Breastfeeding Support Begins at Island Hospital
One of the important decisions you will make during your pregnancy is how you will feed your baby. Due to…
Quick Links
Patient Quick Links
Birth Center
P: 360.299.1331
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
After hours enter through the Emergency Department Entrance (26th Street)
When it’s time for a new beginning
Becoming a parent is a special time in your life and we want your birth experience to be as memorable and joyful as possible. You deserve to be treated with respect and sensitivity and to be made to feel comfortable and safe. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and honor your individual wishes. Island Birth Center is devoted to creating a supportive environment with an experienced team, ready to welcome your little one into the world.
What to expect for the special occasion.
Rest assured that prior to delivery, your healthcare provider sends up-to-date records about your pregnancy, so the staff begins planning for your baby’s arrival as you near the special day. When it’s time, you will feel relaxed in our secure, private birth suites and you will have a one-on-one nurse with you throughout the delivery process. You have the added benefit of being cared for by top-quality staff that is equipped to immediately respond to a medical emergency. As you recover, you and your family will relish the first special moments together in a private and comfortable postpartum room.
SIGNS OF LABOR
There are a few signs that tell you when labor is approaching:
- Lightening or “baby dropping”: the baby’s head settles deep into your pelvis. This can happen a few weeks to a few hours before labor begins.
- Bloody show/mucous plug: a thick, vaginal discharge of pink or bloody mucous. When the cervix begins to open the plug is pushed into the vagina. This can happen several days, or even weeks, before labor or at the onset.
- The water breaks: a continuous vaginal discharge of watery fluid. The fluid filled sac that surrounded your baby during pregnancy breaks. It can be a large gush or slow leak. This can happen several hours before labor or any time during labor. If you suspect your bag of water broke you should call the Birth Center and your provider.
- True labor contractions: regular, strong contractions lasting 50–80 seconds that feel like cramps. This is your uterus tightening and relaxing and can be painful. This happens at onset of labor. Call Island Hospital Birth Center 360.299.1331 when contractions are four to five minutes apart for one hour, or if your provider or provider’s triage nurse advises you to come to the hospital.
YOUR STAY AT ISLAND HOSPITAL
Upon arriving at the hospital, please check in at one of these two entrances:
Emergency Department (26th Street): 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Main (24th Street): Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Birth Rooms
Temperature control and lighting options are within your reach. Monitoring equipment can be modified to the least obtrusive option available depending on the circumstance. All rooms have a private bathroom and shower. A tub room is available; however, occasionally it may already be occupied.
Your bed accommodates multiple positions for labor and birth. We have exercise balls, peanut ball, squat bar and CUB (comfortable upright birth) chair available. A recliner or cot is available for your support person.
Family and Support
Your support persons must be at least 18 years of age and self-sufficient. Visiting hours apply for the second support person, except during active labor. If the patient is actively laboring, both support persons can be present, regardless of the time of day. Men accompanying their partner in the shower or tub must wear shorts or swim attire. They are asked to remain clothed while sleeping in the room. No children are allowed in the Birth Center at this time.
We cannot allow video recording during delivery. However, you may take video during labor and after the delivery is complete. Still pictures may be taken throughout the delivery.
PLANNED CESAREAN DELIVERY
For pre-op instructions refer to your specific papers from your provider’s office. These instructions will include the last time you may eat or drink anything prior to surgery and when to check in.
Your support person should eat something prior to coming into the hospital with you. Cell phones for photos are allowed in the operating room. No video recording is allowed.
POST DELIVERY CARE
Skin-to-Skin
We encourage skin-to-skin contact, or kangaroo care, immediately after delivery when possible. Your baby will remain skin-to-skin for approximately the first hour after delivery.
Delayed Cord Clamping
Delayed cord clamping involves prolonging the time between delivery of the newborn and clamping of the umbilical cord. It is usually performed between 25 seconds to five minutes after giving birth. It allows more blood to transfer from the placenta to the baby. Most of our providers practice delayed cord clamping when possible. If you deliver via cesarean section, delayed cord clamping is not possible.
We are honored you have chosen the Birth Center at Island Hospital for the birth of your baby. Our staff is dedicated to providing you with the safest and best possible birth experience. Please contact the Birth Center if you have any questions or if we can be of assistance in any way. Our phone number is 360.299.1331.
Our Providers
Patient Resources
Schedule your mammogram today
Schedule your mammogram Schedule your screening mammogram ONLINE through the myIslandHealth Patient Portal, or call 360.299.1315. NOTE: Please see your…