You'll labor and give birth in a comfortable double bed in one of three  "bedrooms," where you will remain throughout your stay. For you and your family's comfort and convenience, the Birth Place also has kitchen facilities, a lounge, and a play area for children.

While you are in labor, you may take a warm bath or shower, wear your own  clothing, walk about and have nourishment. Friends and families, including baby's siblings and grandparents, are welcome to participate in this special event. Their expert nurses, part of the maternal/child nursing staff at St.  Joseph's Hospital Health Center, will provide you with continuing support during your labor and delivery. 

After delivery, nurses will give you information on infant care, breast feeding, care of yourself and parenting. All instruction is tailored to meet your needs.

Your baby and you will go home within 24 hours of birth, if both of you are stable and ready. The next day, a Birth Place registered nurse will call you to make sure you and your baby are doing well. If you live within 25 road miles of St. Joseph's, a Birth Place nurse will visit you at home within 48 hour of your discharge. Other arrangements are made for families living more than 25 road miles from the hospital.

The Birth Place fee covers all of the above services. St. Joseph's Hospital accepts most major health insurance plans and Medicaid. If you think the Birth Place might be for you, discuss it with your doctor or certified nurse midwife. 

Once you have your physician's approval, call St. Joseph's at 448-5399 for information and an appointment. Two orientation classes to the Birth Place are required - one at 28 weeks and the second at 36 weeks. The first visit includes a tour of our facility and time for you to ask our staff questions. During the second visit, they'll review your own special plan for your baby's birth. 

St. Joseph's also has facilities for those looking for traditional labor and delivery services, where mom labors and delivers in a modern, bedroom-like room and remains there with baby until they are taken to a postpartum unit where babies are encouraged to room-in. They also have facilities for planned and emergency Caesarean sections and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.