Mercer Health Birthing Center

800 West Main Street
Coldwater, OH 45828
Phone:(419) 678-5670
Hearing Impaired:419-678-5677
Email: info@mercer-heath.com

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Programs Prior to Birth
Programs After Birth

It's spacious, beautifully decorated, and has been a part of the community for over three years. The Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum (LDRP) Rooms at the Mercer Health Birthing Center is a state-of-the-art facility that provides a homelike atmosphere for the mother, baby and family members.

According to the Director of Maternal Services, Connie Paulus, RN., much planning went into making the center the premier showplace that it is today. She says, "We looked at a number of facilities before designing our facility. We wanted to admit the mother into a place where she could be the entire length of her stay."

We have placed an emphasis on creating a homelike atmosphere for the birthing experience. Every LDRP room has a comfortable recliner, and a rocking chair. Private showers are available in each room to help the mother relax before, during and after delivery.

Every LDRP Room is large and spacious enough so that the entire family can come and welcome the newborn after birth. Connie says, "We place a strong emphasis on allowing the family to get acquainted soon after the baby is born. In most cases, the baby can stay right with the mother in a special crib beside the mother's bed. Of course, our staff is always there to assist the new mother and can take the baby to our modern nursery whenever the need arises."

Mercer Health Birthing Center is all about choices. Every one of our LDRP rooms are equipped with beds that adjust to a variety of birthing positions. In addition to the five LDRP rooms, we also offer two private rooms and one semi-private room for those who prefer the traditional birth experience or who may have their birth
via c-section.

Mercer Health was among the first hospitals
to bring the LDRP concept to the west central Ohio area and were among the leaders in bringing the LDRP concept to this area.

Mercer Health is more than just a beautiful setting at which to have a baby. This Center offers also offers many support programs by trained professionals before, during, and after the birth.

We offer a wide range of services at a competitive cost, compared to other
area hospitals.

Our staff Is Dedicated to providing expert,
compassionate care. We are in tune to the mother's needs, wishes, and choices. We consider it an honor to share one of the most precious experiences of a person's life with them.

Programs Prior To Birth

From the earliest stages of pregnancy, Mercer Health provides educational opportunities to help with the childbirth experience. All classes are taught by qualified and experienced instructors in an informal classroom atmosphere that encourages participation.

Lamaze/Childbirth Education Classes
Our lamaze/childbirth education classes prepare expectant parents for the labor and birth process. Our instructors provide information on pregnancy; breathing, and relaxation techniques; the labor and birth process; and infant care. The full series includes a tour of our Childbirth Center. Both weekly and weekend sessions are available throughout the year.

We also offer a Refresher program for those parents who have already participated in childbirth classes. This single, three hour session provides a review in childbirth techniques.

Mercer Health also offers education opportunities for those planning a Cesarean Birth (C-Section) or Vaginal Birth After C-Section (VBAC) delivery. This program gives expecting parents the chance to explore VBAC vs. C-Section. Such topics as complications, pain control, the role of the coach, anesthesia choices, care after the operation, and many other issues are discussed so women may discuss these with their physician.

Big Brother/Big Sister program
The joy and anticipation of a new child coming into the family is shared with other siblings in the Big Brother/Big Sister program. This 1.5 hour presentation is designed for children 3 years old and older who will be getting a new brother or sister. In addition to helping them ease their anxieties, Mercer Health provides information to them about diapering, bottle feeding, safety and other important areas to help them feel like special big brothers/big sisters.

Breastfeeding Preparation Program
Breastfeeding is strongly encouraged during our special 2.5 hour Breastfeeding Preparation Program that is offered free to those who are planning to use this option of feeding their new baby. Topics covered include preparation, positioning, diet, potential problems and treatments, pumping, weaning, and other helpful hints.

Mom/Baby Care Program
Our mom/baby care program focuses on proper care for the baby and the mom after the delivery. Topics discussed during this one time 2 hour program include breast and bottle feeding; proper bathing techniques; pain control; c-section and episiotomy care; and safety precautions for mother and baby. Parents planning to adopt a baby are also invited to attend as well as grandparents.

Our Maternal Care Center
Our maternal care center provides guidance for expecting mothers concerning proper care. The Center works in cooperation with area physicians to ensure proper care of the mother and the growing baby within.

Cesarean Section is the recommended method for delivery. Depending on the type of anesthesia used, the mother may remain awake and alert to fully participate in the baby's arrival. The support person may be with the mother during the birth.

Our Center also provides general anesthesia in the event of an emergency. In this situation, the support person waits nearby and is immediately available after the delivery.

Many women experience vaginal births (VBAC) following a previous Cesarean Birth. Mothers expecting another baby after a previous C-Section delivery are encouraged to discuss this option with their doctor prior to delivery.

Programs After Birth

Helping the mother with her new son/daughter doesn't end after the baby is born. The Mercer Health Birthing Center offers a wide range of education and
support programs. We provide ongoing education, baby care demonstrations,
self-care choices, rest, and time for the mother and the rest of the family to get acquainted with their new addition.

If a mother chooses to breast feed, she
may wish to receive guidance and
assistance from our staff. Our Lactation Consultant and/or Trained Support Specialists can visit the mother during their stay to provide guidance, answer questions, and give assistance to help the mother achieve a successful experience.

Infant Massage Training
Proven to aid in the development of newborns. The Mercer Health Center has certified Infant Massage Instructors who can teach the mother techniques that will help soothe the child and assist in the early development of your child's life.

Parents Stay Program
Our Parents Stay Program is unique in this area. This is available to parents whose baby remains hospitalized after the mother is discharged. This program allows the parents to remain in a room at Birthing Center so that they can be with the child the entire time. Mercer Health Birthing Center provides meals, a bed and a shower at a low cost.

NOTE: This is NOT covered by insurance and is subject to room availability.

Postpartum Follow Up Program
Within one week after discharge, both mom & baby are invited and encouraged to return to the Birthing Center for a complete Nursing Assessment. The Postpartum Follow Up Program includes a physical examination along with a review of mom and baby care. This session also provides answers to questions mothers typically have about their new baby. Each session is held on a personal, one on one basis. No other program in this area offers a more thorough follow up.

Welcome Home program
This program provides a free visit by a registered nurse to the mother's home to aid in improving the health of young children and families. A member of our staff will visit any new mother who requests this. We provide education, resources and referrals, if necessary. This free visit is also available during pregnancy if there is a need and we are notified.

Pictures of the new son/daughter are taken shortly after the birth. A variety of picture packages are offered. The mother receives a brochure outlining options for purchase before they are discharged. Even if pictures are not purchased the complimentary gown which the baby wears for the picture is kept for the baby.

Thanks to arrangements by local and national companies, new mothers receive a bag full of baby items such as mother magazines, coupons, discount offers, and samples of baby items. The mother also receives a news release form to help share the good news with friends, and family that can be sent to any newspaper. For more information about the Mercer Health Birthing Center, call (419) 678-5670.

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