Are you planning for a family, expecting a little one, or navigating the early years of parenthood? We're here to support you every step of the way! Join us for a special Women's Services Open House at Door County Medical Center on Wednesday, October 2, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM.

During the event, you can tour our Women's & Children's Center, explore our state-of-the-art amenities, and meet our compassionate, experienced team. Discover our wide range of services, from prenatal care to postpartum support, while enjoying light refreshments and the chance to win exciting door prizes.

Bringing a baby into this world is no easy feat: we are here to help!

Personalized Care in a Supportive Environment

DCMC's approach to healthcare is characterized by a low nurse-to-patient ratio, allowing for more personalized attention and care. This is particularly evident in our birthing center, where new parents receive dedicated support from our compassionate and skilled nursing staff.

"Our patients appreciate the level of personal care we provide," says Jessica Skinner, RN at DCMC. "As a patient at DCMC, the level of personal care blew me away. Instead of providing safe care, we offer personal care—teaching parents and their new babies how to become families."

DCMC's commitment to personalized care extends beyond discharge. Skinner explains, "Once a person leaves the hospital, one of the nurses from the unit they were in—often the nurse that took care of them—will call them within one or two days of discharge. This follow-up call provides a nice opportunity to reconnect and check in on the patient."

This proactive approach ensures that new parents feel supported and have access to the help they need during the critical postpartum period. "That phone call is significant in a postpartum unit because everything changes, hour by hour, with a newborn, especially when it's your first baby," Skinner explains. "It opens up a dialog between labor nurses and new parents that can last for years—something special that we get to do at DCMC."

Educational Classes for Expectant Parents

DCMC offers a variety of classes designed to support expectant parents and prepare them for the journey ahead. These classes are led by experienced professionals who provide valuable information and hands-on guidance. 

Prenatal Breastfeeding Class

Our Prenatal Breastfeeding Class, designed for expectant parents planning to breastfeed, is led by an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). The class covers:

• What to expect in the hospital and early postpartum days
• Positioning and comfort techniques
• Managing common breastfeeding challenges
• Breastmilk collection and storage
• Tips for continuing breastfeeding after returning to work

Prepared Childbirth Class

Our Prepared Childbirth Class is recommended for all expectant parents, ideally taken in the 6th to 8th month of pregnancy. This class provides a comprehensive overview of the childbirth process, including:

• Labor signs and stages
• Pain management techniques
• Relaxation and breathing techniques
• Positions for labor and pushing
• Medical interventions and cesarean sections
• Postpartum care

Welcome Baby Program

The Welcome Baby program, a collaborative initiative spearheaded & facilitated by Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin, provides free support to families with newborns. This program ensures that all families in Door County have access to essential resources and ongoing support, giving children the best possible start in life.

The Welcome Baby program offers a comprehensive resource folder in English and Spanish, covering local parenting resources, safe sleep practices, car seat safety, and immunizations. Every family is contacted by a Family Resource Specialist who provides personalized support, answers questions, offers home visits, and makes necessary referrals. A Spanish-speaking Family Resource Specialist is also available to ensure that Spanish-speaking families receive the same comprehensive support.

"The Welcome Baby program is an invaluable resource for our community," says Callie Krauel, MSW, LCSW, one of DCMC's representatives on the Door County Partnerships for Children and Families. "By providing essential information and support to new parents, we are helping to create a foundation for healthier, happier families."

Take advantage of the Women's Services Open House on October 2 to learn more about these programs and services! Meet our dedicated team, explore our facilities, and discover how we can support you through this incredible journey of parenthood. Click here for more information about Door County Medical Center's Women's Care.