Memorial Hospital
Newborn baby

Family Birth Center at Memorial Hospital

Whether it's your first pregnancy or you're a delivery room veteran, you'll be treated to the best possible birthing experience at our modern facility. Birthing suites come with special touches such as whirlpool tubs, small kitchenettes, comfortable furniture and more. A quiet, candle-light dinner for two is the final celebration for parents before they leave the hospital.

Our family birth center offers personalized care that supports and encourages the natural process of childbirth and breast-feeding. Our providers and nurses will partner with you in your childbirth decisions so you can feel empowered to make choices about your experience. Partners are welcome to actively participate in the birth. We offer nitrous oxide during labor, if desired. Parents decide their own visiting hours and set their own pace.

You and your baby will be cared for by our staff which includes physicians specializing in obstetrics, certified nurse midwives, pediatricians, family medicine providers and obstetric nurses certified in the following specialties:

  • Certified lactation counselors
  • Internationally board-certified lactation consultant
  • Neonatal resuscitation instructor
  • Childbirth education
  • Certification in inpatient obstetrics
  • Certification in fetal monitoring
  • Certification in maternal newborn nursing
  • Bereavement training
  • NH AWHONN coordinating team member

You can count on quality personal care, combined with your family's involvement, in a medically safe environment. Working together with community agencies, nurses provide extensive education and support along with a connection to local family and child resources. We also offer a variety of pre- and post-natal education and support programs for new families. As part of the MaineHealth system we have access to specialty consultations if needed. 

 

Contact Us

Call 603-356-5461 for more information or to schedule a tour.

Childbirth Classes

All classes are free of charge. Attendees do not have to be patients. Call to register 603-356-5461 ext. 2146. To schedule an appointment with our lactation nurse, call 603-356-5461 ext. 2146.

Childbirth Boot Camp
One-day intensive childbirth class with an in-person tour of the Birthing Center.
Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, Jan. 20, Mar. 16, May 18, Jul. 20, Sep. 21, Nov. 16, 2024
In-Person from 9 am - 3 pm

Virtual Childbirth and Newborn Overview
Virtual tour of the Birthing Center, introduction to breastfeeding, and open Q&A about labor, your stay at the hospital, and newborn care.

Newborn Overview only: Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, Virtual from 5 - 7 pm
Combined Classes: Feb. 19, Apr. 15, Jun. 24, Aug. 26, Oct. 21, Dec. 9, 2024, Virtual from 5 - 7 pm

Weekly Baby & Me Support Group

Wednesdays 10 AM - 12 PM

  • Hosted by staff from Memorial's Family Birthing Center
  • Supportive environment
  • Spend time with other parents
  • Share experiences and ask questions
  • Breastfeeding support also available

 

Maternity Care

At Women’s Health at Memorial Hospital you have a choice of receiving your care either from our certified nurse midwives or from one of our board-certified physicians. Your initial visit will be scheduled with one of our midwives who will explain what you can expect during your pregnancy, perform a physical exam, and order any necessary laboratory or ultrasounds. As a convenience to our patients, we are able to obtain the necessary specimens for any labs while you are here in our office and send them to our laboratory for processing. The midwife will explain the difference in philosophies between midwives and physicians and you can then choose your caregiver who will follow you through your pregnancy, perform your delivery (subject to the on-call schedule) and your postpartum exam.

Certified Nurse Midwives

A certified nurse-midwife (CNM) is a registered nurse (RN) who has graduated from an advanced programs accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). In addition, nurse-midwives must pass a national certification examination and meet strict requirements set by state health agencies in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories. CNMs can work in clinics, hospitals or birthing centers. Some CNMs also work in private practices with physicians. The majority of deliveries by nurse-midwives occur in hospitals and birth centers. Nurse-midwives provide prenatal, postpartum, normal newborn care and routine gynecological care. While they are probably best known for how they help women during labor and delivery, they apply their philosophy of care in all settings and with women across their lifespan.

Infertility Counseling

Infertility can be one of the most emotionally devastating experiences a couple can go through—which is one reason it has been a focus of our practice for over a decade. At least 10% of all couples experience infertility—that is, they’re unable to conceive or bring a pregnancy to full term after a year or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse—while another 10–25% of couples experience secondary infertility, the inability to conceive a child after a prior pregnancy.

If you are having trouble becoming pregnant, we will develop a thorough history, take the time to counsel you, and discuss the treatment options that may be appropriate for you. These options might include a hysterosalpingogram to determine if your tubes are clear, a count of your partner’s sperm, the use of fertility medications or intrauterine insemination.

From the “baby blues” to postpartum depression, there are resources and support available to birthing parents. Learn more about postpartum mental health or contact to your OB/GYN provider or the birthing center any time for guidance or emergency help. The birthing center is available 24 hours per day at 603-356-5461 ext 2146. 

Where to find help for postpartum depression

Here are some additional resources for information on postpartum depression:

In any time of need, your OB/GYN or primary care provider can be a resource. You may also call the Memorial Hospital birthing center at 603-356-5461 for support and information. Call 603-356-5461 to register for childbirth classes or the Memorial Hospital New Moms support group.

In case of life-threatening emergency, dial 911.
 

A New Life

A New Life is a structured, comprehensive program that promotes a coordinated approach to care for prenatal women with substance use disorder. By integrating midwifery/obstetric care and substance use treatment we can improve care coordination, the patient experience, ongoing maternal success and newborn health. 

Learn more about the "A New Life" program.
 

Learn More About Our Family Birthing Center

Watch our Family Birthing Center Director Kris Dascoulias give a tour of our lovely and modern facilities for new moms and babies!