, Breastfeeding, and Sibling Preparation. Call or text 580.250.5253 for more information.
Labor & Delivery Tours
Are you expecting? The Henley-Hillis Center for Women & Children at Memorial Health System would like to invite you to tour their Labor & Delivery area. Tours are held by registration appointment only, and begin in the main hospital lobby. Call or text 580.250.5253 to make your appointment today! As a way to say “thank you”, every expectant mother who attends will receive a free gift.
Delivery Day
The more comfortable and stress-free you are during the birthing process, the easier your labor, delivery, and recovery will be. We’ve designed our maternity rooms so that your entire birthing process – including labor, delivery, recovery, and post-partum – takes place in your very own private room emphasizing warmth, privacy, and comfort including Jacuzzi tubs. Labor and Delivery provide you will a staff of Registered Nurses who are specially trained to care for your every need whether your labor is high tech or natural.
Of course, all the equipment needed to ensure the safe delivery and care of your newborn is easily within reach. Fetal monitors and other birthing equipment are stored away until needed, giving you the security of knowing that baby and mother will receive the finest health care available. You can also depend on us to meet your special medical needs, whether this involves supporting you in natural childbirth or providing 24-hour anesthesiology services. Because the Postpartum Department is accessible only to authorized hospital personnel, you can be sure your baby is safe and sound at all times. We encourage your baby to stay with you in your room, which helps strengthen the mother and child bond.
Memorial offers Couplet Care, our in-room infant care that encourages having the mother and family involved in infant care as much as possible. Mom, Dad or any other family members are encouraged to participate in the warming, washing, and care of the baby. Our staff bathes newborns in-room in a TurtleTub. The TurtleTub is a specialized infant bath that mimics the cozy environment of the womb, reduces stress, and calms the baby.
Our “closed perimeter” Electronic Infant Security System in all women and children’s areas will provide enhanced security for all newborns, children, and patients on the unit.
Postpartum Care for You
Right after you’ve given birth to your baby, your labor and birth nurse will show you how to hold your baby and help you with the first breastfeeding. This is a time to rest after birth and get to know your newborn. You and your baby will have matching identification bands that are checked every time you are given your baby.
When it’s time to take your little one home, we want you to feel as confident and capable as possible. Before you go, a maternity nurse will talk with you about a variety of infant care issues, such as infant safety, umbilical cord care, and circumcision care. Your nurse will also tell you about the physical and emotional changes that both you and your baby will go through following birth. We’re sure you’ll have quite a few questions at this time, and we’ll take the time to answer them.
Life with a Baby
Memorial provides ongoing support for you and your new baby after you leave the hospital including breastfeeding support, a physician referral directory to select a highly qualified doctor to care for your baby as they grow, and a certified Childbirth Education Specialist.
Breastfeeding Support
Our lactation consultants are available to help you with all your breastfeeding concerns and questions. We offer return visits after discharge to the lactation consultant for a weight check and assistance with breastfeeding including latching, pumping, and general support. We can also assist you in finding a breast pump appropriate for your individual needs. Please call for an appointment at 580.250.5253.
Infant Safe Sleep Regulations
Creating a safe sleep environment is one of the most effective ways to protect your baby. This includes the following:
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Firm, flat surface: Use a certified crib, bassinet, or play yard—never non-sleep products.
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No sitting devices: Avoid routine sleep in car seats, swings, or strollers, especially under 4 months.
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Room-share, don’t bed-share: Keep baby in your room on their own surface for at least 6 months.
Read more about infant safe sleeping regulations by clicking here.
Choosing a Doctor
Within the first two weeks, your infant needs their first well-baby doctor visit. Our physician referral directory is available to help you choose the right physician for your family. Please see our physician directory to find your doctor!
Childbirth Education Coordinator
Our Childbirth Education Coordinator is available to answer any questions or concerns you might have. Please call 580.250.5253.
UNICEF “Baby-Friendly Status”
Memorial implements new innovative standards for care as one of the first Oklahoma hospitals to be recognized for this prestigious status. A Baby-Friendly Hospital designation ensures women they are delivering in a facility that is held to very high standards in regards to safety, patient education, and overall well-being of the baby.
Meet Our Providers
Leni Abraham
MD
Leni Abraham
MD
Leni Abraham
MD
Leni Abraham
MD
Contact Us
Phone
580.353.6790
Text: 580.353.6790
Address
102 NW 31st Street
Lawton, OK 73505