Mahaska Health is one of only 18 Iowa hospitals to receive the Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Blue Distinction® Center+ for Maternity Care designation under the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.
The Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program evaluates hospitals on quality measures for vaginal and cesarean delivery. Since 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality specialty care in the areas of bariatric surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, maternity care, knee and hip replacements, spine surgery and transplants, while encouraging health care professionals to improve the care they deliver. Research shows that, compared to other hospitals, those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients.
For more information about the program and for a complete listing of the designated facilities, please visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction
Dedicated to helping your family grow.
Of all the services offered at Mahaska Health, our new Birthing Center brings us the most joy. We’re here to support you, your baby, and your family with our care and expertise, so the birth of your little one will be a moment you can enjoy and cherish! This means that we work closely with you to ensure your loved ones are welcome to share in your miracle.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions. We would love to hear from you!
Birthing Center
We are committed to enhancing your experience by offering comfort and top of the line. You will receive personal care and:
- A spacious, private, birthing suites (which can accommodate overnight guests and visitors) featuring private bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, refrigerators, and specially designed baby baths
- Free Prenatal, birthing, and breastfeeding classes
- On-demand room service that allows you to choose from our extensive Mahaska Health Café menu
- We endeavor to help you follow your birth plan as closely as possible
- A Celebration Dinner- Before you leave the Birthing Center, we treat you and your partner or guest to a Celebration Dinner from a special gourmet menu. It’s our way of saying “thank you” for choosing the Mahaska Health Birthing Center.
Other amenities include:
- Expanded cable television
- Apple TV
- Wireless internet for use with your personal electronic devices
Items you may want to bring:
- Clothes for mom and baby to go home in. Don’t forget a blanket for baby and loose-fitting or maternity clothing for mom
- Socks, slippers
- Toiletries
- Reading material
- Nursing bra, if you are planning to breastfeed
- Contact information for friends and family
- Infant car seat
- Baby book
- Personal laptop or other electronic devices for use with wireless internet and Apple TV
We supply the following:
- Gown
- Robe
- Shampoo
- Underwear
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Comb
- Sanitary napkins
Please feel free to bring any of your own items for your comfort and personal needs.
If you are able, please call the Birthing Center at 641.672.3170. If you do not receive an answer, wait for the operator to pick up or dial 641.672.3100.
When you arrive at the hospital:
- Use the emergency entrance (entrance #5) and check in at the Emergency Services Registration window.
Anyone, whether you’re delivering at Mahaska Health or not, is welcome to attend as many prenatal classes as they wish, free of charge. It’s just one of the ways we hope to help you and your partner feel more confident and comfortable as you embark on this new beginning.
To register or for more information, please email birthingclasses@mahaskahealth.org or contact the Birthing Center at 641.672.3170.
• Birthing Class
Participants learn prenatal care, labor, delivery, postpartum and baby care. Includes a tour of our new Birthing Center! Classes meet for two evenings from 5:30 to 8:00pm.
2020 Class Dates:
January 7 & 14
April 7 & 14
July 7 & 14
October 6 & 13
• Breastfeeding Class
Taught by Mahaska Health’s Board Certified Lactation Counselor, this class is a must for anyone considering breastfeeding. Tips and techniques for breastfeeding are reviewed as well as how to prevent, recognize and manage possible difficulties. Classes are held on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
2020 Class Dates:
March 10
June 9
September 8
December 8
• Additional Classes Upon Request
We recognize that each family’s needs are different, therefore, we offer classes on request in addition to our regular classes. Additional classes include Sibling Class and a Lamaze Refresher Course. All classes are available on the Mahaska Health campus. These classes are offered at various times throughout the year. To register or for more information, please email birthingclasses@mahaskahealth.org with your contact information, the classes you wish to attend, and a nurse will contact you.
• Lactation Consultation and Perfect Beginnings Support
At the Mahaska Health Birthing Center, our goal is to support you through your delivery and recovery, during your stay and after you return home.
To help you transition into parenthood seamlessly, we offer the Perfect Beginnings program, an optional program that provides parents with helpful information during the crucial first weeks of your baby’s life.
Perfect Beginnings starts before you even leave the birthing center. All of our nurses are breastfeeding educators, and if you choose to breastfeed, we have Board Certified Lactation Counselors who can visit with you during your stay. When you are discharged from the hospital, you have the option of a Perfect Beginnings Registered Nurse coming to your home to provide ongoing support as needed.
During the first home visit by an RN, the nurse will provide a brief assessment of the mother and baby, including a weight check for the infant. The nurse will also cover numerous educational topics such as nutritional/feeding issues, infant/child safety, SIDS education on proper sleep positioning and environmental factors, newborn care and address any questions parents may have.
Through Lactation Consultation during your hospital stay and after discharge, as well as the Perfect Beginnings program, we strive to provide support and comforting peace of mind. If you have questions or experience difficulty with breastfeeding, the Birthing Center nurses are in-house 24/7 and would be happy to assist you.
Location
The Birthing Center is best accessed through entrance #4.