When it comes to deciding where to have your baby, it’s a big decision for the entire family. Is the right staff available for your needs? Is the location convenient? Does the hospital align with your desired birth plan? All of these questions and more can be answered by a family birth center, and for the mid-Willamette Valley community, Aumsville Medical Clinic, Part of Santiam Hospital is the premier destination for quality, specialized care. If you’re still deciding where to have your little ones, ask the following five questions before deciding on a family birth center.

5 Questions to Ask Before Selecting Family Birth Center

1. How Many People Can Be in the Room With Me?

Whether you want your partner, parent, or midwife in the room with you, make sure the birth center will permit their presence. Some have limits on the number of people who can stay in the room during labor.

2. Can My Newborn Stay With Me After the Birth?

It’s becoming more and more common for nurses to let babies stay with their mothers 24/7 after delivery, but that’s not always the case. If this is important to you, make sure your newborn won’t be whisked away for generic tests or washes.

3. What Consultants Are Available for New Moms?

If you plan to breastfeed or are simply nervous about adjusting to motherhood, it’s crucial to have consultants in the family birth center available to help. Having a little help post-birth will do wonders for you and your little one.

4. What Is the Staff-to-Patient Ratio?

All too often, there are not enough nurses available for the number of patients. Ask about the staff-to-patient ratio ahead of time so you know what to expect during delivery.

5. Do You Offer Any Family Accommodations?

In some cases, parents need to come in from out of town, or siblings of the newborn want to stay nearby after the birth. Does the center have any accommodations for these cases? Do delivery rooms have enough space for everyone to meet your newborn? Gathering answers to these questions will help you prepare early on.

If you’re searching for a family birth center in the mid-Willamette Valley area, set up a consultation today with Aumsville Medical Clinic. As part of Santiam Hospital, you can find everything from preventative care and diagnostic imaging to a women’s health clinic and family birth center. With a commitment to providing intimate and compassionate care, Aumsville Medical Clinic ensures every patient’s needs are met. To learn more, give them a call at (503) 769-2175 or visit their website for more information.