Birth Center

We know the birthing experience is a very special time for you and your family! The Birth Center welcomes over 500 new babies into the world each year. We offer a nurturing, family-centered and safe environment that allows you to focus on the miracle of your new baby. Families really enjoy the continuity of care as many will have the same nurse the day after delivery as during. They understand your journey and your personal and baby care education needs.

Classes offered include: Prepared Childbirth, Baby Basics, Breastfeeding Basics, Birth Planning Session, Baby Talk and Clase Prenatal para Latinos. Get detailed information on Classes.

1. Patient Registration Form(link is external) - This form collects information we need to get your registered before you come to the hospital.
   1. Form in English(link is external)
   2. Formulario en español(link is external)
2. My Birth Plan Form(link is external) - A birth plan lets us know your wishes for your child's birth. You will answer questions regarding your birth experience: labor, delivery, baby care/feeding education needs, etc. This helps us to provide the individualized care you want during your delivery.
   1. Form in English(link is external)
   2. Formulario en español(link is external)

Call the Hospital if you experience any of the following:

1. Your water breaks with a gush, or sometimes even an on-going trickle of fluids.  Do not wait until contractions start. Call the Birth Center (OB) and come in to the hospital.
2. Regular contractions. With true labor, the time between contractions will gradually shorten and the intensity gradually increases. Typically, we recommend that the contractions be around 5 minutes apart for an hour before you come in. 
3. Bleeding that is bright red and more than a couple of tablespoons, is an indication for you to come to the hospital immediately. Even if it is not accompanied by any pain or discomfort.**“Bloody Show” or small amounts of bloody mucous (pink, brown, red or clear)  is normal and may or may not accompany the start of labor. It is also common to see for up to 48 hours after a vaginal exam.   
4. Decrease in your baby’s activity.
5. Any elevation of temperature above 100.4º F.

Here is a list of over-the-counter medications that are safe to take during pregnancy.

Mom:  

• Bathing/Shower supplies
• Clothes for going home
• Music of your choice
• Snacks for support person/you
• Robe/nightgown
• Comfortable clothing if you choose to wear your own
• Flip flop/ slippers (walking around)
• Entertainment (books, games, etc.)

Baby:

• Outfit for going home
• Pacifiers (if using)
• T-shirt/onesie
• Blankets (receiving, etc.)
• Car seat (with no aftermarket products- snow suit, toys etc.)

We provide you with education and support to help make breastfeeding a positive experience for you and your new baby. While you are in the hospital, our International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and lactation trained nurses, will help you through each step of breastfeeding to ensure your baby has a healthy start to life. Once you are home, you can make an appointment to meet with the lactation consultant one-on-one to provide additional support, discuss problems and answer your questions. We also encourage you to attend Baby Talk, a weekly support group for new moms. Lactation questions are addressed there by our lactation consultant. Learn more about Lactation Services.

Having a baby is an exciting time in your life. If this is your first baby or your fourth, you probably have lots of questions. We’re here to help. As experienced pediatricians and family medicine doctors, we can help you learn how to take care of your baby and answer your questions. We’ll follow you and your baby through these first few months of check-ups all the way to becoming an adult. We take pride in building a positive, supportive relationship with you and your child. We get to really know you and your child and take the time to listen and help. 

After your baby is born one of our providers will see your child every day and talk to you about their care. We will also assist in finding a provider and a clinic in your area for your baby before you leave the hospital. Ask any of the Birth Center staff about our providers. Get detailed information on Pediatrics.

Staff at the Birth Center and throughout the Northfield Hospital are thoroughly trained to respect the confidentiality of all patients by not discussing medical and family issues with others.  We ask that you also respect the privacy of other patients and their families by not discussing their medical care with us. Thank you.

Feel free to call us anytime at 507-646-1205 with questions or concerns. We look forward to caring for you and your new family.