Welcome to the Family Birth Center .  

We recognize that each patient is unique, with special needs and concerns. We want to help you in every way we are able, not only with your physical needs, but also with your emotional needs.  Childbirth is a very special time for most families.  Our staff wants to partner with you to give you the best experience possible.   

Learning to be a parent may be a new experience for you.  Please take advantage of our expert knowledge and allow us to be a part of your transition.  This is a time for celebration but also a time to rest and care for yourself and learn about your new baby.  

At the Family Birth Center , babies stay in the rooms with their mother and family.  We call this couplet care or mother-baby care.  The same nurse that cares for you will also be your baby's nurse.  Many satisfied mothers can tell you the more they kept their baby with them in their room, the more self-confident they were when they took their baby home.  Having your baby in your room should not increase your fatigue, but increase your knowledge of caring for your new baby and therefore, your self-assurance.  The mother-baby staff is here to assist you.  

While we support and encourage visitation from your family and friends after your baby is born, too many visitors for long periods of time can cause you fatigue and increase your stress and pain.  Please let us know if you need assistance managing your visitors.  

Our visiting policy is in place to promote your rest and healing, in addition to providing your baby with a safe and calm environment.  The hours for visitation on the Mother-Baby Unit are 9am-9pm.  With your understanding and cooperation, we can assure the highest quality of care for you and your baby while providing for your privacy and security.   

The visiting policies for the Family Birth Center follow the guidelines set by the Medical Center for your comfort and protection.  Please share these policies with your family & friends so they will know what to expect.   

If you have a birth plan, please discuss this ahead of time with your OB health care provider.  Make sure you bring your plan to the Family Birth Center to share with our nursing staff.   

It is best to have a pediatrician selected as your baby's doctor before coming to the hospital.  If you do not have one yet, ask your OB health care provider for some suggestions.  Many mothers make an appointment to talk to their pediatrician during their last months of pregnancy.  Selecting a pediatrician ahead of time takes away some anxiety about getting this done while you are in labor.  

Think carefully about the support people you choose to be with you during the labor & delivery process.  They should be there to support you!  You may select up to 3 support people who plan to stay with you.  You will also need to decide who will wear the matching hospital baby band after the birth for infant security reasons.  The person wearing this band is the only person to have total access to you and your baby at all times.  

Visitation during labor, delivery & recovery is not allowed.  Visitors are welcome to wait in one of the Family Birth Center waiting areas.  Your visitors may visit when you are transferred to your postpartum room.