Family Birth Center
The Family Birth Center at Providence St. Mary Medical Center provides the comforts of home in a modern medical facility. We provide complete care throughout pregnancy, childbirth and beyond.
We know that babies seldom arrive on schedule, which is why our expert doctors, nurses and specialists staff our medical facilities and birthing suites 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our surgical suites and special care nursery are available to provide high-level care as needed.
Every year we welcome hundreds of newborns. We love caring for moms, babies and families during this exciting time. You’ll find these and other services here:
- Classes and support groups
- Comprehensive pregnancy care
- Follow-up health care services for mother and baby
- In-room newborn health care and support
- Intermediate care nursery
- Lactation consultation and support
- Pediatrician-guided well-baby care
- Pregnancy and childbirth education and counseling
- Ultrasound
- Vaginal and cesarean deliveries
We’ll take the best possible care of you and your baby. During and after delivery, doctors monitor your infant’s health and tend to any concerns. We won’t take your baby to the nursery unless you ask us to, and we’ll bathe your baby in your room. Parents, grandparents and siblings are welcome to help.
A few days after you go home, you’ll have a free postpartum visit with a nurse to answer any questions and make sure you and baby are doing well.
Certified lactation consultants are at hand during your hospital stay and at home, with follow-up appointments on request.
Your doctor and specialists work together to take the best possible care of you and your child throughout pregnancy, childbirth and beyond.
Your team may include these experts and others as needed:
- Anesthesiologists
- Family practice doctors
- Lactation consultants
- Obstetrician-gynecologists
- Pediatricians
- Registered nurses
Care Before, During and After Birth
We provide expert care and helpful resources for you, your baby and your family before, during and after birth.
Certified lactation consultants are available during your hospital stay and for follow-up support at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
View current visitation guidelines for Providence St. Mary Medical Center.
Non-pharmacological options, IV medication and access to anesthesiologist services for epidurals are available 24/7.
Enter through the east entrance (main hospital entrance next to the emergency department) between 7 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. on weekends. After hours, enter through the emergency department to the left of the main entrance. Parking is accessible from Poplar Street or 5th Avenue.
You should expect to stay 48 hours after a healthy vaginal delivery or c-section. Your stay may be extended if you or your infant require additional nursing or medical support/care.
Everything you need for your labor, delivery and post-partum stay will be provided for you by the Family Birth Center. To make your stay more comfortable, we suggest bringing your own personal toiletries, towel, and some favorite snacks. You may leave your infant's car seat in the car until the day of discharge.
Your infant car seat should be installed and safety-checked by a nationally certified car seat technician in advance of your delivery. To make an appointment with a certified car seat technician, contact the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health.
In-room meal service is available to both patients and guests. Your support person/visitors may order from the room service menu via cash or credit card payment. (Patient meals do not require payment.)
Yes! All RNs in Family Birth Center are trained in lactation education and support and are available to assist those mothers who wish to breastfeed their babies. In addition, a certified lactation consultant is staffed on the unit Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm and will check on you and your baby after your delivery. Lactation consultants are also available by appointment. To schedule, call Family Birth Center at 509-897-2380.