Women's Maternity, Labor and Delivery and NICU Services
Our Maternity, Labor and Delivery and NICU Services Team Is Here for You
At TGH Spring Hill, we understand that having a child can be one of the most important events of your life. From pregnancy through childbirth and caring for your new baby, we’ll be there for you every step of the way. Our services include:
- Obstetrics
- Prenatal care
- Level I neonatal care
- Lactation services
- Birth designer services
No matter where you are in your childbirth journey, you can rest assured that your care will be in the best possible hands at TGH Spring Hill. Our team includes OB/GYNs, labor and delivery specialists, nurses and other experienced professionals, and we administer care in a welcoming, comfortable environment. We’ll work together to provide both you and your baby with the highest-quality prenatal and postpartum care during this special time.
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Knowledge
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Experience
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Recognition
The Team You Can Trust for Obstetrics
It’s important to partner with a knowledgeable, experienced obstetrics team, and that’s precisely what you can expect at the TGH Spring Hill Obstetrics Center. In addition, our delivery rooms are equipped with everything our providers need to administer top-quality care.
You can also have peace of mind knowing that our nursery and our labor, delivery and postpartum rooms are in a locked unit of the hospital, with exits monitored by video cameras. Our state-of-the-art technology will even automatically lock an exit door if an infant gets too close without prior authorization. Rest assured that your health and safety are our top priorities.
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A Comfortable and Convenient Birth Experience
Despite our many decades of experience, the TGH Spring Hill Obstetrics Center team still treats each and every birth like the unique and exciting event it is. We strive to make the childbirth experience as enjoyable as possible for our patients, so we offer:
- Spacious labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum suites that include private bathrooms
- Lactation and breastfeeding support
- Drive-up access to the entrance
- Ample parking directly outside for friends and family
Our Prenatal Services
Even if you’re still in the early stages of your pregnancy, the prenatal experts at TGH Spring Hill can help you start preparing for your baby’s arrival. Our qualified team can help you learn about proper nutrition, develop a birth plan and choose a pediatrician. We can also administer prenatal checkups and perform any necessary health screenings.
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Skillfully Handling High-Risk Pregnancies
If you or your baby have an especially high risk of experiencing complications, you can confidently entrust your care to the experts at TGH Spring Hill. We have perinatologists available within our system to manage pregnancy-related conditions such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, and we can also provide specialized care to women with existing health concerns.
Expert Care for Premature or Critically Ill Infants
TGH Spring Hill’s NICU can provide Level I neonatal care close to your family’s home. Our neonatologists and specially trained nurses have extensive experience treating infants who were born early or with complications, as well as those who require a higher level of care or support.
The Importance of Skin-on-Skin Contact
Studies show that skin-on-skin contact after birth (sometimes referred to as kangaroo care) offers numerous benefits for babies, especially those who were born prematurely or with a low birth weight. For example, it can stabilize a baby’s heart rate and breathing, support growth, encourage healthy sleep, relieve pain and minimize the risk of certain complications. Plus, it can increase the mother’s milk supply and make it easier for her to bond with her child. You’ll be glad to know that TGH Spring Hill prioritizes immediate skin-on-skin contact except in cases of emergency.
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The Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can support a baby’s growth and development, strengthen their immune system and soothe them. Plus, it can benefit the mother by shortening her recovery time, helping her bond with her child and reducing her risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, certain cancers and various other medical conditions.
Our Lactation Services
If you’re having trouble breastfeeding, you can count on TGH Spring Hill’s knowledgeable providers to help you navigate the process. We have experience handling many common breastfeeding challenges—such as low milk production, engorgement and improper latching—and we’ll deliver the customized care and support you need to overcome them.
Personalized Planning for Your Birthing Experience
Maternity care teams at TGH Spring Hill are here for you, from OB/GYN care and pregnancy, to birthing and beyond. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to having a baby. And no one knows your body better than you do. Your preferences are important. That’s why the conversation between you and your care team including your OB/GYN and birth designer matters. Your complimentary birth designer at TGH Spring Hill starts by listening to your questions, concerns and expectations— to understand you. We take this partnership seriously and we want you to feel comfortable.
Birth designer Tara Castaneda DNP, RNC-MNN, IBCLC talks through birthing options available for you and your baby to identify choices that are right for you. You’ll be supported by a team that will provide the care you need to welcome your baby into the world.
Your personalized birth plan may include:
- Concierge approach to labor and delivery options and enhancements to meet your unique healthcare needs and preferences
- One-on-one appointment with Tara
- Liaison for you and your birthing partner during and after your delivery
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Contact Our Birth Designer
Tara Castaneda is a nurse leader with over a decade of experience in maternal and newborn healthcare along with lactation support. She is dedicated to providing an exceptional experience for expecting and new families. Tara’s passion lies in nursing education, empowering her team with the latest best practices to ensure optimal patient outcomes. As a mother of three children, she understands firsthand the value of support during pregnancy and beyond. And, as a patient advocate, Tara customizes care to meet the unique needs of each family, prioritizing their well-being throughout their extraordinary journey
Your OB/GYN will let you know when it’s time to schedule an appointment with Tara, around the 28th week of your pregnancy, so she can help you personalize your birthing plan. You must be delivering your baby at TGH Spring Hill to schedule an appointment. Appointments are available in person or remotely via Microsoft Teams. To schedule your complimentary appointment, call (352) 688-3005 and ask to be connected to our birth designer or complete this form.
Pregnancy FAQ
Choosing an OB/GYN is personal. You want a doctor who is experienced and who you feel comfortable talking with. Our OB/GYNs listen to understand your preferences and are always ready to answer your questions, no matter how big or small. Find an OB/GYN.
Yes, we offer In-person tours and virtual tours that you can watch online for most of our birthing centers. You can schedule an in-person tour or take a virtual tour of the Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum Suite.
If you're delivering your baby at TGH Spring Hill, you can also schedule an appointment with one of our birth designers. Your birth designer helps you understand your choices and decide on your preferences to personalize your birth experience.
When you get ultrasounds and how many you have while pregnant depends on many factors. Your doctor will work with you to determine when you need to come in for ultrasounds. Typically, the first fetal ultrasound (sometimes called a sonogram, or the image made by the ultrasound) is done in the first trimester to confirm the pregnancy and estimate how long you have been pregnant. During most pregnancies, the second ultrasound is typically done in the second trimester (around 18 to 20 weeks). During this ultrasound, your doctor looks for any concerns and may be able to confirm your baby's sex. In some situations, such as during high-risk pregnancy, your doctor may recommend ultrasounds during the third trimester to monitor your baby's health. These ultrasounds may be every other week, weekly or more often.
Light bleeding or spotting is common during early pregnancy and doesn't always mean there is a problem. But you should contact your doctor as soon as you notice spotting, bleeding or other symptoms to determine if you should be concerned or if your doctor needs to see you.
About 30 minutes a day of light to moderate exercise is recommended for most women during pregnancy. These include exercises such as walking, swimming, yoga and strength training. But it is important to talk with your doctor about what activities are right for you during your pregnancy.
During pregnancy, changes in hormones can increase your risk of having a urinary tract infection (UTI). If you have symptoms of a UTI while pregnant, get care right away to avoid serious health concerns, such as kidney infection. Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms such as:
- Pain or a burning feeling while urinating
- Urinating more often
- Feeling the urgent need to urinate
- Blood in your urine
- Pressure or cramping in lower back or abdomen
Sometimes, high blood pressure develops during pregnancy. Having high blood pressure during pregnancy is a serious condition that can put you and your baby at risk. Untreated high blood pressure can lead to less blood flow to the placenta, injury to other organs and premature delivery. If you have high blood pressure while pregnant, we will create a care plan that helps control your blood pressure. And we’ll continue to closely monitor your health and your baby's health throughout your pregnancy.
If you are feeling sick while pregnant, call your OB/GYN or certified nurse-midwife. Your provider will work with you to create a care plan that's right for you and your baby. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or dial 911.
Talk with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications at any time during your pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Typically, there are over-the-counter medication options you can take for allergies, constipation and colds.
Postpartum FAQ
Many women experience the “baby blues” after having a baby. Baby blues can begin a few days after birth. But some moms experience a more severe form of depression called postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that occurs after having a baby. Feelings of postpartum depression are more intense and last longer than those of baby blues. Symptoms include:
- Crying more than usual
- Feelings of anger
- Withdrawing from loved ones
- Feeling distant from your baby
- Worrying or feeling overly anxious
- Thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby
- Doubting your ability to care for your baby
If you are feeling depressed after having a baby, talk to your doctor. You are not alone. Many new moms experience postpartum depression. When you feel depressed for more than a few days, start by talking with your doctor. There are many things we can do to help you—from relaxation techniques and support groups to therapy and medication.
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, get help right away. Call 911 so that you and your baby can get help as soon as possible.
Preventing bacterial infection after the delivery of your baby is important for your overall health. Postpartum infections are not common, but can occur in your perineum, uterus and/or urinary tract. A few tips to help prevent infection after delivery include:
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Don’t use a vaginal douche.
- Keep incision sites clean.
- Use sanitary pads instead of tampons during the first six weeks.
- Don’t have intercourse until you’ve been cleared by your doctor.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Urinate frequently.
Symptoms of an infection include: pain that gets worse over time, fever, chills, weakness, headache and foul-smelling discharge, as well as swelling, redness and/or discharge around the incision site (for C-section deliveries). If you are having symptoms of an infection, call your doctor right away. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. It's important to get treatment as soon as possible.
There are many benefits to being active after pregnancy. Physical activity can help relieve stress, boost energy levels, promote weight loss and reduce symptoms of postpartum depression. The amount and type of activity you can do depends on the type of delivery you had and your health. Typically, light activity is OK to start a few days after delivery. This includes walking and some gentle pelvic floor exercises. Talk with your doctor about what activities are safe for you after delivery before you start exercising.
And remember to listen to your body. Your body is healing and adjusting to a new lifestyle with a baby. So, if you're feeling tired or you are in pain, you may need to let your body rest.
Some activities to avoid in the first few weeks after delivery include swimming, running, heavy lifting and high-intensity workouts. Talk to your doctor at your six-week post-delivery checkup or before about doing any of these or other more intense activities.
If you are experiencing new symptoms or have concerns about your health or the health of your baby, start by calling your doctor or pediatrician. If you or your baby is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or dial 911.
Yes! At TGH Spring Hill, we’re committed to helping new mothers learn how to care for both themselves and their babies, so we have numerous resources available. Florida Healthy Start Connect helps pregnant women, caregivers and families with young children by providing education, support, food and nutrition, while Women, Infants and Children (WIC) offers nutrition assistance for women who are pregnant, recently were pregnant, are breastfeeding or have children under age 5. The American Academy of Pediatrics maintains a Safe Sleep page that contains information about safe sleep and its importance, and the Period of PURPLE Crying® app helps parents understand the phase of increased crying that’s a normal part of every infant’s development.
Meet Our Team
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Get in Touch
To request more information about women’s services or schedule an in-person tour of TGH Spring Hill Obstetrics Center, call (352) 688-3005. In-person tours are offered several days each week. View all available dates and schedule your in-person tour here.
Can't make it to TGH Spring Hill for an in-person tour? Take a virtual tour of our maternity suites.
To schedule a Birth Designer appointment with Tara, call (352) 688-3005 or complete this form.