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Welcome to North Valley Hospital’s Birth Center!
 The foundation of the Birth Center at North Valley Hospital is family-centered maternity care. The basis of this concept, which recognizes the family as the strongest unit in our society, is to individualize care so that parents are involved and share in the childbearing experience according to their wishes. Whether you are a nuclear family, single parent, or belong to an extended family, it is the objective of the entire staff to meet the variety of individual needs so the experience may be fulfilling and rewarding.
Before you Arrive
 Getting ready for delivery is an exciting time. During your routine prenatal visits, discuss your desired birth plan with your care provider. To familiarize yourself with The Birth Center and North Valley Hospital, consider touring the maternity area ahead of time during our monthly Talk and Tour, and for brother- or sister-to-be, we offer a monthly Siblings Class. About five to six months before your due date, call The Birth Center to register for Childbirth Classes with an experienced OB nurse/childbirth educator. You will want to register yourself at the Admitting Office prior to your due date so you need only check in for any outpatient tests and when you arrive in labor. Several weeks before your baby is due, you may want to pack a small suitcase with these items:
- Nursing bra (if you plan to breast feed)
- Robe & Slippers
- Insurance Card
- Personal grooming articles (shampoo, hairbrush, makeup, etc.)
- Music CDs
For the baby: CAR SEAT(required to leave hospital), shirt, hat, blanket and going home outfit
When you arrive
The spacious, private birthing suites in The Birthing Center provide a home-like atmosphere where expectant moms can share the birthing experience with their loved ones. Maintaining the bedroom feel, supplies and equipment are kept relatively out-of-sight while being next to the delivery bed where a nurse will watch you and your baby’s progress carefully.
 If you have chosen a special method of childbirth preparation, the nursing staff will be supportive of your request while keeping in mind your own health and safety of the baby. A warm and soothing whirlpool is available for those who desire to labor in a tub and an Aqua Doula® tub is available for water births. North Valley Hospital’s Birth Center is the only hospital in Montana to offer water births. If you are interested in having a water birth, please discuss this option with your doctor or midwife prior to arriving for labor.
Cesarean Births
You will be carefully monitored and coached during your labor by our professional nursing and medical staff. While most births occur without complications, for those rare moments, cesarean births take place in our operating suite. In most cases, dad, or a designated support person, can accompany you into surgery to be present for the birth.
Following Your Delivery
 Parents and baby will be joined after the baby’s condition is considered stable. In most cases, parents have the opportunity to hold their baby immediately after birth. New moms will be moved shortly after the birth to a private postpartum room to rest and relax for the remainder of her stay. It’s there that you will be offered a complimentary massage from one of our massage therapists. Hospital meals are served three times a day and our “Cuisine on Call” offers menu items from 7 am to 6 pm.
We encourage new parents to get as much rest as possible while at North Valley Hospital. A daybed is available for dad or support person, and our family room with a queen-size bed is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Our visitation policy is 24-hours a day, seven days a week, but all visitors should be conscious of the new mother’s needs and the baby’s health. You may want to take advantage of our photo service through Our365. You also may have a complimentary photo taken for North Valley Hospital’s New Arrivals website page.
Before You Go Home
Our nurses and lactation consultants will provide you instructions on:
- Nutrition and care of your newborn and yourself
- Breast feeding
- Bathing of your newborn
- Immunizations
- What to expect after delivery
Our nurses will schedule a postpartum visit three days after your release date. We encourage parents to call The Birth Center with any concerns you may experience after you are home. We also encourage participation in the weekly Mother-Baby Support Group. Gather with other new and seasoned moms along with one of The Birth Center nurses to ask questions and find comfort with all the new changes in your life.
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| Nurses station |
| 406-863-3535 |
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Links to Doctors
 Obstetricians
Family Doctors |