Our expert team of doctors, certified nurse midwives and registered nurses
will work with you to create the birth experience you want along with
best clinical practices and current research. We offer 24/7 on-site pediatric
hospitalists and nursery support, and 24/7 on-site anesthesiology care
for labor pain management. We hope you choose Butler for your very special delivery!
Butler Memorial Hospital has gained national attention and recognition
3 years in a row by Newsweek as a "Top 100 Maternity Hospital"
in the United States.
To arrange a tour of the OB department at Butler Memorial Hospital, please call
724-284-4334.
Services for New Parents
Long known for a commitment to high standards and quality, BMH's comprehensive
maternity program features:
Baby Safe Haven Law
It can be difficult and scary to plan for a baby. Circumstances beyond
our control may make it impossible to care for a newborn. Out of fear
or shame, some mothers abandon their baby hours after birth. Safe Haven
gives parents an option that is safe for their child, legal and confidential.
Through Safe Haven, parents who feel they cannot take care of their newborn
may place it in the care of any hospital in the state of Pennsylvania
without the fear of criminal prosecution as long as the baby has not been
harmed. Butler Memorial Hospital Emergency Department is a Safe Haven
site. Newborns up to 28 days old can be left with any hospital staff member
and no information from the parents is needed. No questions will be asked.
A doctor will examine the baby and provide any medical care needed. The
local county children and youth agency will then take custody of the baby
to help find him or her a loving family. This is a legal, confidential
way to relinquish care of your child to a safe organization and give them
a brighter future.
Butler Memorial Hospital Emergency Department and the Clarion Hospital
Emergency Departments are Safe Haven sites
There are many reasons to breastfeed. Remember that feeding your baby is
a learned skill. It happens easily for some women, but others it can be
frustrating and uncomfortable. We are here to help! We offer in-person
Breastfeeding Education classes at
Butler and
Clarion, click your preferred location to learn more.
Couplet Care
The staff at Butler Memorial Hospital is privileged to share in one of
the happiest moments of your lifetime. We focus on your family and provide
a mother/baby couplet care model, which the mother and baby remain together
for the hospital stay. We understand some mothers prefer to get some much
needed sleep at night and therefore support any mother that requests to
send her newborn to the nursery at night. The nursing staff will review
the newborn care and self - care for the mother during your stay. We want
you to be comfortable and confident in caring for your newborn.
Hospital Amenities
At Butler Memorial Hospital we offer numerous amenities for our patients
and their visitors to utilize including Austin's Play Room, Cummings Coffee,
free Wi-Fi and more! Visit our
Patients & Visitors page for a full list of amenities.
Hug Me from the Start - Skin to Skin
Skin to skin, also referred to as "The Magical Hour", is a way
of holding a newborn directly on mom's chest immediately after birth.
The first few minutes after birth are a magical time for bonding with
baby. Research has shown that what happens during the first 60 minutes
of a baby’s life can maximize the bonding between mother and child.
That uninterrupted contact between mother and baby during the “magical
hour” is critical to the child’s growth and development.
Learn more.
Safe Sleep
Despite sleeping 16 hours out of the day, it’s highly unlikely your
newborn will have the same circadian rhythm you do. Infants have no concept
of night and day. They fall asleep and wakeup whenever their body demands.
You can help the child understand that night is for sleeping by limiting
stimulating action with them in the dark and creating a bedtime routine
that signals time for sleep. For the baby’s safety, always place
them on their back to sleep. Be vigilant if they need feeding or changing,
as these needs should be addressed.
Learn more.
Postpartum Adjustment
The birth of a baby is an exciting time for new parents. However, new mothers
often go through periods of both physical and emotional change. Even though
you have prepared for your baby’s arrival, caring for an infant
can be hard work. Many women experience some unexpected “highs”
and “lows.” New mothers are surprised at the energy it takes
to care for their new baby and many may begin to feel anxious, frustrated,
uncertain or overwhelmed. During this adjustment, support from family
and friends can be very helpful.
Click here to view the Postpartum Adjustment brochure.
Postpartum Suites
Following delivery, your birth partner is able to stay in the same room
with you during your stay. The birth partner will also be provided their own bed.
Prenatal Education
BHS offers a variety of classes for expecting parents, new parents and
even grandparents. We know that expecting a child can be a wonderful time
for any family and we want to help you be prepared.
Rest assured, we have a security system and policies in place to keep you
and your baby safe. Your baby will only receive care by individuals wearing
special identification. We will review these practices after your delivery.
Shaken Baby
Babies are challenging, particularly colicky babies, and even caring parents
can lose their cool sometimes. In fits of frustration, some parents have
unwittingly shaken their baby and severely injured them. Never forget
that it is unsafe to shake a baby. An infant’s head is much bigger
than their neck, and the muscles are weak, making it easy to create a
whiplash effect. Shaken baby syndrome could cause brain damage, blindness,
or even death. If you have a baby with colic, of find yourself getting
frustrated, give yourself a break. Try counting to 10 or calling a friend-whatever
it takes to stay calm.
Learn more.
SIDS Prevention
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is an unexpected, and so far unexplained,
death of a child aged under 1 year. Thankfully, there are many ways to
reduce the risk of this tragedy. You may have heard that putting an infant
to sleep on their stomach is the safest way for them to rest, but there
is no evidence to support this claim. Studies have shown infants sleeping
on their stomach have a higher chance of suffering SIDS than babies who
sleep on their backs. Breastfeeding is shown to reduce risks, as is keeping
up with the child’s shots and immunization. Do not use anything
that claims to reduce SIDS unless a doctor explicitly recommends it. Most
importantly, make sure whoever cares for your baby knows to have them
sleep on their back and knows the emergency contact information.
Learn more.
Visitor Policies
During labor you may have up to
two visitors. When it's time to deliver, your two designated visitors will
remain in the room with you. The rest of your visitors can wait in a nearby
waiting room.
After delivery to protect all babies, anyone who is not feeling well is not permitted
to visit. All visitors must wash their hands before touching your baby.
Only siblings of the newbors are permitted to visit. Children under the
age of 12 are not permitted to visit (siblings only).
Wellbe - Online Education
Your care team will develop the online program to provide you with the
necessary information you need to know for your delivery at Butler Memorial
Hospital. At
28 weeks, your care team will enroll you, or call us and we will help you get started.
Learn More.
24-hour Epidural Coverage
An anesthesiologist is always on duty to provide an epidural to ease your
labor pains.
24/7 Pediatric Hospitalist
Hospitalists are American Board of Pediatrics Certified physicians who
specialize in caring for hospitalized pediatric and nursery patients.
Learn more.
Click here to learn more about the BHS Maternity unit.
Time for your annual gynecology check-up or mammogram screening?
Click here to visit our OB/GYN page.
Obstetrics and GynecologyView Profile
BHS Foundation