St. Peter's Hospital ~ Services

Family Obstetrics

The St. Peter’s Hospital Family Obstetrics Department staff believe that childbirth is one of life’s most important and natural events. Each person involved should be supportive of the family’s expectations, within the realm of safety, to assure that the birth experience is a positive one.

Based on this belief, St. Peter’s chooses to promote the concept of Family-Centered Care with respect and compassion.

The department’s nursing staff created the newly designed department with the focus on the family. The department has eight labor and delivery/recovery/postpartum/newborn (LDRPN) suites available, which provide each family the opportunity to labor, deliver, and greet their new family member(s) in a beautiful, homey, and comfortable setting.

Each suite features a birthing bed, which allows mom to transition from labor into the delivery phase without having to transfer to another room. Additionally, each suite offers a built in bed for a family member or other support person, a special area for the baby with a bassinet and sink for their bathing, and a private bathroom for mom including a jacuzzi tub. Each suite houses a TV and VCR that can be used for entertainment along with a host of educational programs via videotapes and satellite. All care to the healthy family following the delivery is accomplished in the same room.

Unfortunately, emergent situations can occur during the birthing process. Whether the emergency pertains to the mother or the baby, all immediately needed supportive equipment and supplies are available in the LDRPN suite, hidden behind whitewashed oak walls, easily accessible on all occasions.

A three-bed Intensive Care Nursery is also available on the Family Obstetrical Unit for any newborn who needs special medical care.

Families are encouraged to partake in their new baby’s care in order to facilitate the learning process of parenting. This is promoted by family’s being able to keep their new baby in their room day and night if desired. A separate nursery is available if needed.

The nursing staff of St. Peter’s Family Obstetrical Department has a combined average of over 13 years obstetrical experience. They are committed to supporting the new family both clinically and by providing needed education for the new unit. Fifteen of the 22 Registered Nurses are certified in the Obstetrical and or Neonatal specialty area. They work closely with Helena’s five obstetricians, two certified nurse midwives, and 14 family practice physicians, and five pediatricians in order to provide each family with a memorable and safe delivery experience.

For more information please contact
Deb Wetherelt at 444-2214 or
email: dwetherelt@stpetes.org