Childbirth Center

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

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 Childbirth Center at Mercer County Community Hospital is a state-of-the-art facility that provides a homelike atmosphere for the mother, baby and family members.

According to Nurse Manager 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 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."

Our Childbirth 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.

Community Hospital 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.

Community Hospital 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 an average cost that is lower than any other hospital in the area.

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, Community Hospital 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.

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.

Community Hospital 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.

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 over who will be getting a new brother or sister. In addition to helping them ease their anxieties, Community Hospital provides information to them about diapering, bottle feeding, safety and other important areas to help them feel like special big brothers/big sisters.

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 by our Nurse Lactation Consultant and Breastfeeding Support Specialist include preparation, positioning, diet, potential problems and treatments, pumping, weaning, and other helpful hints.

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.

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/VBAC Options on occasion, 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 Community Hospital Childbirth 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.

Registered Nurses Perform Risk
Assessments on all newborns. If the baby
is determined to be at risk, options are discussed which include our Home Nursing Care Infant Hearing Screening.

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 has proven to aid in the development of newborns. Our Childbirth 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 the child.

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 our Center so that they can be with the child the entire time. Community Hospital provides meals, a bed and a shower at a low cost. NOTE: This is NOT covered by insurance and is subject to room availability.

Within one week after discharge, both mom & baby are invited and encouraged to return to our Childbirth 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.

We also offer interested new mothers our "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.

And Don't Forget The Gifts! Community Hospital adds to the celebration of birth by providing a number of free gifts.

We offer a free infant car seat to every newborn who is delivered here. Our staff is able to provide information to parents about making safe options when transporting their new loved one.

If the mother already has a car seat, a beautiful "Noah's Ark" baby
quilt is offered. Federal regulation requires that a baby MUST go
home in an approved infant car seat.

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 our Childbirth Center, call (419) 678-5670.

return to top