Our team of physicians, midwives, nurses and educators work with families to support the birth experience in a safe, comfortable setting. Should you or your newborn need more advanced care, Maine Medical Center has access to consulting physicians in various specialties such as neonatology, cardiology, genetics, and nephrology. And for the occasional high-risk birth, we have the most advanced Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the state of Maine. After all, a miracle like childbirth should be delivered in the proper setting.
Nurses and Nursing Support Staff
The nurses taking care of you are experienced in caring for all types of patients. Your nurse will explain all procedure to you and make sure that you and your family understands all aspects of your care. You labor & delivery nurse will assist you through labor and the birth of your baby by showing you and your support person different comfort measures to use during labor. Your postpartum nurse will care for you and your baby after the birth. He or she will teach you and your family members what to expect postpartum and how to care for your baby after you go home.
The nurse may have a certified nursing assistant (CNA) working with her. The CNA performs basic bedside tasks for your comfort and care.
Attending & Resident Physicians
Maine Medical Center is a teaching hospital. We have resident doctors who are closely guided by attending physicians. A resident is a doctor who works at the hospital while being trained to be an obstetrician/gynecologist, pediatrician, or family practice physician. An attending physician has completed a residency (at least four years in their specialty) and may have done some additional training (a two or three year fellowship).
You may meet medical students during your stay also. They are here to learn about pregnancy and childbirth. They may do your physical examination and take your medical history.
Certified Lactation Consultants
We have a team of nurses who specialize in breastfeeding assistance. A lactation consultant can help with:
|
Choices for feeding your baby
Breastfeeding information
Breastfeeding nutrition advice before your baby is born
Nipple assessment
Make a feeding plan for your breastfeeding baby or babies |
Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialists
The Department of Nursing has two advanced practice mental health clinical nurse specialists. They can help with issues related to your birthing experience. They can help with:
|
Stress management during a long hospital stay
Postpartum anxiety or depression
Coping with the birth of an baby with special needs
Talking about past birth experiences
Pregnancy loss
Dealing with the stress of new parenthood |
Social Workers
Social workers can provide support and counseling to help you and your family with the hospital stay. They can help with:
|
Financial (money) help and information
Finding a place for family to stay
Support from other parents
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit tours
Referral to your community or home hospital resources
Planning for your discharge |
Discharge Planner
If you or your baby should have special health care concerns that need attention after you are discharged from the Family Birth Center, our Discharge Planners will work with you to be sure that you are connected with the services you need postpartum.
Other services available during your stay:
- Nutrition Support
- Massage Therapy
- Pastoral Care
- Physical Therapy