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Family Birthplace

Mom Dad and Baby

Available at:

Service Overview

Our priority is making sure you feel safe, cared for and have the best experience possible.

From the moment you know you’re pregnant through your planning, preparation, birth and postpartum journey, the WhidbeyHealth team of physicians, midwives, nurses, and specialists is here to answer your questions and support your needs.

  • Choosing a Provider: Choosing a healthcare provider to support your pregnancy and the birth of your newborn is a very personal decision. If you are interested in establishing a relationship with one of our providers, please call WhidbeyHealth Women’s Care at (360) 678-0831 to schedule an appointment.
  • Childbirth Education Classes: If this is your first child, you likely have loads of questions. Our in-person birthing classes for you and one support person could be a great place to start! You’ll get tips and insights on topics like what to do to prepare for your delivery, pain relief options and partner coaching. Please call WhidbeyHealth Women’s Care at (360) 678-0831 to register.
  • Take a Tour of the Family Birthplace: Please call (360) 678-5151 x6262 to schedule a tour.
  • Labor and Birth Support Person: Decide on your support person, whether that’s a family member or spouse/significant other. Certified Doulas are welcome to join you.

Birthing Suites

Our private birthing suites offer you, your family and your newborn a quiet, comfortable space to bond, relax and recover.

These beautiful and spacious rooms provide you with the comfort of home in a hospital setting. Each birthing suite includes a luxurious, jetted tub, a personal refrigerator, and a seating area that converts to a table as well as a bed, so your support person is close by throughout your stay.

Our wireless monitoring system offers mothers the freedom to move around in their rooms or in the hallway.

In addition, we also have specialized rooms for mothers recovering from Cesarean sections and our newborns who need a little extra care.

  • Family Birthplace Suite
Birthing Pain Management

Pain Management Options

There are many approaches to managing the pain of childbirth. We’ll work with you to identify the best approach that meets your needs and preferences. Whatever approach you take, you’ll have the ability to make your birthing suite your own personal sanctuary to maximize your comfort.

Non-Pharmacological Methods

  • Aromatherapy
  • In-Room Jetted Tubs
  • Hot and Cold Therapy
  • Birthing and Peanut Balls

Pharmacological Methods

  • Pain medication given through IV as needed
  • Nitrous Oxide
  • Epidural placement by one of our experienced anesthesia providers

Ready To Meet Your Needs

Everyone hopes for a smooth and easy birth where everything goes as planned. But occasionally, unexpected needs arise and our team is prepared to meet those needs.

  • Uncomplicated Deliveries – Includes pregnancies 37 weeks gestation and above. Typically these moms are healthy without any known issues in pregnancy.
  • Complicated Pregnancies – Our team has the experience and expertise to care for many complications such as gestational hypertension, cholestasis of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. If mom or her baby have complications that require additional expertise and/or resources, we provide transportation by ambulance or helicopter to a facility with a higher level of care.
  • Breech Presentation – Our providers have the ability to perform a procedure called an External Cephalic Version (ECV) to safely rotate the baby’s position.
  • Cesarean Sections – While some Cesarean births may be planned based on the circumstances of the pregnancy, there are times when the possibility of an unplanned C-section may be needed. Our team is experienced and ready to manage those situations.
  • Twin Deliveries – Giving birth to twins adds a few additional steps. Whether vaginally or via C-section, our team has the expertise to manage the births of multiples and any possible special care that may be required for both mom and babies.
CSection
Packing Bag for Hospital

What To Bring

There will be lots of activities happening all around you as you prepare for your newborn’s arrival. Here’s a handy checklist to help ensure you have everything you need with you when the big day arrives.

  • Copies of your birth plan
  • Photo ID and insurance card for check-in at WhidbeyHealth Medical Center
  • Snacks to munch on in between meals
  • Toiletries like lip balm, toothbrush/toothpaste, and any other items you might want for a one-to-three-day stay
  • Eyeglasses/contacts (if you wear them)
  • Comfy socks or slippers
  • Aromatherapy items (oils/diffuser)
  • Baby Items: We provide Pampers diapers, dry wipes, and blankets but bring any other specific items you want – baby’s going home outfit, specific diapers and wipes you prefer, receiving blankets, socks/booties, and newborn mittens if you’re worried about baby scratching her/himself
  • WhidbeyHealth has free WiFi so feel free to bring laptop/tablet
  • Phone/device chargers
  • Roku/Firestick/game console
  • For Your Support Person: Change of clothes, cash/credit card for snacks and meals, camera or phone (and chargers)
  • Comfy maternity outfit to wear home
  • Breastfeeding Moms: Breastfeeding pillow, breast pump, nursing bra/tank top/nightgown
  • Car Seat: Washington state law requires an approved infant car seat for the journey home. Make sure to install it before you head to the hospital. If you need help with a car seat safety check, call us at (360) 678-5151 x6262.

Community Connection

As a Public Hospital District, WhidbeyHealth is owned by the taxpayers of Whidbey Island, and we are committed to providing local access to quality health care.

Comprehensive Care

WhidbeyHealth offers a broad range of flexible, patient-centric care in more than 25 service areas with convenient locations across the entire island from Oak Harbor to Clinton.

Close to Home

An exceptional team supports a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services so our community doesn’t have to travel off-island for many of their healthcare needs.

Postpartum Support

Postpartum Support and Resources

The length of stay for uncomplicated vaginal deliveries vary from 24-48 hours after birth; and for Cesarean births, it is typically 48 hours after birth. Your postpartum experience may be a breeze or you may experience a variety of challenges. Fortunately, there are plenty of supporting resources available both at WhidbeyHealth and in our community to support you through your postpartum journey.

Lactation Specialists

The WhidbeyHealth team has several Certified Lactation Counselors available to ensure your breastfeeding is off to a strong start from the time your baby is born. They can answer questions pertaining to breastfeeding and expectations and can assist you in learning how to use your breast pump if you plan to use one.

Once you and your newborn are at home, you can schedule an appointment with a lactation specialist to address any questions or concerns you might have, check your infant’s weight to ensure they’re progressing and collaborate with your pediatrician to provide optimal care for you and your newborn.

To learn more about our available services or make an appointment with a Certified Lactation Specialist, please call (360) 678-7656 ext. 2145

Car Seat Safety Checks

WhidbeyHealth’s Emergency Medical Services offers a monthly “Car Seat Safety Checks” program. They also help provide car seats to those who otherwise couldn’t afford one.

Our goal is to ensure every precious infant and child travels safely. For more information and course schedules, contact:  (360) 914-3171

Well Baby Checks

  • Typically provided two or three days after mom and baby are discharged
  • Checks include repeat hearing screens, jaundice level evaluations, weight checks and lactation support
  • We also evaluate mom; how she’s doing physically and emotionally during the postpartum period

Recommended Books

  • “The Nursing Mother’s Companion” by Kathleen Huggins
  • “Latch” by Robin Kaplan, M.Ed., IBCLC
  • “Breastfeeding Made Simple” by Nancy Mohrbacher
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