Pullman Regional Hospital

BIRTHPLACE

Voted one of America's Best Hospitals in Obstetrics.

BirthPlace Classes

We have you covered with affordable classes to help you and your family get ready for baby.

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New Arrivals

We help bring over 400 babies a year into this world. Thank you for sharing your miracles with us.

Hello World

Virtual Tour

Watch our online tour of the BirthPlace to get a feel for what your birthing experience will be like.

Take the Tour

Providing an award-winning experience

About the BirthPlace

Welcome to the Pullman Regional Hospital BirthPlace! Our goal is to make your birthing experience as pleasant and comfortable as possible. It is important that you feel informed and supported in all of your birthing decisions, and that you know you can count on us for follow up care long after you are discharged. We will always be here to answer your questions and provide you with accurate, reliable information.

When you begin your new family at our BirthPlace, you become a part of our family too.

 

COVID-19 Updates:

With the presence of the current pandemic you may be experiencing a new level of concern as you get closer to delivery. Be assured that Pullman Regional Hospital is committed to maintaining the safest birthing experience possible.  Many of the things that set us apart remain unchanged, but in an effort to protect our families from exposure to COVID-19 we have implemented several precautions.  While we have not had any COVID positive patients in the hospital as of 6/3/20, we are taking the following precautions:

  • Universal masking
  • Screening all who enter the hospital. Employees screen prior to coming to work.
  • BirthPlace visitors are limited: two designated support people who will be required to stay in the room with you.  If the support person(s) leaves the hospital after admission, they will not be allowed to return.
  • COVID testing on all scheduled cesarean sections and patients with symptoms.
  • Labor, delivery, and post-partum isolation room away from BirthPlace
  • Limited access to food services; patients are encouraged to bring their own snacks.  Meal trays are provided for the designated visitor(s)

We are here to support you and your family.

 

Take the Virtual Tour

Click on the video below for a virtual tour of our BirthPlace, with information about what your birthing suite will look like,  the amenities available, visiting areas, and more.

 

 

Our Birthing Suites

Our goal is to keep mom, baby and guests as comfortable as possible during this exciting time. Your birthing suite will do just that. All of our suites are equipped with whirlpool tubs and showers for use before and after your baby is born, along with baby bathing sinks so your family can participate in baby's first bath. Rooms also have microwaves and refrigerators, TV's, a table and chairs, a desk, free WiFi, and a comfortable couch that pulls out into a double bed for your partner. For a more home-like feeling, all of our emergency equipment is hidden behind closed doors.

 

Extra Touches

  • Family-centered recovery for planned C-sections
  • Overhead chimes announcing the birth of your baby throughout the hospital
  • A complimentary Halo sleep sack to take home
  • Board Certified Lactation Consultants and specially-trained nurses to help you achieve breastfeeding goals
  • Family suites designed for you and your family with a pull-out bed for a guest
  • Handmade baby hats knitted and donated by hospital Auxiliary members and volunteers
  • Footprints for the baby’s book and a beaded baby name bracelet
  • Baby’s picture on the website, with emailing options for family and friends
  • After a safe delivery, we invite you to indulge in a complimentary gourmet celebratory meal. 

 

Classes for Pregnancy & Childbirth

Due to COVID-19, only Childbirth 101 and Weekend Childbirth Classes will take place in June. No more than 5 couples will be allowed per class. Thank you for understanding.

If you are planning to breastfeed or you have questions about breastfeeding, this is the class for you.  You will have the opportunity to meet other expectant moms, learn about breastfeeding, and gain confidence. The class will last about two hours with instruction from Carol Owings, IBCLC.  Some of the topics covered include prenatal and postnatal breast changes, things that can affect the success of breastfeeding, how to prevent engorgement and other complications of breastfeeding, what to expect the first few days of life and the periods following, and techniques for good positioning of baby at the breast. The $15 registration of this class includes a breastfeeding educational book. We also offer a Breastfeeding Support Group that the hospital hosts twice a month. 

Register for Prenatal Breastfeeding Class

This six-week course is designed to prepare you and your partner for the physical and emotional aspects of labor and birth. Relaxation, massage, breathing techniques, the progression of normal labor and birth, tough labors, cesarean birth, breastfeeding, and newborn care are addressed. The $75 fee per couple includes a text book. *There is a minimum of 3 couples per class required. Subject to adequate enrollment.

Register for Childbirth 101

This is a condensed version of the Childbirth 101 Course from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. The fee is $75 per couple. 

Register for Weekend Childbirth Workshop

Infant Massage is natural approach to infant wellbeing. It improves parenting skills, deepens bonding, and strengthens family communication through touch. Gentle movements and massage strokes will improve baby sleep patterns, help digestion and also give you confidence in parenting. This once a week, hour-long class is $45, meets for four weeks, and provides infant massage instruction, bonding & communication skills through touch, relaxation techniques for infants & parents, a supportive network for parents, and a certificate of participation upon successful completion. You will need to bring a blanket, pillow or baby boppy. Massage oil and course materials will be provided. 

Register for Infant Massage Class

Join us for some mothering time during our Breastfeeding Support Group.  Research shows that continued breastfeeding support is crucial for helping moms meet their breastfeeding goals.  Bring yourself, your baby, and your questions and we will discuss, troubleshoot, and provide information in a warm, fun, friendly environment with a lactation consultant and other new parents. The class will be offered every other Monday, rotating with the Prenatal Breastfeeding group. This Group is facilitated by Laura Keogh, IBCLC and there is no charge or fee to attend and no registration required. To view the schedule of available Breastfeeding Support Group meetings, please visit our calendar of events.

 

Pregnancy & Ready for Baby Planning

Schedule your "Ready for Baby" and Car Seat Appointments

All mothers are invited to set up a visit at the BirthPlace when they are between 32 to 36 weeks pregnant. This “Ready for Baby” visit is designed as an opportunity for you to fill out the pre-registration paperwork, receive any desired education about mother and baby care, and ask questions or discuss concerns with the BirthPlace staff members. Schedule your appointment by calling the BirthPlace at (509) 336-7401. Feel free to have your partner join you. Please be sure to bring your insurance information if you have not received services at our hospital before.

Our car seat technician will help you get your car seat correctly and safely installed in your car.  Call the BirthPlace at (509) 336-7401 to schedule your appointment, offered on Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. 

 

Important Information and Resources

 

Financial Planning

Here’s a breakdown of the typical cost of having your baby. Please note these estimates do not include charges for labor induction or complications. Obstetrical estimates are effective December 2019. Please contact your obstetric provider for questions about their fees. 

$3,960 (Mom) + $1,285 (Baby) = $5,245

$6,670 (Mom) + $2,055 (Baby) = $8,725

$13,575

$225. Some insurance plans cover part or all of the charges of a circumcision and others do not pay anything for circumcisions. In that case, you would be responsible for the hospital charge and whatever your baby's doctor charges to perform the procedure. Be sure to contact your insurance company prior to giving birth to be sure.

 

Sleep, Exercise, & Nutrition During Pregnancy

As your pregnancy progresses, you may find it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Here are some ways to get better sleep during your pregnancy, and don't forget to read 5 Tips to Catch More Zzz's During Pregnancy.

  • Relax and unwind before bed
  • Stay hydrated during the day
  • Put your phone away 
  • Get plenty of exercise during the day
  • Establish a consistent evening routine

The first trimester of your pregnancy is a good time to start an exercise plan if you don't already have one. Exercising regularly helps reduce your risk of problems that may arise later in pregnancy, along with additional benefits like boosting your mood, improving sleep, and gaining strength to combat back pain during labor and delivery. Check out some easy, low-cost exercise options you can do at home.

There are certain foods you should avoid during pregnancy, foods you should try to consume for often, and often times foods you don't normally enjoy that you suddenly crave. It is important to eat a well-balanced diet with a variety of foods from all five food groups, including fruit, vegetables, protein, grains, and dairy, as these foods provide key nutrients of concern for expecting mothers. Here are three easy healthy recipes that are safe for pregnancy.

Additionally, you will need to avoid certain foods that are more susceptible to food-borne illnesses when you become pregnant, including certain seafood, raw eggs, soft cheeses, raw meat, and deli meats. More information on this can be found in this blog post about things to avoid when pregnant.

 

Prenatal Massage Therapy

Your body goes through many changes when you are pregnancy, some of which are tougher to endure than others. If you are suffering from muscle aches, joint swelling, or persistent hormonal headaches, prenatal massage therapy may be able to help while also helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Prenatal massage is similar to normal massage therapy, with a few modifications to protect you and your baby, such as laying on your side to give the massage therapist access to your back muscles. Additionally, prenatal massage therapists receive a specialized license and certification specific to prenatal massage before practicing this type of therapy.


 

New Baby Care

Breastfeeding 

Here are some breastfeeding basics. For more information on what you need to know about breastfeeding, check out our comprehensive blog post on the basics of breastfeeding.

  • Feed on cue 8-12 or more times in 24 hours, waking baby if necessary
  • Skin to skin with baby promotes breastfeeding
  • Consider burping between sides
  • Babies who are breastfed do not need additional food, formula, or water for the first 6 months of life unless medically indicated
  • For concerns contact the lactation nurse at BirthPlace 509-336-7401

 

Formula Feeding

  • Wash your hands and all equipment.
  • Follow directions exactly when mixing formula.
  • Alternate the arm in which baby is held in order to help promote equal eye development. Paced-bottle feeding is recommended. 
  • Discard unused portion after feeding.
  • Sterilization of bottles/nipples is unnecessary if using chlorinated water or a dishwasher
  • Formula is only safe 1 hour at room temperature.

 

Safe Sleep Practices

We are committed to proactively promoting the best safe sleep practices and educating you about infant sleep safety. We are a Gold Safe Sleep Champion; the highest designation from the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program. Click here for important information about Safe Sleep Practices from Pullman Regional Hospital and the Northwest Infant Survival and SIDS Alliance.

 

Jaundice, Skin Care, & Cord Care

Gently press your finger on your baby’s skin in natural light and look for a yellow color. If your baby is jaundiced from face to thighs, if the whites of the eyes are yellow, or if the baby is very sleepy and not eating well, call your doctor. To help the jaundice resolve faster, make sure you are feeding frequently, as the bilirubin is excreted mostly in feces.

Dryness and peeling is normal for the first two weeks of your baby’s life. If cracking is present, apply Vaseline or A&D ointment to the cracking areas. Baby powder and baby oil are not recommended. Powder may enter the lungs and cause irritation and infection. Baby oil may block pores. Diaper ointments such as Vaseline, A&D ointment, and Desitin are fine.

At 2-3 days old, your baby may appear to be covered with tiny mosquito bites. The is a normal rash and there is no need for treatment. At approximately 2-4 weeks, your baby’s face may become covered with small red pimples. This is infant acne and there is no need for treatment.

The bathe your baby, start with the head. Clean each eye from the inner to outer corner with a different portion of the washcloth. Work in a downward direction for the rest of the body.

Always keep the cord dry at the base after bathing. You do not need to use alcohol for cleaning. The cord typically dries and falls off within the first two weeks after birth.

 

Temperature

The normal temperature range for a baby is 98-99 degrees (F). A rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees (F) is a fever, and your baby should be seen by a doctor. A rectal temperature is more accurate than other methods. To do this, use water-soluble jelly (K-Y) before placing the thermometer into the rectum. Gently insert ½ to ¾ inch, and hold in place until the thermometer beeps.

 

Crying

Healthy babies can cry a lot in their first five months of life. Find out more information about what amount of crying is normal and the Period of PURPLE crying.

 

Newborn Hearing

Prior to discharge our staff will conduct a hearing screening on your baby. The following links provide information about the process of screening and experiences of some families.

 

When to Call for Medical Help

  • Problems with breathing, including blue lips, struggling to breathe, indentations in the chest with breaths (not hiccups).
  • Change in baby’s behavior, floppy and difficult to awaken, or unusually fussy or irritable
  • Baby jaundiced to thighs, sleepy, and not eating
  • Rectal temperature is too high or too low despite unwrapping or dressing more warmly
  • Problems with cord or circumcision
  • Something “doesn’t seem right” or you are worries about your baby’s health or behavior
 

New Mother Care

Breast Care for Nursing & Non-Nursing Mothers

To avoid engorgement, wear a tight bra (sports bras work well), and avoid any breast stimulation (especially hot shower water pounding on breasts) for week one.

  • Avoid soap to keep your nipples from drying and cracking.
  • Wear a well-fitted, supportive bra for comfort, if desired.
  • After nursing, express colostrum or breast milk, and run into nipples and air dry.
  • Use moist wound healing techniques for damaged nipple skin such as a modified lanolin cream.
  • Check your breasts frequently for swelling, lumps, or warmth, which are early signs of breast infections. Report these symptoms to your doctor.
 

Emotional Adjustments

It is normal to be unusually emotional during the first 1-2 weeks after your baby is born. This is known as “baby blues”.  If the "baby blues" last more than a couple weeks and you feel very sad, hopeless, or depressed, you may have post-partum depression and you should seek help from your doctor or a counselor. 

 

Nutrition 

Breastfeeding moms need approximately 500 more calories per day. Diets containing less than 1800 calories are associated with decreased milk supply. Eat a healthy, balanced diet from all food groups: a minimum of 3 cups milk, 2 ½ cups vegetables, 2 cups fruit, 6 ounces grain foods, 6 ounces protein foods and a small amount of fat. If you feel that your baby is bothered by a certain food, stop eating the food for at least 3 days and see if it helps. If so, try the food again when your baby is older. For fluid intake, drink approximately 12 cups of caffeine-free drinks per day. (Caffeine may keep your baby awake.) Drink enough to keep from being thirsty and to keep your urine pale and not strong smelling.

 

Vitamins & Medications

Continue to take a prenatal vitamin and mineral supplement. Avoid any medications, including over-the-counter medicine, unless approved by your doctor. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, non-aspirin) or ibuprofen (Motrin) may be taken if needed. Do not drive if taking prescription pain medications. 

 

Exercise & Rest

It is okay to increase your activity daily as you can tolerate. Make sure to listen to your body and progress at a comfortable rate. Walking is best but avoid strenuous activity and lifting over 15 pounds until you are cleared by your doctor. If you have questions or concerns regarding diastasis (separation of the abdominal muscles), pelvic ring pain, incontinence issues, or regaining abdominal and pelvic floor strength, please visit our Pelvic Health Team at Summit Therapy.

Rest frequently and nap when the baby naps, if possible. Avoid tampons and sexual intercourse until cleared by your doctor, and only when it is physically comfortable to do so. Talk with your doctor about prevention of pregnancy, as you could become pregnant the first time you have intercourse after delivery.

 

More Information and Care Instructions

You should have a bowel movement by 2-3 days after the delivery of your baby. Make sure you are eating a high-fiber diet, drinking 3-4 quarts of fluid each day, and getting some exercise. Use stool softeners as directed by your doctor.

Tucks (witch hazel) pads may be soothing for hemorrhoids.

Many people suffer from pelvic health disorders such as pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and more; however, it is especially common in post-partum women. Pelvic physical therapy is a specific type of physical therapy used to improve or restore pelvic floor muscle function, decrease pain, and improve bowel and bladder control and function. Click here to read more on what you should know about post-partum pelvic health.

Use a squirt bottle each time you use the toilet until your perineal pain is gone and bleeding has stopped. Fill it with warm water and spray it over your bottom from front to back. Pat dry gently from front to back to keep germs from the rectum away from your vagina, and to avoid irritating any stitches. Tucks (witch hazel compresses), warm compresses, or sitz baths in a very clean tub may be used several times a day to decrease discomfort. Look at your stitches daily using a hand mirror, and make sure the edges are together, and there is no redness or discharge. If they are separating or you have intense, persistent pain from them, call your doctor. The stitches will dissolve by 2-3 weeks and do not need to be removed.

Your bleeding will remain bright red for the first 2-3 days, then turn a watery pinkish color for another 2-3 days and will decrease in amount. By the end of the first week, the discharge is usually brownish-white and will last up to 6 weeks.Your flow should never have a foul odor. Flow will increase with activity, but if you notice bright red bleeding after the first few days, clots larger than a quarter, or you’re soaking a pad more than every 2 hours after the second day, you should lie down. Check the firmness of your uterus—it should be firm as a coconut and be shrinking by about one finger width per day. If heavy bleeding persists for more than 1-2 hours, call your doctor. Uterine cramping is normal, especially after your second, third, and subsequent deliveries, or with nursing. Ibuprofen or Tylenol will usually control the pain.

 

When to Call for Medical Help

  • Temperature over 100.5 degrees (°F).
  • Tender or painful breasts with warm, red areas.
  • Painful area (hot, swollen, or red) in calf or thigh.
  • Pain and burning on urination, or inability to urinate.
  • Heavy bleeding (more than 1 pad soaked every 1-2 hours or passing clots larger than a quarter.)
  • Bad smell to lochia (vaginal bleeding).
  • Vaginal discharge with pain or itching.
  • Increasing tenderness or pain in lower abdomen.
  • Intense vaginal or pelvic pain.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! You may watch our online tour here, or schedule an in-person tour by calling (509) 336-7401.

We generally encourage moms to come to the hospital when they're having painful contractions every five minutes, each lasting about 60 seconds. If you're able to easily ignore your contractions and you can walk and talk normally throughout them, it's probably not time to come yet. There are some exceptions, though. If you are group B strep positive, you need to talk to your doctor about when he or she wants you to come to the hospital.

We also want you to come in immediately if:

  • Contractions start but you’re planning on having a C-Section
  • Your water breaks
  • You have bright red vaginal bleeding (as opposed to mucousy pink or brown vaginal discharge or “show”)
  • You were more than 3 centimeters dilated at your last doctor visit and are having contractions
  • You have a history or having very fast labors
  • Your baby isn’t moving as much as usual

When you arrive at BirthPlace, we provide everything you and your baby need until it’s time to go home. All you really need to bring are a going home outfit for you and your baby, along with a car seat and blanket to cover baby with. We encourage you to bring any items that will make your stay more comfortable and add to the cozy, home-like atmosphere of your desire. For more information on what to pack in your hospital bag, read 5 Items Every New Parent Should Pack in your Hospital Bag.

Patients can order what they want, when they want it from our room service menu at no additional charge (food prices for room service are the same as prices in the Red Sage and no gratuity is added). For dads and visitors, the Red Sage Café in the hospital is open from 6:30 am to 7 pm. In addition, there is also a separate "Visitor" room service menu located in each room. Just as with mom, there is no additional charge for food ordered from this menu, however, payment for dad's or your visitors meals is expected at time of food delivery. We also have small refrigerators and microwave ovens in each patient room. You are welcome to bring food with you or have friends bring food to you. You're also welcome to order food from outside the hospital to be delivered to your room

We have an open policy on visitors in your room. Who you wish to visit and when is up to you and your partner. Our only restriction is that due to space limitations we ask that you have no more than five visitors present in the room at the time of birth. If you choose to limit visitors at any time during your stay, however, we will be glad to support you.

The exception to our open visitor policy concerns babies in the nursery. To allow us to provide the best quality care for our tiniest patients, only parents of a child staying in the nursery will be allowed entrance. To protect your baby's privacy, as well as that of all our patients, the nursery blinds will be closed and your visitors will be asked to remain in the day room or your room rather than entering the nurses' station to watch through the nursery windows.

You are welcome to record your hospital stay via photos, video, or audio recordings whenever there is not a medical procedure or care occurring. To avoid interruptions and to allow everyone's focus to be on the patient, we will request you to turn off cameras and recording equipment during your baby's birth. To share your announcement with your family and friends, we will take a photo of your baby and also one of your family if you choose and post it on our hospital website and provide a link for your friends and family to see.

Yes! At the BirthPlace, we strive to help families achieve their breastfeeding goals. Our lactation consultants are available to help get breastfeeding off to a great start and support your needs after discharge. If you are experiencing any difficulties breastfeeding, you can schedule a lactation appointment by calling (509) 336-7401. Click here to learn more about breastfeeding.

 

 

Contact the BirthPlace

For general questions and access to a 24/7 registered nurse: (509) 336-7401

 

BirthPlace Testimonials

"It's worth the drive for us from Lewiston. The facility is so nice and we like that labor, delivery, and recovery all happen in one room."
Brittany Babino
Lewiston

"Everyone I met was so friendly and caring. The pharmacist and anesthesiologist came in to check on me and the nurse helped me go through all my paperwork before I was discharged, which was really helpful. I felt very cared for."

Erin Jessup
Pullman
"No ball ever got dropped. They are all so wonderful and helpful. Having a new baby is not the easiest thing, but with the BirthPlace, it doesn't have to be harder."
Kimberly Lackey
Pullman
"The staff and anesthesiologists took the time to explain everything to us. We were really well prepared and everyone was so nice, from the kitchen staff to housekeeping. They helped make us so comfortable and our nurses are just exceptional!"
Carey Bandaranayaka
Pullman