We encourage you to complete a MMC Birthplan to help us know what you feel is most important about your care.  You can get a birthplan from your doctor’s or midwife’s office. After you attend Childbirth Education classes, you will better understand the choices you will have in the Family Birth Center. Learn more about information on birthplans.

Choosing a Pediatrician

You will need to choose your baby’s pediatrician before you come to the hospital so the nurse can contact your doctor or provider so that he or she can come to the hospital to see your baby. Some providers do not come to the hospital. In this case, there are pediatricians at Maine Medical Center that will examine your baby and send the information to the provider you have selected.  

Both family medicine doctors and pediatricians care for newborns.  Family medicine doctors can care for both you and your baby.  Pediatricians care for children and teens.  Because your baby is so special, you will want to make your choice carefully.  Among other things, you should consider the doctor’s reputation and qualifications, your health insurance coverage, and how close the office is to your home or work. 

To find a physician that practices at Maine Medical Center, visit our Online Physician Directory where you can search by name or specialty.

Other Important Decisions:

Circumcision

If you are expecting a baby boy, you have an important decision to make before you take your son home: whether to circumcise him.  If you are not finding out the sex of your baby until he or she is born, you should also make this decision beforehand so that you are prepared if you do have a boy.

For some families, the choice is simple because it's based on cultural or religious beliefs. But for others, the right option isn't as clear-cut. This is why it important that you talk with your partner and with your obstetrician about the benefits and risks of circumcision before your baby is born.

Despite the possible benefits and risks, circumcision is neither essential nor detrimental to a boy's health. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) do not endorse the procedure as a way to prevent any of the medical conditions mentioned previously. The AAP also does not find sufficient evidence to medically recommend circumcision or argue against it.

Talk to your child's doctor about the pros and cons of circumcision to help you make the choice that's right for your son.

Hepatitis B Vaccination

You may decide to begin your baby on the hepatitis B cluster vaccination before he or she is discharged from the hospital.  Hepatitis B vaccine usually is given as a series of three injections. The first dose is given shortly after birth, the second shot is given at 1 to 4 months and the third at 6 to 18 months. For infants who don't receive the first shot until 4 to 8 weeks, the second shot is given at 3 to 4 months and the third at 6 to 18 months. In either case, the second and third shots are usually given in conjunction with other routine childhood immunizations. You should discuss starting your baby’s hepatitis B vaccine in the hospital with your baby’s care provider before he or she is born.