Childbirth Center at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center

You can count on our childbirth team for medical expertise delivered with a compassionate, family-centered approach.

We use the TeamBirth program to make sure you’re part of all huddles about your care.

When you’re in labor, we use an interactive Labor Walk on the unit to help you find ways to get more comfortable and ease delivery. Learn more about the Labor Walk: 5 Ways movement can make delivering your baby easier.

While a brief visit by older siblings is fine, we ask that you please arrange childcare for siblings during your hospital stay. Children may not stay overnight in the hospital.

Before your baby is due:

• Take a virtual tour of our center.

• Pre-register about two months before your due date by calling 360-788-7724.
• Sign up for childbirth classes. We partner with Bellingham Technical College for this education. Find more information.
• You’ll want to bring a few items to the hospital. Download this list of what to pack.

When it’s time:

• Call 360-535-7159 to let us know you're on your way.
• If you are scheduled for a C-section or other medical procedure, plan to arrive at the scheduled time.
• If you are scheduled for an induction, our team will contact you to confirm arrival time.

While you’re in the hospital:

Lactation consultants are available every day of the week if you need extra help with breastfeeding. While you’re here, you will receive:

• Breastfeeding help at your bedside.
• Tips for solving common problems in the early weeks of breastfeeding.
• Information about breast pumping and storage as well as where to rent or buy pumps.

What others say about getting care here:

Newsweek, a well-known news magazine and media company, listed PeaceHealth St. Joseph among the nation’s best maternity hospitals in 2025. While this is an honor, we’re even more proud of what past patients say about their experience with us. Here are just a few:

• I have delivered 3 babies at this hospital and have had an excellent team and care each time! 10/10 hospital experience
• Someone was always there when I needed & I appreciate how great all the staff was personally & professionally.
• The staff and facility were amazing and I couldn't have wished for a better experience. We are so grateful for their care and compassion.
• I loved all the nurses. They were all so different but each was knowledgeable, caring and patient.

For pregnancy-related concerns in the late second or third trimester, you can get specialized emergency obstetrics care any time of the day or night in our OB ED.

We work closely with the Haggen Family Emergency and Trauma Center to address any emergent needs. Here’s what to know:

• An obstetric hospitalist is available 24/7 to manage all pregnancy and childbirth emergencies.
• You’ll be seen by an experienced specialty care team. After a thorough assessment, we will partner with you regarding your care and preferences.
• Our OBED is an emergency department so services are billed accordingly.

Your doctor may refer you to us for testing, blood draws, injections, infusions or newborn testing. Here's helpful information to plan your visit:

• Infusion appointments vary in length. You may want to bring a book, device or activity to help you pass the time during your treatment.
• We offer light snacks and drinks.
• If the appointment is for your child, our team will use gentle approaches and age-appropriate tools to help them feel comfortable.