Labor and delivery
Just as every baby is unique, so is every delivery. As your trusted care partner, we work to provide a personalized birthing experience that begins long before your first contraction and continues well after delivery.
Birthing center in Marion, North Carolina
Choosing where to give birth is a major decision. We work to make that decision as easy as possible.
Mission Hospital McDowell provides the warm, attentive maternity care you look for when giving birth. Our dedicated labor and delivery teams ensure a personalized experience that includes holistic methods and supportive postpartum services so you are set up for success during and after your child's birth.
How to register for delivery
Registering in advance for your childbirth is a great way to get prepared and ready for your baby's arrival. We offer this time-saving feature via our simple registration form.
Registering in advance for your childbirth is a great way to get prepared and ready for your baby's arrival. We offer this time-saving feature via our simple registration form.
Related Specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Comprehensive pregnancy and childbirth care
Our labor and delivery doctors utilize advanced technology and medical resources to provide excellent care before, during and after you give birth.
Features of our maternity hospital
There are many reasons why expectant mothers choose our hospital-based birthing center. Our maternity unit has unique and supportive features, including:
- 24/7 Mama Hotline, where you can speak to a registered nurse about any questions regarding your baby
- Baby-Friendly designated hospital by Baby-Friendly USA
- Doulas welcome during the birthing process for low-intervention births
- Low rate of Cesarean-section (C-section) procedures
- Special, celebratory in-room dinner included
Private labor and delivery suites
We have spacious, comfortable and private delivery suites that focus on helping you bond with your baby. Each suite has large windows that showcase beautiful mountain views. Our smart room technology increases safety, while also providing access to a variety of in-room movies, educational resources and games.
Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) access
Should additional care be needed, our hospital provides direct access to the region’s only NICU at Mission Hospital in Asheville. Our NICU team cares for all high-risk newborns with prematurity, infections, respiratory distress syndrome, surgical needs and genetic diagnoses. We strive to actively partner with you to provide compassionate and outstanding care.
Infant transport team access
The infant transport team is here for you if your baby needs transferring from our hospital to the NICU at Mission Hospital. The ability to travel by both air and ground allows the team to travel in any type of situation or weather.
High-risk pregnancy care and support
If your pregnancy has been classified as high risk, and your newborn requires specialized or intensive care, our supportive caregivers are there to provide swift, attentive services. Our hospital has a low rate of C-sections, which can be common for high-risk pregnancies. With a continued dedication to safe births for all situations, we are able to provide reduced risks of infection and quicker recovery times.
Our certified midwives (CNMs)
CNMs offer much of the same care that obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) provide for routine and low-risk births, working alongside your doctors and nurses to give you the best, most respectful care. CNMs can be a part of any birth plan, customizing their services to fulfill your family's needs.
Hospital tours and classes
See firsthand all we have to offer by touring our facility in person. Reservations are required, and there is limited availability. To schedule a tour, or enroll in one of our several childbirth classes, call (828) 659-5330 for more information.
Prenatal breastfeeding class
Should you choose to breastfeed, you will gain confidence by learning basic breastfeeding techniques and other helpful information. This class is offered twice a month.
General childbirth education class
Approach birth with confidence and relaxation by developing skills necessary for the most positive outcomes. This class covers various topics, including choices for labor and delivery, relaxing, breathing and positioning techniques, medical procedures, pain medication and infant care.