After nearly 100 years of taking care of moms and babies, one thing at Community Medical Center remains the same—we're dedicated to giving families the best birth experience possible.
But other things have changed. As research uncovers better ways to help with labor, delivery and infant care, we continually update our practices. That keeps us at the cutting edge of treatment for at-risk deliveries and newborns in need of extra care.
We've also evolved in another direction. We understand that birth is a normal event, and families do better in a setting that feels more like a home than a hospital. Our Women and Newborn Center was designed around that idea.
More important than the setting is our approach to the childbirth process: We want what you want. We give you the closest thing to your own birth plan possible, while backing it up with our advanced system of emergency care in the rare event that your labor and delivery do not proceed normally.
Now is also the time to get ready for your stay with us. Pack a bag with items such as:
•A comfortable tank top or camisole.
•Pajamas, if you prefer yours to our gowns. Bring ones that you don't mind throwing away afterwards.
•Slippers
•Shampoo, hairbrush and other personal grooming articles. If you forget something, ask. We keep some on hand.
•A list of your regular medicines, including the dosage.
•Relaxing music if you wish.
You'll need a car seat to take your new baby home, and it's important to have the right size and install it in your car correctly. You can get help at Missoula Rural Fire District Station #1, just down the road from Community at the intersection of South Avenue and Reserve Street. Call them at 549-6172 to register for one of their regular car seat fitting sessions. You can also view car seat tips at www.safekids.org
You'll also need to pre-register with us. Many moms drop by at the time of their scheduled glucose check, at around 28 weeks. It's a short walk from the lab in Building 1 to our main desk, where you can fill out the forms—be sure and bring your insurance card.. While you're in labor
Expectant moms labor in one of our six suites,which are big enough for family and guests as well. And you aren't limited to your room. You can walk around,use your Jacuzzi tub or relax in a glider chair.
We support natural childbirth and we welcome your doula,if you are using one. You can also choose to use pain medication,and decide with your doctor what type would work best for you.
After you deliver your baby,you'll stay in the labor suite for a brief time before moving to a post-partum room.
After your baby is born
Babies are born right in the labor suite,and then placed skin-to-skin as soon as possible. This quick,close contact is now recognized to promote many health benefits. We put healthy babies in their moms' arms immediately after birth.
Skin-to-skin contact also helps babies start breastfeeding,which provides the exact nutrients your baby needs plus many more advantages. We strongly encourage women to nurse their babies,and if you choose to breastfeed our skilled nurses and certified lactation consultants can you get started. We also offer a breastfeeding support course.
We also follow the latest clinical guidelines by offering hepatitis B immunizations to new babies,along with newborn metabolic and hearing screenings.
It's uncommon for babies to be born with health problems. But for those who are,we have a Level-3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) directly adjacent to our delivery rooms.
Cesarean deliveries
In some cases,a cesarean delivery is the safest way for the baby to be born. At Community that happens in an operating suite that is just seconds away. You can choose a significant other to be there with you in most cases. If everything goes well,your baby will be in your arms within minutes of being born and will stay with you in the recovery room. Breast feeding and skin-to-skin contact are just as important for these babies,and we'll help you get started as soon as possible.
Going home
If there are no complications,moms and babies typically go home one or two days after a vaginal birth and within four days if they've had a cesarean section. We'll give you advice to help things go well and to keep your baby safe and healthy as you settle in at home.
Immunizations
Polio,diphtheria,tetanus,measles—these and many other vaccine-preventable diseases are rarely seen in the US today. Immunizations protect not only the children who get the shots,but by keeping the incidence of these diseases low,they also protect kids who are too young or too sick to get the vaccine.
When vaccination rates decline,though,these diseases can come back. Recent epidemics of whooping cough (pertussis) happened after fewer children were vaccinated.
Metabolic screening
We also screen newborns for a number of metabolic disorders that are not common,but can become serious. A few drops of blood from your baby's heel will be sent to the lab to test for conditions such as phenylketoneuria (PKU).