Giving Thanks for the New PeaceHealth Nurse Midwifery Birth Center

The new PeaceHealth Nurse Midwifery Birth Center (Birth Center) turns one this week! On this occasion, the first anniversary of the 2010 grand opening, Lane County Friends of the Birth Center would like to thank and express deep appreciation to PeaceHealth, the Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation, donors, community leaders and families for making this new facility a reality.

Don’t forget to come to the Birth Center’s 1^st birthday cupcake party! 

RSVP here.  

Because of this shared leadership, collaboration and support, local families are continuing to enjoy the benefits of a more than 25-year local tradition of accessing midwifery care in a freestanding birth center. Since the 2010 grand opening and as of April 18, 120 babies have been born at the Birth Center! Even more babies and families have also enjoyed prenatal and postnatal support at the Birth Center. It’s been a great first year.

The Birth Center provides a compelling local example of cost-effective and excellent maternity, breastfeeding and well-woman services consistent with and frequently exceeding international maternal and infant standards for wellbeing. Women and families regularly describe this care as uniquely supportive and empowering.

Families also consistently highlight the Birth Center’s Baby-Friendly designated lactation services which include regular, drop-in access to lactation experts as well as peer support from other Birth Center families during the year following the births of their children. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a global program sponsored by WHO and UNICEF to promote, protect and support breastfeeding through the Ten Steps for Successful Breastfeeding; evidence-based practices that help mothers reach their breastfeeding goals. Read what Birth Center families have to say – read Friends’ recent breastfeeding survey here.

Friends’ appreciation for the new Nurse Midwifery Birth Center is deepened by the knowledge of Sacred Heart Medical Center’s plans to become a Baby Friendly-designated hospital (see page 10 of Cornerstone Spring 2011). As consumers, we know first-hand the critical importance of initiating infant feeding in an evidence-based model and are pleased to know that more Lane County families will enjoy the Baby Friendly standard of care. Thank you PeaceHealth and Sacred Heart Medical Center for making this commitment!

Please join us for a week-long Facebook birthday celebration beginning today. “Like” us at facebook.com/lanecofbc.