Family Birthing CenterFrequently Asked Questions

When should I register at the hospital?

Your physician’s office will notify you when it is time to come to the hospital for our Pre-Admit Class. You will receive a postcard to send to the hospital to register for the class.

How do I find out about available childbirth classes?

St. Charles contracts with Birthing and Beyond of Bend to provide Lamaze classes at St. Charles Bend and St. Charles Redmond. See Birthing and Beyond to find out more about childbirth education programs and to see a schedule of classes. For more information, please call 330-3931.

Will I have a private room?

All of our patients will have private rooms for their labor, delivery and recovery. Our rooms feature warm, soothing interiors and large windows to let in natural light.

Can my husband or partner stay the night? How about my children?

Our comfortable birthing suites provide room for one partner to spend the night. Healthy children may visit during regular visiting hours if accompanied by an adult.

What are the visiting hours at the Family Birthing Center?

Regular visiting hours for friends and relatives are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Family Birthing Center also has a designated rest period for new mothers from 1 to 3 p.m. Adults in a patient’s immediate family may visit anytime the patient wishes. Children may visit when they are healthy and accompanied by an adult.

Will my baby stay in my room?

Your baby will stay with you in your hospital room. We want mother and child to spend as much time as possible to help develop a strong bond.

How safe is my baby in the Family Birthing Center?

We provide the highest level of security to make sure your baby is safe. Doors are equipped with state-of-the-art cameras to monitor people both entering and exiting the birthing center.  Our safety procedures include making sure babies never left alone and regularly checking a mother's and infant's identification bands.

What about meals during my stay at the hospital?

St. Charles Bend offers 24-hour room service for our patients. We offer a full menu of meals and snacks that will be delivered to your room. This service is for our patients only. Families are welcome to dine in our cafeteria.

Can I have my birth videotaped?

For safety and legal reasons, St. Charles Health System can not permit the use of video cameras during childbirth in the delivery room or operating room. Still cameras are permitted.

How do I get my baby’s birth announcement published in the newspaper?

You will receive a form at our Pre-Admit Class to authorize St. Charles to release your birth information to local newspapers. You may choose to announce the birth in The Bulletin in Bend, the Redmond Spokesman, the Madras Pioneer or the Central Oregonian in Prineville.