Your Unique Birthing Experience
Natural C-Section
For women who choose the route of a planned cesarean delivery (C-section), a "natural" C-section is routinely offered at Northwest Health - Porter.
In a "natural" C-section, the newborn is placed on the mother's chest immediately after the birth, instead of being whisked away to a warming table to be cleaned and checked. This promotes mother-infant bonding and can lead to better breastfeeding outcomes.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), breastfeeding is recommended to be initiated in the first hour of life and is one of the most effective preventive health measures for infants and mothers. Breastfeeding in the first hour of life allows the infant to immediately receive the benefits of colostrum, the first breast milk, which is rich in nutrients and helps provide protection against infection and disease.
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)
If you've previously given birth via cesarean delivery (C-section), you may not be limited to that for future births. Many women who had a C-section can be candidates for having a vaginal birth with future pregnancies (VBAC). If there are no additional risk factors, a vaginal delivery after may actually be encouraged despite experience with previous cesarean births.
VBAC may be suggested for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Lower risk of surgical issues or complications
- Shorter recovery time
- More involvement in the birth plan
Not all pregnant women may be candidates for VBAC. It's important to discuss these factors with an OB/GYN to make the decision that will be safest for both mom and baby.
You may be a candidate for VBAC if:
- You have had less than two previous low-transverse C-sections.
- You have no history of uterine surgery or ruptures.
- Your baby is of average size and your pelvis is large enough to deliver vaginally.
- The hospital at which you plan to deliver has the equipment and ability to perform an immediate, emergency cesarean delivery if necessary.
Speak to your OB/GYN to see if a vaginal birth after C-section is the right choice for you.
Cord Blood Donation
Northwest Health - Porter has partnered with Life Line Stem Cell to provide expectant parents the opportunity to improve the quality of life for others through cord blood donation. Parents are given the option to donate their baby's umbilical cord blood, umbilical cord and placenta after the infant's birth for transplantation and research at no cost to them. The tissues are sent to a processing company for cell extraction and registered with the national donor database, Be the Match.
These non-embryonic stem cells are able to help enhance the lives of those affected by illnesses such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, sickle cell anemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma, Crohn's disease, lupus, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries and eye injuries.
Room Service/Dining
Northwest Health - Porter is pleased to offer At Your Request room service dining for our patients and guests from 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Our room service dining program allows you to select meals from a menu designed to be appropriate for a wide variety of diet restrictions. Once you have made your selection, just dial extension 6368. Your meal will be delivered to your room in approximately 45 minutes.
We continue to offer meals to support people. When you call for a tray, let them know you are adding a guest tray.
Security - For Your Peace of Mind
Immediately after your child is born, two identification bands with matching numbers will be placed on your baby. Another band carrying the same identification number will be placed around your wrist. A fourth band may be placed on a person you designate. All bands will remain on while you and your baby are patients here. The fifth piece of identification is the number on the umbilical cord clamp which matches the other four bands.
Each time your baby is brought to your room or held by the person you designate, your baby's nurse will verbally verify your names and identification number. You, as well as the person you designate, will be asked to repeat that identification number.
The maternity care unit doors remain locked - and the unit is only accessible to family and friends of patients. Visitors may enter the facility by using the intercom system inside the main door to the unit and stating the name of the patient they wish to see. This provides the best possible protection for our patients and infants.
Each infant is secured with a security tag to track and monitor your baby's proximity to exit doors and an alarm will sound when a restricted area is breached.