WIIFM Birthplace questions
This is a special time for you and our goal is to make it safe and memorable for you, your family, and your newborn. That is why we take a comprehensive patient centered approach; from your first visit, to your arrival for the big event, your delivery and throughout your postpartum journey.
AN EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
AN EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Getting Ready
LEARN MOREMeeting Your Needs
LEARN MOREWhat to Expect
LEARN MOREWhat to Bring
LEARN MOREChoosing a Doctor or Midwife
LEARN MORELactation Specialist
LEARN MOREChildbirth Education Classes
LEARN MORECare Seat Checks
LEARN MOREResources
LEARN MOREGETTING READY
GETTING READY FOR YOUR NEW ARRIVAL
Every pregnancy is a unique journey as your body adapts to its role, nurturing and supporting your baby's growth and preparing your for the moment when you first hold your little one in your arms.
The WhidbeyHealth team is here to assist you throughout your journey and help ensure you are ready for that magic moment.
Our goal is to make sure you have the best birthing experience possible.
Here are a few ways to get started:
Tour our Family Birthplace
In the interest of the health and safety of our newborns, their families, our staff and the community, we are not currently offering tours.
We'd still like to show you around, so we're working on creating a virtual tour; launching later this month, so check back.
Attend one of our Childbirth Education classes.
If this is your first child, you likely have loads of questions. Our birthing classes 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.
We also offer child seat safety checks.
Check out the course information below.
Build your Team
- Establish a Pediatrician If you don't have one, we're happy to help you with the selection.
- Delivery Support Person: Decide on your support person, whether that’s a family member, spouse/significant other. Certified Doulas are allowed in the birthing room in addition to one support person.
- Remote Support: Making sure you have a trusted support team ready to step in at home to care for siblings, pets and your household will ensure you can stay calm, centered and focused on your delivery and your newborn.
Choosing a Doctor
Choosing an OB/GYN
Choosing a healthcare provider to support your pregnancy and the delivery of your newborn is a very personal decision.
Many women prefer to work with their current OB/GYN because they have an existing relationship and are comfortable under their care.
An obstetrician specializes in the management of pregnancy, labor and delivery. Their education includes in-depth training on the female reproductive system, the detection and management of obstetrical and gynecological problems, complicated childbirth and surgical care.
Some physicians choose to practice only obstetrics; most choose both obstetrics and gynecology and offer a variety of services.
Learn more about our team of women's healthcare professionals buy clicking on FIND A PROVIDER, and then select WOMEN'S CARE.
If you are interested in establishing a relationship with one of our providers,
please call our Women's Care center: 360.678.0831
WHAT TO EXPECT
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your Birthplace Team
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, delivery and postpartum journey, the WhidbeyHealth team of certified OB/GYN physicians, midwives, nurses, and specialists is here to answer your questions and support your needs.
OUR ROOMS
Our Rooms
We have four private Labor & Delivery Rooms that offer you, your family and your newborn a quiet, comfortable space to bond, relax and recover.
These beautiful and spacious birthing rooms provide you with the comfort of home in a hospital setting. Each birthing room includes a luxurious, two-person, jetted Jacuzzi tub, a personal refrigerator, and a seating area that converts to a table as well as sleeping bed, so your support person is close by throughout your stay.
We have two additional inpatient rooms used for recovery by mothers who have undergone a C-sections and three medical screening exam rooms.
We are extremely honored to be a part of this special time for you and your family. Our goal is to help ensure you have the best experience possible.
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.
- Non-pharmacological methods: aromatherapy, nitrous oxide[temporarily suspended during COVID], jetted tubs, hot and cold therapy, having the ability to make your room your own personal sanctuary, wireless monitors enable mothers the freedom to move around in their rooms or in the hallway – we also have birthing and peanut balls available for use anytime.
- Pharmacological methods: pain medication given through your IV or Epidural placement by one of our experienced Anesthesia providers
CARE FOR YOUR NEWBORN
Care for your newborn
Once your baby arrives, they'll be in good hands. Our Birthplace team will be monitoring vital signs and Bilirubin level which shows risk for Jaundice.
They'll provide continuous stabilizing care, ensuring feedings are nurturing your baby's growth, evaluate their hearing, monitoring metabolic rates as well as vitamins and medications (Vitamin K, Erythromycin and Hepatitis B vaccine).
As a Level One nursery, we are licensed to deliver babies over 36 weeks.
Our pediatricians will meet you within 24 hours of delivery or come sooner should your baby need special care at or after delivery.
Whether you choose breastfeeding or bottle feeding our Lactation staff is available to assist you before and after discharge.
VISITORS
VISITORS
Due to the additional risks created by COVID, we are restricting visitors in the Birthplace to a single support person who comes with you and should plan to stay for the duration of your stay. Certified Doulas are allowed in the birthing room in addition to one support person.
MEETING YOUR NEEDS
MEETING YOUR NEEDS
Everyone hopes for a smooth and easy delivery 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 is experienced and competent in caring for many complications such as gestational hypertension, cholestasis of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, and Pre-Eclampsia.- Breech presentation – our providers have the ability to perform a procedure called a version to rotate the baby’s position.
- Additional support: 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.
- Cesarean Sections
Cesarean delivery may be planned based on the circumstances of the pregnancy, however at times an unplanned C-section may be needed. Our team is experienced and ready to manage those deliveries. - Twin deliveries
Delivering twins adds a few additional steps in the delivery room and whether vaginally or with a c-section our team has the experience and expertise to manage their delivery.
WHAT TO BRING
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 checking in at the hospital
- Snacks to munch on in between meals
- Toiletries: Lip balm, toothbrush and toothpaste, and any other toiletries you might want for a one-to-three-day stay
- Eyeglasses/contacts if you wear them
- Maternity outfit to wear home, you will want ir to be as comfy as possible
- Comfy socks or slippers
- Aromatherapy items (oils/diffuser)
- Electronics: WhidbeyHealth has free WiFi so feel free to bring laptop/tablet
- Chargers, roku/firestick/game consoles
- Favorite music
- Breastfeeding Moms
- Breastfeeding pillow
- Breast pump
- Nursing bra/tank top/nightgown
- Baby Items
- We provide Pampers diapers, dry wipes, blankets
- Bring anything you want specific for baby to wear, such as going home outfit and anything specific you’d like baby to use (specific diapers and wipes)
- Receiving blankets, socks or booties, and newborn mittens if you’re worried about baby scratching her/himself
- An approved infant car seat for the journey home; Washington state law requires it. Make sure to install it properly before you head to the hospital, and that you're comfortable operating it so you're sure your newborn will be safe on the ride home.
- For Your Support Person
- Change of clothes
- Cash for snacks and meals
- Camera or phone
- Car-seat: Please Remember to bring a car-seat for when it is time to take your baby You may want to have the installation checked by the local fire department or a certified car seat inspector
You can download a copy of the list here so you can keep it handy.
LACTATION SPECIALISTS
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 your questions pertaining to breast feeding, what to expect 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 ensure optimal care for you and your newborn.
To learn more about our available services or make an appointment with a Lactation Specialist, please call 360.678.7656, ext. 2145
AFTER DELIVERY
AFTER DELIVERY
Postpartum Period
- Your postpartum experience may be a breeze or you may experience a variety of challenges.
- We offer education on Purple Cry, Postpartum Depression and Anxiety to help you prepare for that part of your journey.
- The length of stay for uncomplicated vaginal deliveries vary from 24-48 hours after birth; and for Cesarean births typically 48 hours after birth.
Well Baby Checks
- We provide Well Baby Checks typically two - three days after you and baby are discharged home.
- Well baby checks include: repeat hearing screens, jaundice level evaluations, weight checks, and lactation support.
- We also evaluate you; how you are doing physically and emotionally during the postpartum period
POLICIES
WHIDBEYHEALTH FAMILY BIRTHPLACE POLICIES
- For the health, safety of our moms, their newborns and our staff we have implemented CDC guidelines and drastically changed our visitor policies and procedures.
- Due to the additional risks created by COVID, we are restricting visitors in the Birthplace to a single support person who comes with you and should plan to stay for the duration of your stay.
- Infant security is very important for your baby’s safety. Our labor and delivery unit is a secure area and all babies are placed in our infant security system.
- Our goal is to support the bonding experience with your new baby and receive the aftercare you need to return home well rested and able to care for yourself and your new baby.
- Photography is allowed in the delivery rooms and we are happy to take pictures for you after your newborn's arrival.
- Skin to skin and cord clamping may be delayed in situations where mom is COVID positive or there is a risk that she is positive.
- We encourage you to share your birth plan and let us know if you have any other requests.
RESOURCES
RESOURCES
Community Resources
Websites
Books
- "The Nursing Mother’s Companion" by Kathleen Huggins
- "Latch" by Robin Kaplan M.Ed. IBCLC
- "Breastfeeding Made Simple" by Nancy Mohrbacher
CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASSES
CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASSES
Adding a new member to the family can feel daunting, but attending one of our Childbirth Education Classes is great way to help you get ready for the arrival of your new baby.
In an effort to ensure the health and wellness of our expectant mothers, their babies and our staff, our in-person childbirth classes have been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Virtual classes are currently being evaluated for 2022.
Once restrictions relax, we will transition back to in-person classes while maintaining county and state guidelines to minimize risks and ensure the health and well being of everyone involved.
CAR SAFETY SEAT CHECKS
Car Seat Safety Checks
The WhidbeyHealth Emergency Medical Services team has created 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
