Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast - Family Birth Place

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Family Birth Place provides 24/7 OB emergency care for pregnancy-related emergencies. For obstetric emergencies, please go directly to the Family Birth Place (OBED) at Ascension Sacred Heart.

• Enter through the “Family Birth Place” entrance on the south side of Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, facing U.S. Highway 98.
• Parking is available near the entrance, with designated spaces on the west side.
• Check in with security in the lobby, then take the main elevator to the second floor and follow signs for Family Birth Place / Labor & Delivery.
• Press the doorbell beside the Labor & Delivery doors for access to the nurses station.

Call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience symptoms such as:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding (as much or more than a period, with or without pain)
• Contractions before 37 weeks
• Sudden or slow leak of amniotic fluid from the vagina
• Severe constant abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Absence or decrease in fetal movement
• Severe headache in second or third trimester
• Persistent blurred vision or seeing “spots”

From the moment you enter the doors of our birthing centers, you are met with compassionate care. You are supported by a care team that listens to you and supports you – from labor and delivery through postpartum recovery. We get to know you and your birthing preference, so we can create a birth experience that’s right for you.

If your baby needs specialized care after birth, our Level II NICU at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast provides care for premature infants and babies who need additional medical support. If a higher level of neonatal care is needed, our team can coordinate transport to the Level III NICU at Studer Family Children’s Hospital in Pensacola. Once your baby is medically ready, care may be transitioned back to our Level II NICU at Emerald Coast so your family can continue receiving specialized care closer to home. 

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast is recognized as a Baby-Friendly Hospital for providing quality care to infant feeding in the first few days of a child’s life. Our experienced, board-certified lactation consultants offer breastfeeding support for you and your baby. To help you get started on your breastfeeding journey, register for a breastfeeding class or talk to a lactation consultant near you:

• Register for a breastfeeding class online or call 850-278-3995
• Request an appointment with a lactation consultant

We provide a variety of childbirth and parenting education classes to help prepare you for birth as well as ways to heal your body postpartum. We recommend moms-to-be complete childbirth classes between their 28th to 36th week of pregnancy.

• Register for the birthing classes online

For assistance with class registration - please call our childbirth educator at 850-278-3995 prior to the date of the class.

Pelvic floor classes - for information on class dates and times, call 850-278-3770.

At Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, we provide personalized care for women through every stage of life. From OB-GYN and prenatal care to high-risk pregnancy, maternity care and postpartum support, our care teams are here to support you and your family.

• Explore women’s health care