City Editor Connor here. 👋 Let’s face it: Among the many decisions you have to make as an expectant parent, deciding where to deliver your baby is perhaps the most important. To help give you peace of mind about your maternity care when the big day comes, I toured Lakeland Regional Health’s Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children, which opened its doors in 2018. Here’s what I discovered.

What we tried:

First stop: Labor and Delivery floor
After a smooth check-in process in the beautiful lobby, I visited the spacious Labor and Delivery rooms (each complete with state-of-the-art equipment). Mothers receive individualized care — something that became more impressive when I learned 3,600 babies were delivered here last year.

Second stop: Mother-Baby suites
Here, parents relax with their newborn and get another special delivery — a baby outfit + a special meal. If I were here, I don’t think I’d ever want to leave.

Last stop: Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
There are 30 private NICU rooms closely monitored by nurses and doctors. Parents are welcomed to stay with their baby in their own room. Each room is dividable, so family members can be near even when the baby is sleeping or receiving care.

Lakeland Regional Health allows parents to stay with their newborn. | Photo by LALtoday

What not to miss:

The staff are focused on providing excellent care to your family. That’s why they’ve been recognized as a 2022 High Performing hospital for maternity care by US News & World Report.

You’re able to meet with your skilled care team throughout your pregnancy and take classes to help you feel fully prepared for this big life change.

The pediatric playroom in the pediatrics unit helps kids heal when they are hospitalized. | Photo by LALtoday

What we’re still talking about:

Care doesn’t stop after your baby is born. Lakeland Regional also offers healthcare for women + children, so you can bring your family back for future care. Additionally, due to a partnership with Nemours Children’s Health System, the Pavilion is able to provide Polk County’s only pediatric emergency department.

How you can experience this:

You can book a free tour of the hospital to see the facility for yourselves.

Things to know if you go:

Experience: Tour Lakeland Regional Health’s Pavilion for Women and Children
Website: mylrh.org/pavilion
Address: 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, FL
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