For nearly 50 years, Memorial’s approach to maternity care has made us one of this area’s leading maternity service providers. You, your baby and your family members are very important to us, and the Family Care Birthing Center is proud to be an integral part of over 1,500 births annually.
Childbirth is the beginning of a new life and the creation or growth of a family. The Family Care Birthing Center has available to you:
- Fully equipped labor, delivery, recovery, and mother-baby suites.
- Family centered maternity care nursing model of care so the same nurse cares for both you and your baby.
- Family centered maternity care encouraged to support each family to be as actively involved during labor, birth, post partum and newborn care as the mother wishes.
- Newborn Lullaby announcing each new birth throughout the hospital.
Mission of the Family Care Birthing Center: As leaders in family-centered maternity care, Memorial’s Family Care Birthing Center’s mission is to provide a compassionate, family-centered, unique birth experience as an advocate for informed choice and quality care.
Programs
Special Delivery Program
Our Special Delivery Program is designed to assist you in making informed decisions in regarding your birth experience. By enrolling in the FREE program, you will receive several program options:
- Discounts on the Childbirth Education Programs
- Informative newsletter at your home to give you tips on pregnancy, preparing for a new babies and labor/delivery
- Opportunity for a private one-on-one consultation with our Special Delivery Nurse. She will contact you during the third trimester of your pregnancy to schedule your appointment. During this visit, she will do a pre-admission review of your medical history and work with you in developing a plan for your birth.
For more information or to register for Memorial’s Special Delivery Program, call the Family Care Birthing Center at (618) 257-4173 or (618) 257-6800, extension 5853 and leave a message. Our Special Delivery nurse will return your call at her earliest convenience.
Expectant Parents Classes
The Family Care Birthing Center offers a wide variety of childbirth education opportunities to help you prepare for your birth experience. Included are:
- Prepared Childbirth
- Childbirth Refresher
- Baby Care and Parenting
- Sibling Class
- Breastfeeding Class
- Breastfeeding Support for New Mothers
Prepared Childbirth Class
Our Prepared Childbirth Class is designed to assist our parents-to-be in the journey through pregnancy and birth. Information on pregnancy changes, both physical and emotional, options for labor and delivery, and after care for mom, coach and baby are included. Participation of both partners is encouraged and helps make this class beneficial and meaningful. Family Centered Care is focused on throughout the class.
All participants are automatically enrolled in our Special Delivery Program and it’s benefits.
Participants are encouraged to register before the fifth month of pregnancy and attendance is limited to those delivering at Memorial.
There is a $15 per couple fee. Call (618) 257-4173 for class dates
Childbirth Refresher
The Childbirth Refresher Class is designed to give experienced parents updated information about the latest trends in labor, delivery and newborn care.
Limited to those delivering at Memorial, please call (618) 257-5853 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced Labor Nurses.
Cesarean Birth Education
A review of Cesarean birth is an option available to your. One of our experienced Labor Nurses will meet with you one-on-one to discuss cesarean birth. For an appointment, call (618) 257-6800, extension 5853.
Baby Care and Parenting
The Baby Care and Parenting classes teaches you how to care for, play with, and protect your infant. Topics presented included: newborn care, infant feeding, baby bathing, when to call the doctor, home and toy safety, baby’s special language, six infant behavior stages, and five different ways to sooth your baby.
Classes are offered once a month at a fee of $5 per family. Call (618) 257-4173 for dates and times of classes and to register.
Sibling Class
The Family Care Birthing Center offers a Sibling Class to prepare older siblings of changes to expect as their family grows and helps them feel they are a very important part of the family as the older brother and sister. The classes are designed for children ages 2 – 12 years old. Through videos and class participation children learn to safely assist in caring for their new baby (using life-like dolls) and how being a part of the family makes the older sibling a special part of their family. All children will tour the Family Care Birthing Center, make a special gift for their new baby, and a craft for their self. Parents are encouraged to stay. There is a small library of books for children and parents to view before the class or at the end while the children are enjoying their snack.
Additional preparation for siblings in the delivery room will be arrange through individual request to the Nurse Manager.
Limited to children whose sibling will be born at the Family Care Birthing Center.
There is a fee of $2 per child. Class size is limited and reservations are requested. Call (618) 257-4173.
Breastfeeding Class
The Family Care Birthing Center offers monthly breastfeeding classes for expectant mothers taught by certified lactation consultants. The class reviews breastfeeding techniques and is ideal for new mothers or as a refresher course. If you are considering breastfeeding or have chosen to breastfeed your baby, this class will provide information, encouragement, and support for a successful breastfeeding experience.
There is a $5 fee per couple. Both parents are encouraged to attend. For class dates, times and to register, call (618) 257-4173.
Breastfeeding Support for New Mothers
Breastfeeding provides your baby with a strong nutritional start and helps with emotional development. Breast milk is an easily digested, perfectly matched nutrition source filled with antibodies that protect against infection. Breastfeeding also promotes bonding and contributes to a special, loving relationship with your newborn.
Some mothers find breastfeeding more difficult than they expected, however, most difficulties can be overcome with instruction and guidance.
The lactation consultants at the Family Care Birthing Center at Memorial Hospital are a resource for all mothers who choose to breastfeed. The certified lactation consultants provide education and support for a successful breastfeeding experience and are available to provide one-on-one care for mothers during their hospital stay as well as private sessions after delivery.
There is no fee for this service. Call (618) 257-4173 to talk with a certified lactation consultant. An appointment is necessary.
