Having a Baby at Northern Light Mercy Hospital

At Northern Light Mercy, our cesarean section rate is well below Maine’s average. However, whether due to your needs or your baby’s, you may require a c-section. Some reasons for a planned c-section include if your baby is in breech position (bottom or feet-first), if you have placenta previa (when the placenta is low in the uterus), or if you’ve had a cesarean section in the past. The decision for a c-section is one that is made between you and your provider.

If you require a c-section, you’ll be given a date for your delivery either at an office visit or by receiving a phone call from a triage nurse. Prior to your c-section, you’ll have a preoperative visit, where you’ll go over what to expect and be given special supplies to prevent infection.

Having a baby is a special experience, and you may want to share it with your loved ones. At Northern Light Mercy Birthplace, you can have two visitors in the room at any given time. There is no limit to the number of visitors you have each day. Anyone under 18 will only be allowed in your room with an adult visitor. For the safety of you and your baby, everyone older than 2 will be required to wear a mask. Additionally, all visitors will be screened upon arrival for COVID-19 symptoms. Please note that covid requirements and visitation policies are subject to change.

Once you’re admitted into the labor and delivery unit, you’ll be connected to machines that will monitor your baby’s heart rate and contractions. We have portable monitors available for continuous fetal monitoring. If you wish — and you don’t have any medical issues your provider is concerned about — you may walk around or enjoy your in-room jacuzzi. If you decide to use pain medication for your delivery, you’ll be in bed once you receive your epidural or intrathecal injection.

You will be assigned a dedicated nurse, whose job is to make sure you are comfortable and have everything you need as you prepare for your baby’s arrival.

If your labor and delivery experience is uncomplicated, you’ll go home between 24 to 48 hours after delivery. The exact timeframe is often determined by your insurance company. Please confirm with your insurance provider the length of hospital coverage before you deliver.

If you do experience complications, you may require a longer stay. If this occurs, your healthcare provider will discuss this with you at that time.

After your baby is born, they will stay in the room with you — however, there is a nursery if they need any treatments (like an IV) that can’t be done right in your room.