Maternity Care

Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Baby Place offers a full range of perinatal services to pregnant women with high-risk diagnoses and obstetric concerns. Our team of perinatologists and neonatologists and full support staff work collaboratively to ensure the best outcome for mom and baby. As a Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, we provide expertise in special care for women with a high-risk pregnancy. We understand the anxiety that can come with receiving a high-risk pregnancy diagnosis. No matter what condition you may be facing, we are here to help you feel at ease and walk with you each step of the way. We are fully committed to a successful, healthy pregnancy and delivery for you, your baby and your family.

What Is a RPICC?

RPICC is a regionalized healthcare delivery system designed to deliver optimal medical care to high-risk pregnant women and a full range of neonatal intensive care services.

Neonatal Intensive Care

While most births occur without complications, sometimes a newborn infant will need extra help in transitioning to their new world. A difficult delivery, premature birth, birth defects or other special needs may present challenges for a baby and require specialized care. At Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Baby Place, we have experts in caring for newborns with special health needs, such as critical illness or low birth weight. Your baby also has close and immediate access to more advanced intensive care, if needed.

Intensive Care Services

Infants needing specialized care may be transferred to the NICU at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, a partner with Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Baby Place. This NICU is located just a few floors and a short elevator ride from our delivery suites. Together with the most advanced technology, the NICU team at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital is specially trained and experienced in caring for critically ill or premature babies. The NICU is staffed around the clock by a compassionate group of expert nurses and doctors dedicated to the needs of newborns and parents. The NICU provides care for many newborn conditions, including:

• Premature infants: Infants born before 34 weeks’ gestation have an increased risk of complications and mortality.
• Birth defects: These problems occur when the baby is developing in the womb and can be minor or more severe. While many causes of birth defects remain unknown, some can result from genetics, lifestyle choices and behaviors, infections contracted during pregnancy or exposure to certain chemicals.
• Genetic syndrome: This is a type of disorder or disease that displays multiple identifying symptoms.
• Gastrointestinal disorders: Problems that occur in a developing baby can lead to feeding or digestive difficulties and may result in colic, reflux, vomiting or diarrhea.
• Infections or sepsis: This type of infection specifically refers to a bacterial bloodstream infection such as pneumonia or other newborn infections.
• Kidney disorders: These types of disorders, such as difficulties balancing fluids, wastes and salts, can develop within the first few days of a baby’s life.
• Major neonatal surgical needs: Some critically ill or premature newborns may require surgical care.
• Respiratory disorders: Many premature babies have disorders that cause problems with the lungs or breathing.

You can be assured that a focus on safety is our top priority, especially as you plan to welcome a new member to your family. As we continue to take precautions to create safe environments, we are now offering virtual childbirth education classes, at no cost, so you can relax as you prepare for your new arrival.

• Basic Labor and Support: Offered the first and third Tuesday of each month, this class provides expectant moms and their labor partner with a basic understanding of the birth process and using comfort techniques. An instructor will share information and answer questions about the labor and birth process, labor options, pain relief, Cesarean delivery and what to expect postpartum.
• Breastfeeding Education: Offered the second Tuesday of every month, this class introduces moms-to-be to breastfeeding basics: the benefits, how breast milk is made, how to know if your baby is getting enough milk, helpful position and latching techniques, and prevention and treatment of common breastfeeding problems. We’ll also cover tips for working moms, including the pumping, collection and storage of breast milk.
• Baby Care and Safety: Offered the fourth Tuesday of every month, and recommended for the last trimester of pregnancy, this class provides the basics of baby care and newborn safety, including safe sleep practices and basic nutrition. Expectant moms and partners are encouraged to participate.

To register for prenatal classes, please click here to register online.

To register over the phone or for any questions regarding the prenatal classes at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Baby Place, please call (727) 220-5011.

New Mom Support Group

Held at 10:00 am every Tuesday, moms and babies are invited to join a special support group created just for growing families. These informative meetings give moms the opportunity to share ideas, concerns and helpful tips on how to balance and adjust to life with a new family member. Healthy babies from newborn to walking age are welcome. Meetings are free, and no registration is required.

Understanding Birth

This in-person class is offered the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. Limited seating for 6 couples to provide social distancing and masks are required. Class provides expectant parents with basic understanding of the birth process, labor options, pain control, cesarean birth, and postpartum expectations. Class includes the "Understanding Birth" booklet with access to an APP that provides videos, checklists, weblinks, and other helpful tools to assist you in the birth process. Click here to register online.