Southern Maine Health Care
Southern Maine Health Care Birthing Suite

Family Birth Center at Southern Maine Health Care

Our family-centered approach provides a truly special birth experience. No matter what birthing path you choose, our experienced physicians and nursing staff are here to provide you with compassionate and individualized care. We offer an array of services and amenities designed to meet your health care needs and personal preferences.

  • Private, cottage-style rooms
  • In-room sleeping accommodations
  • Room service for you and your partner
  • 24-hour pain management
  • Whirlpools, massage and other comfort measures
  • Safe and secure “Hugs” infant protection system
  • Parking for expecting mothers

Support before your baby arrives

  • Prenatal Breastfeeding Appointment: Learn how to breastfeed your baby, what's normal and where to get help if needed. Please call 207-283-7335 to schedule your personal appointment with one of our certified lactation consultants.
  • Education: We offer childbirth, breastfeeding and infant safety education classes to help you and your family prepare for your new baby. For more information, please call 207-283-7350.

Support after your baby arrives

  • Breastfeeding Helpline: We encourage rooming-in with your baby to promote bonding and improve breastfeeding success. Certified lactation consultants are always available to support your goals. To learn more, please call our breastfeeding helpline at 207-283-7335.
  • 24-hour Nurse Helpline: Experienced nurses are available before and after your baby’s birth to answer your questions through our 24-hour nurse helpline at 207-283-7350.
  • Advanced Care: Should complications arise, your newborn will receive advanced care by expert neonatal nurses and physicians. If a higher level of care is needed, the Maine Medical Center Neonatal Transport team will ensure safe and fast transport to their Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Portland.

Contact Us

Please call us for more information regarding the SMHC Birthing Suite, educational classes, tours, or support.

The Birthing Suite at Southern Maine Health Care is recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program as a Bronze Safe Sleep Champion for our commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep. The cause of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is unknown, however there are things you can do to prevent it.

  • Have regular prenatal care during your pregnancy.
  • Avoid first and second hand smoke. Babies whose mothers smoke are 3 times as likely to die of SIDS, while those babies who are exposed to second hand smoke are twice as likely.
  • Breastfeed when possible.
  • Practice Safe Sleep Habits:
    • Keep baby on their back for both nighttime and naps.
    • Provide supervised tummy-time to promote neck strengthening.
    • Remove all bumpers, blankets, toys, stuffed animals from cribs and bassinets.
    • Use a firm infant approved mattress in the crib or bassinet.
    • Sleep your baby in a “sleep-sack” rather than wrapped in a blanket.
    • Keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult in a T-shirt, a hot room allows the baby to go into a much deeper sleep from which they may not wake.
    • Use of a pacifier once Breastfeeding is well established, 3-4 weeks is acceptable.
    • Avoid the use of a home monitor rather than checking on your baby regularly.

For more information Safe Sleep please contact us at 207-283-7350.

For more information on SIDS visit SafeSleepAcademy.org.

  • Your Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Calendar – A week by week guide of your baby’s development and your changing body.

Welcome to our birthing suite, where families begin. With this wish list we hope to help you make informed decisions for a joyful labor and birth experience.

Please follow the link below for a printable copy of SMHC's Birth Wishes list. We recommend that you read read through the options and discuss your wishes with your support person. Your physician can help you make more informed decisions. The knowledge you gain from reading, childbirth classes or discussion with others can help with informed choices and wishes. Feel free to add any information you feel would aid the staff here at Southern Maine Medical Center to assist you in your labor and birth process. Many of the choices put forth in this handout are routine at SMMC. Please know that your birth wishes should be flexible, and that changes can be made during your stay with us.

The birthing care was phenomenal

Jeff and Sasha Mayo of Sanford didn’t know what to expect when they were having their first baby. They discovered that the staff at SMHC’s Birthing Suite was “wonderful” and very welcoming to all members of the family. They felt like they were treated at home.