Family Birth Center
St. Mary Medical Center has been designated a "Baby-Friendly" birth facility by Baby-Friendly USA, implementer of the UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in the United States. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is an international program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Its prestigious "Baby-Friendly" award recognizes hospitals and birth facilities that offer mothers the information, confidence, and skills to successfully initiate and continue breast-feeding their babies.
St. Mary Family Birth Center has four fully furnished birth suites with an additional fifth suite for overflow. Spacious rooms with lots of natural light and decorated with muted earth tones, surround parents in a warm, comfortable environment. There is a living room for expectant families, which includes comfortable furniture and access to snacks and drinks. It is located directly across from the birthing rooms so that family members can stay close by.
Jacuzzis built for two are provided in the rooms for added comfort during labor. Underwater monitoring is available so that mothers requiring continuous monitoring of their baby during labor can enjoy some water therapy. Built-in sofa beds allow dads to stretch out, get a nap, or relax for a few minutes.
Baby bath sinks easily accommodate a full tub bath. Siblings and parents or grandparents are welcome to help out. Squatting bars, birth balls, and rocking chairs are other available comfort options.
The Family Birth Center has a strong team of professionals to assist in the birthing process. Birth classes and education on infant CPR are available. Lactation experts offer education in English and Spanish regarding breast feeding. Free lactation consultations are available after the mother goes home. Well-baby care is offered in the room, in fact, babies do not have to go to the nursery at all unless the parent wishes.
Support groups are provided for moms and babies in the community, which address topics such as infant massage, breastfeeding, and returning to work. When parents need assistance adapting to the challenges of parenting, especially when there are special needs, our First Steps Program offers families support at home. The First Steps offices are conveniently located right on the obstetrical unit.