Pregnancy and Baby at St. Vincent Healthcare

Pregnancy can be an exciting—and anxious—nine months. You may wonder, “Am I doing everything I can to prepare for this baby?”

From routine prenatal care to high-risk pregnancies

Chances are you’re doing everything you can to keep you and your little one healthy. Although, most pregnancies and birth experiences go smoothly, if complications come up, our medical team and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are equipped to handle even the littlest of patients.

We are delighted to share in the special time of your life.  We have all you need to help you become prepared for what most describe as their biggest challenge and reward.

Preparing for pregnancy

When you decide you’re ready to start a family, give your body—and your future baby—a healthy advantage. We will give you a check-up, share tips for preparing for pregnancy and talk to you about potential risk factors.

See the preconception checklist.

During pregnancy

If you’re unsure about what to expect during pregnancy, labor and delivery, or when you bring baby home, sign up for one of our childbirth or parenting classes.

Learn more about our pregnancy and baby classes.

Labor and delivery

It’s time to meet your baby! Before you get to the hospital, complete the online pre-registration, and we’ll fast-track your check-in.

Do you want an epidural? What about using a birthing ball or soaking tub to ease your labor pain? You have those options here. 

After your baby is born

When you choose SCL Health, you get hospitals that have Baby-Friendly designations or follow Baby-Friendly practices.

This means when your little one arrives, we’ll encourage you to bond skin-to-skin, breastfeed and keep your baby with you in the room.

Once you’re home, you’ll have access to lactation consultants if you run into any breastfeeding challenges.

Read about care after delivery.

Get the right care at the right time

“Boy or girl?”

If you’re like us, “It doesn’t matter as long as it’s healthy.” Even if problems arise over the course of your pregnancy, you can count on St. Vincent Healthcare to give you and your baby the care you both need.

Explore our services and treatments.

Who will care for me during my pregnancy?

Our healthcare providers can support you no matter if you want a low-intervention birth, a traditional birth or need additional care for a high-risk pregnancy. Your team may include:

  • Certified nurse-midwives
  • Family medicine doctors
  • OB-GYNs
  • Maternal-fetal medicine specialists

What kind of rooms are available?

Take a tour of our mother and newborn unit. We have 12 beautiful and private birthing suites and two specially-designed operating rooms for cesarean sections, if necessary.

Register for a tour by calling 406-237-3348.

What if my baby needs specialized care after birth?

We were the first Level III NICU in Billings. If your baby is born prematurely or needs a little help after birth, he or she can receive the high-quality care right here at home, including:

  • Advanced imaging such as CT, MRI and echocardiography
  • Breathing monitoring
  • Heart monitoring
  • Pediatric surgery and other subspecialties
  • Ventilators, oxygen and IV therapy

When your little one is in the NICU, it can be a little overwhelming. A family support specialist with the March of Dimes can help make your stay a little more comfortable with scrapbooking sessions and a “parent hour” that includes an evening meal, education and other activities.

Children who graduate from the St. Vincent Healthcare NICU and meet certain criteria are contacted about taking part in the High-Risk Follow-Up Clinic program. This program helps with any needs they may have as they develop.

Learn what to expect in a NICU.

What if I need emergency transportation?

In the event that the unexpected happens during your pregnancy and you or your baby needs urgent medical attention, St. Vincent Healthcare’s HELP Flight can get you and your baby to the hospital via helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft.

HELP Flight serves:

  • Eastern to Mid-central Montana
  • Northern Montana
  • Northern Wyoming
  • Western North Dakota

Our specialized OB transport nurses will care for you and any pregnancy complications until you’re transported to St. Vincent for continued support.

Breastfeeding support

At St. Vincent Healthcare, nearly 90% percent of our new moms plan to breastfeed their babies with the majority choosing to nurse exclusively. No matter how you choose to feed your baby, our goal is to support you and make sure your baby is healthy.

Breastfeeding can be challenging—especially for first-time moms. If you choose to breastfeed, consider taking a breastfeeding class.

During your stay, our breastfeeding experts can help you understand your baby’s feeding cues, share information on good nutrition and teach you how to tell if your baby is being adequately fed.

Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding.

Classes and events

Becoming a parent comes with some physical and emotional adjustments.

You can find a class to help you through each stage in the journey, from “Getting Ready For Baby” to your baby’s first breath to the first weeks at home.

Sign up for a class

Your baby’s first photo shoot

Bella Baby Photography offers a complimentary photo shoot right in the comfort of your room.

A professional photographer will photograph your baby and post the photos online for you to view shortly after your session. The slide show will be available for 14 days after the photos are taken.

View your baby's first portrait photos at the Bella Baby website. Viewing and ordering is password-protected and only available to those with whom you choose to share your unique password.

Tips for a great photo shoot:

  • Babies look beautiful when being held in their parents' arms or cuddled in one of their baby blankets.
  • We love to include parents' hands in the photos. Wear clear or neutral polish on the day of your shoot.
  • Bring a solid black, brown or gray shirt to wear in the photos. These colors look great in color and black-and-white prints.
  • Friends and family are welcome to watch the photo shoot.

Take a Virtual Tour

St. Vincent Healthcare has been welcoming babies into the world for generations. We welcome you to virtually tour our Labor & Delivery and Mother Newborn unit.

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