A New Era for Family Centered Maternity Care at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono

For generations, families in Monroe County have welcomed their newest arrivals at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Pocono, part of Jefferson Health. Now, those families can experience childbirth in a completely reimagined environment designed to blend the comforts of home with the confidence of advanced medical care.

The hospital’s newly renovated Family Birth and Newborn Center, including an all-new labor and delivery unit and enhanced mother-baby unit, reflects what today’s parents want most: a personalized, comfortable birth experience supported by expert clinical care.

“We listened to our patients and what they are looking for in a birthing hospital. Many are looking for a homelike atmosphere with the least amount of intervention as possible, but of course, to have that medical technology and interventions readily available if needed. We feel the new labor and delivery unit at Pocono has fulfilled that request,” said Melissa Smith, MSN, Manager, Nursing and Patient Care Services.

With six new labor and delivery rooms and three high-risk patient rooms, the new labor and delivery unit was thoughtfully designed to create a calming, welcoming atmosphere while offering innovative amenities that support comfort, mobility, and patient choice during labor.

Recognizing that every birth experience is unique, the new unit offers several nonpharmacological pain-management options. 

• Half of the labor and delivery rooms feature large soaking tubs, allowing patients to use hydrotherapy to help manage labor discomfort.
• Towel-warming racks in rooms with soaking tubs provide an added touch of comfort, enveloping patients in warmth after hydrotherapy.
• Every labor room is equipped with a shower featuring a lumbar spray system designed to soothe lower back pain during labor.
• Wireless fetal-monitoring technology allows patients to move freely throughout labor without being confined to bed. Patients can walk the spacious unit, use birthing balls, and relax in recliners available in every room.
• An additional pain-management option, nitrous oxide, will soon be available.

These enhancements support a more active and personalized labor experience while maintaining rapid access to medical interventions whenever necessary.

While comfort and flexibility are priorities, safety remains at the center of every birth experience. Families can feel reassured knowing that the Level III neonatal intensive care unit team is just steps away from the new labor and delivery unit. Should a newborn require specialized care, highly trained experts are immediately available.

Childbirth is a family experience, and the new unit was designed with loved ones in mind. The unit includes features that make extended stays more comfortable for partners and family members, including:

• Overnight sleeper sofas for support persons during lengthy labors
• A dedicated waiting and refreshment area located within the unit
• Easy access to fresh coffee and cold beverages just steps from patient rooms

These thoughtful touches help families stay close and engaged throughout the birthing journey.

Earlier this year, LVH–Pocono also unveiled a fully renovated mother-baby unit, creating a seamless transition from delivery through postpartum recovery.

What was once a medical-surgical and pediatric unit on the hospital’s fourth floor has been transformed into a modern Family Birth and Newborn Center through a multimillion-dollar renovation. The space was completely redesigned from the ground up, and one of the most significant changes was the move from shared patient rooms to 13 spacious private postpartum suites.

The new rooms were intentionally designed to create a homelike atmosphere while supporting family bonding during those important first days after birth. Features include:

• Large private patient rooms
• Partner sleeping accommodations
• Personal in-room refrigerators
• Dedicated workstation desks
• Additional electrical outlets and USB charging ports
• Space designed to encourage family involvement and connection

Hospital leaders say the redesign was driven by both patient feedback and the evolving needs of today’s families. With approximately 700 babies delivered at the hospital each year, the investment ensures growing families have access to an environment that prioritizes comfort, privacy, and togetherness.

The transformation of LVH–Pocono’s Family Birth and Newborn Center represents more than a renovation. It reflects a broader commitment to modern maternity care that puts families at the center of every decision.

That dedication is also evident in the philanthropic support from local donors for this project. The first to step forward with significant gifts include: Lester G. Abeloff Foundation; Joan M. Duckloe, member, Pocono Health Foundation Board of Directors; Andrew A. Forte, DPS, member, Pocono Health Foundation Board of Directors; and Ann Negvesky, chair, Pocono Health Foundation Board of Directors. 

From hydrotherapy tubs and wireless monitoring in labor and delivery to private postpartum suites designed for bonding and recovery, every detail was created to help families feel supported, comfortable, and confident as they welcome their newest family member. As a result, parents delivering at LVH–Pocono can now experience the best of both worlds: the warmth of home and the reassurance of expert care, all under one roof.