Having a Baby at the Childbirth Center

Each birth is as unique as the child that is born. In cooperation with your physician, we encourage you to choose the type of birth experience that will work best for you. Our staff will tailor our services as closely as possible to meet both your needs and those of your physician. You are encouraged to discuss your needs and questions concerning pain management with your physician, or our anesthesia staff. An anesthesiologist is available 24 hours a day to provide and discuss your pain management needs.

Birthing Suites

Highline’s Birthing Suites have been designed to provide the best in safety and comfort. Labor, delivery, recovery and post-delivery all take place in the same room, to keep you as comfortable as possible through each phase of birth. The rooms are thoughtfully decorated with soft colors and are furnished with comfortable birthing beds. For your convenience, each room has a personal telephone, stereo system, TV and VCR, dressing table with sink, couch sleeper and a rocking chair. Each suite also has a private powder room with a whirlpool and tub and shower. The rooms are fully equipped with appropriate medical equipment to assure a safe delivery. Immediately following the birth, you and your baby will continue to be cared for in your Birthing Suite. This is an excellent time to participate in your baby's care and to strengthen the bond between you, your baby and the rest of the family. Our goal is to keep your new family together as much as possible.

Coaches and Support Persons

We believe in family-centered maternity care. As a special service for our Childbirth Center patients, we have pagers available for a refundable deposit of $30. The pager allows you to alert your support person the moment labor begins.

Once you have arrived at the Childbirth Center, we will make every effort to ensure that you share the birth of your child with those you choose to have present. In monitoring the condition of your labor, we may need to limit the number of support persons joining you during delivery. If you plan to include siblings during the birth, we require an adult for each child present. This needs to be someone other than your coach or support person. For the comfort of family and friends who wish to be near during delivery time, the Family Childbirth Center has a special health resource library and large family room with kids' play area, TV and kitchen.

Breastfeeding Consultant for Newborns

Many mothers choose to breastfeed their new baby. As part of our service to make your transition into motherhood easier, a breastfeeding consultant will make a visit to your room. The consultant is a registered nurse who specializes in breastfeeding training and support, as well as other important feeding and nutritional information. Once you are home with your baby, the consultant is available to you for telephone support or, if needed, you may schedule a time to meet with her.

Postpartum Follow-up

A nurse trained in maternal and newborn care will call you several days after you go home. The nurses involved in this program have special training in breastfeeding and other important issues related to the care of you and your newborn. If you have concerns, they can assist you in receiving the follow up care that you and your baby need.

Childbirth and Parenting Educational Programs

Highline Medical Center offers a variety of classes to help you physically, emotionally and intellectually prepare for the arrival of a new family member.

For more information on classes offered by Highline Medical Center, call (206) 988-5793, Monday through Friday.