Welcome your baby in comfort

Welcome your new baby in comfort and surrounded by loving care at the Birthing Suites. We pride ourselves on giving mothers, their babies and families friendly, small-town attention with all the medical services you’d expect at a big city hospital. Your baby will usually be delivered by your family doctor, your baby will room with you, and we’ll make sure that your spouse and family members are comfortable, too! Our staff will respect your birth plan and welcome doula support throughout the birthing process.

For CMH patients, learn about CMH Coronavirus COVID-19 updates during pregnancy and delivery.

Birthing Suite amenities

You will most likely remain in the same Birthing Suite throughout your hospitalization. Each suite features:

• Private bath and whirlpool
• Views of river and woods
• Flat-screen TV with DVD
• Recliner
• Free Wi-Fi
• Refrigerator
• Microwave
• Transitional lighting

Quality medical expertise

Physicians. Your delivery will be assisted by our team of specially-trained physicians and staff—all supported by the latest medical technology, procedures, and medicines. The Birthing Suites are fully equipped and offer everything big-city hospitals brag about: top-notch professionals, up-to-date medical technology, 24-hour anesthesia services, and the most current pain medications. And it’s rare that your family doctor won’t deliver your baby.

• Obstetric family medicine doctors from CMH Raiter Family Clinic will happily follow your pregnancy from the first trimester to birth, and will then care for your baby as he or she grows over time.
• CMH Raiter Family Clinic doctors are Fellows in the American Academy of Family Practice.

CMH OB/GYN Nursing staff have received training and/or hold credentials in:

• Basic Life Support
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program
• Certified Lactation Counselor and Advanced Nurse Lactation Counselor
• Child Passenger Safety Technician
• Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics
• STABLE—a program for stabilizing newborns

If complications arise, take comfort in knowing you and your baby will receive the finest medical help available. Our advanced life support systems offer the highest standards of technology, and our nearby surgical unit provides an added measure of security.

• Cesarean birth. Our medical team is fully trained and equipped to handle Cesarean births, both planned and emergency deliveries.
• Epidurals available if needed.
• CMH staff is trained for transfer to NICU if necessary.
• Anesthesia services 24/7. Whenever you and your doctor might need them, anesthesia services are there for you, as well as certified, registered nurse anesthetists.
• Pain medications and pain management. Before the big day, we will teach you and your birthing partner about effective non-medical techniques for handling pain during labor. We’ll also provide you with detailed information about the variety of pain medications available during labor so you can make an informed choice when the time
• OB/GYN nursing staff is trained for emergency situations.
• Advanced life support systems offer the highest standards of technology.
• CMH surgical unit provides an added measure of security.

Breastfeeding support for new and expecting mothers

From pregnancy through delivery and beyond, our expert physicians and nurses offer families the breastfeeding support they need to thrive. This includes knowledge from Childbirth Education classes and information from prenatal visits.

Additional education and breastfeeding assistance are provided by CMH’s obstetric nurses shortly after delivery. Dr. Melissa Robey (MD, IBCLC) is available to troubleshoot any challenges that may arise for the duration of the mother’s hospital stay.

In need of postpartum support? Dr. Robey also provides outpatient lactation consultations and close follow-up to help families meet their breastfeeding goals. From the newborn period to weaning, new and expecting mothers can expect a comprehensive and reassuring experience.

Childbirth education

Make sure you’re completely prepared for your family’s big event. CMH offers convenient Childbirth Education sessions specifically designed for moms-to-be and their coaches with information about:

• When to come to the hospital
• The labor and birth processes
• Natural childbirth
• Labor complications
• C-sections
• Medication options during labor
• Epidurals
• Breastfeeding (CMH has a lactation counselor on staff)
• Postpartum and newborn care

Sessions are free for CMH patients, and include a handbook of the information covered in the session, a folder of additional resources, and a tour of the Birthing Center for you and a partner.

Would you like to schedule a Childbirth Education class? Sessions are available by appointment and tailored to participants’ learning needs. Contact our Obstetrics department at 218-391-8699 or obstetrics@cmhmn.org to schedule (or for more information).