Holy Cross Hospital (Silver Spring) is located at 1500 Forest Glen Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910. After parking in the garage (or being dropped off at the front door) you’ll check in at the front desk and be directed to the elevators on your right. Labor and delivery is on the 3rd floor.

What providers support birth at Holy Cross? 

There are no midwives currently supporting births at Holy Cross. However, a large number (about 150) of physicians attend labors at the hospital. 

Can I take a tour of Holy Cross? 

Holy Cross offers tours as well as birthing classes. However, the COVID19 pandemic has caused in-person tours and birth classes to be suspended for now. You can learn more about their maternity care here, and in our childbirth classes. We are able to provide information to help you prepare.

You can pre-register for your birth, and it’s recommended that complete the online registration paperwork here.

What options are available at Holy Cross during birth? 

You have the option of birth balls, peanut balls and birthing bars, as well as the shower at Holy Cross. There is wireless monitoring to facilitate your ability to move around during labor as well. If you opt for medical pain relief, you have access to an epidural or IV pain medication. 

Can I eat during labor?

We recommend eating earlier in labor, prior to going in for your birth at Holy Cross. You are likely to be offered a clear liquid diet including things like broth, popsicles, jello and ginger ale during your labor and delivery, until you give birth.

How many people can be with me in labor? 

Currently, due to safety precautions to slow the spread of COVID19, patients can have one support person with them during their labor. 

Generally, guidelines allow 4 support persons with you in labor (although you may request more loved ones to attend if you like, and others may wait the birth of your baby in the waiting room). 

What are my options for a cesarean birth?

If you need a c-section, you can have a support person in the operating room with you. You should expect your baby to remain in the room with you in recovery, and you will go to your postpartum room together. You can request skin to skin time with your baby, and to breastfeed as soon as possible in the recovery room. 

Is there breastfeeding support? 

There are nurses and lactation consultants available to support breastfeeding at Holy Cross. Your doula can also facilitate your initial nursing while she supports you after labor. 

How has COVID19 affected the hospital policies at Holy Cross?

As of writing on October 30, 2020, the following precautions are in place due to the COVID19 pandemic: 

• Patients entering will have temperature checked on arrival, and the patient will be tested if symptoms are shown. 
• If a birthing patient tests positive for COVID19, there will be no visitors permitted, and CDC guidelines to separate parent and baby for 24 hours will be followed. 

Can I have a doula at Holy Cross Hospital?

• Patients giving birth at Holy Cross can have one visitor. The visitor must wear a wristband and is not permitted to switch with an alternate visitor. The visitor can come and go but if the visitor band is removed, the visitor band will be considered voided.
• Expectant mothers may designate one adult support person to be with them for a Cesarean birth and in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit after a Cesarean birth.

For more questions about having a baby at Holy Cross, you can check out their online brochure, call Labor and Delivery at 301-754-7591, or ask your doula. We’ll be happy to help you find the answers.