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Maternity/Women’s Ward

The patient ward dedicated to women for both obstetrical and gynecological procedures at the St Maarten Medical Center is called the Maternity or OBGYN WARD.

Staff on the OBGYN ward are privileged to serve the future generations of St Maarten as well as the immediate medical concerns of our female population.  We provide you with a friendly and supportive environment.

We offer an array of maternity services, such as ante-partum care (before birth), labor and delivery, and postpartum (after birth) neonatal care. Delivery procedures include facilitating normal births, twin births, breech, vacuum, forceps and caesarean section deliveries.

With 18 beds in private, semi-private, open ward and isolation rooms we best accommodate your health and privacy needs. Our labor and delivery rooms are well equipped to handle any complication which may arise.

Expert Staff

Our well-qualified and experienced staff consists of nurses, gynecologists, obstetricians, midwives, a pediatrician, neonatal nurses and ancillary support staff. Other specialists are also available for consultation when needed. Bedside help is never far away with a nurse call system activated at the touch of a button within your reach. Team OBGYN welcomes you to the best maternal and child health care service on St. Maarten.

Prenatal Care and Counseling

Our staff is dedicated to helping families by providing information about pregnancy, labor, birth, the post-partum period and breastfeeding (you can download our brochures in the side panel). We will help you get familiarized with the care of mother and baby while at the hospital and what to expect when you go home. New parents are encouraged to attend clinics starting from 12 weeks of pregnancy. During these clinics you will receive a wide scope of information for mother and baby.



More Information

  • Pre-admission information
  • Packing for your hospital stay
  • Arrival at the hospital
  • After delivery

At least a month before your due date you should visit our Admissions department where you will be pre-admitted. For pre-admission registration, your physician will provide you with your admission letter and estimated due date. If you have health insurance you should take this letter to you insurance agency who will issue you a Guarantee letter authorizing coverage of your hospital admission. With these documents, visit our admission department. If you have limited or no insurance coverage you will be informed how you can settle your financial responsibility, before your admission.

You should have all the things you will need for yourself and your baby packed and ready to go at least four weeks in advance. For those seeking a quick solution, a Maternity Pack containing some of the necessities for mother and baby during hospital stay, is available for purchase at the Cay Hill Pharmacy located on our premises.

The following is a guideline. Click here to download as a checklist.

You may bring more particular personal items to make your stay more comfortable.

For Yourself

  • Toiletries 4 Nightgowns or sleepwear
  • 4 Panties (large and comfortable)
  • 3 Nursing bras or good support bras (one size larger than normal)
  • 2 House coats/dressing gowns
  • 1 Pair of slippers
  • 1 Laundry bag Breast pads
  • 3 Towels and 3 washcloths
  • 2 Pairs of socks Sanitary napkins (Regular and Overnight)
  • 1 Box of Kleenex tissue (optional)
  • 1 Set of going-home clothes (select clothes that were large before your pregnancy)

A good book, radio or music player with earphones may be useful for relaxation. A Video or camera (battery operated) may be used if discussed with the physician or nurse beforehand.

For Your Baby

Clothes for your baby should be soft, comfortable, lightweight and loose fitting. They must be easy to put on and remove. Please wash all clothing, blankets and towels before packing.

  • 1 Pack of new born pampers size 1
  • 4 Vests or 4 undershirts
  • 4 Night gowns or sleepers
  • 4 Pairs of socks
  • 4 Receiving blankets
  • 4 Towels and 4 Washcloths
  • 4 Burping clothes (bibs)
  • 4 Baby caps
  • 1 Laundry bag
  • Baby brush and comb
  • Baby wipes Gloves/mittens
  • Mosquito net

Please be certain to label your baby’s personal belongings. DO NOT use powder; it is not good for the baby’s lungs if he or she breathes in those tiny particles.

When you think the time has come to have your baby, call your doctor before you leave home. Remove all jewelry and other valuables before leaving. Upon arrival at SMMC please check in at the Admitting Desk within the Emergency Department. The Admissions Clerk will request you to verify your information and the emergency doctor will attend to you. If needed, expect a quick ride in a wheelchair to the labor room!

If you have not progressed that far, you will be welcomed and checked into your maternity ward room. Our staff will notify your doctor about your progress.

Support Persons

You can have 2 Support Persons with you during labor and delivery. We recommend that they alternate their visits during this time. Family and friends may wait for news on our Patio until after delivery when you have been transferred to your room.

Multiple, telephone inquiries to the Delivery Room should be avoided as they are distracting. We suggest your Support Person report to one member of your family to update your relatives or friends who are anxiously waiting for news.

Delivery of the baby can take place in the following ways:

- Natural childbirth
- Assisted childbirth (epidural, vacuum extraction and induced labor)
- C-Section

If the Gynecologist or the Pediatrician determines there is medical need, the baby is transferred to the High Care Neonatal Unit on the Pediatric Ward.

If your baby has no medical complications, your baby will be brought to your room. Rooming-in, where your newborn remains at your bedside, fosters the development of parent-child bonding. This also helps you to get familiar with your baby’s routine.

From the moment of birth, breastfeeding is encouraged and will be initiated within the first hour. Mothers who choose not to breastfeed will be assisted with bottled milk. You will be instructed in feeding, burping, handling and changing of the newborn.

We want you and your baby’s stay to be as safe and pleasant as possible. We are committed to providing you and your baby with a positive experience and the best possible health outcome. Our obstetrical nurses provide experienced and comprehensive care for babies during this important first step into the world. For the safety of your baby, please discourage visitors from handling your baby. Do not allow siblings or other children to visit if they are unwell or may have been exposed to infectious illnesses.

A Special Note to Fathers

You have the opportunity to remain after visiting hours for bonding time with your baby. You are welcome to come in the early mornings for instructions along with mom on how to bathe and care for your baby. Make an with your nurse or team leader to set an appropriate time for care.

Additional Help

We provide maternal and child healthcare in order to prepare you for your discharge home. You are advised to make an appointment with the baby wellness clinic where they will assist you further with nursing and baby care at home.

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Get in Touch

  •  Phone : +1 721 543 1111
  •  Email : info@smmc.sx
  •  Fax : +1 721 543 0116
  •  Address : Welgelegen road 30 Unit 1
  •  Address : Cay Hill, St Maarten

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