The birth of your baby is a special milestone and the start of an exciting new chapter for your family. At Saint Alphonsus, we are honored to be part of your journey. Our goal is to provide safe, high-quality care and support throughout your pregnancy, labor, delivery, and recovery.
Prenatal Care
During your pregnancy, you will have regular prenatal appointments to monitor your health and your baby's growth. These visits are usually scheduled every four weeks at first and become more frequent during the last two months of pregnancy.
At your appointments, your care provider will:
- Check your weight and blood pressure
- Monitor your baby's growth and development
- Order routine lab tests early in pregnancy, including hepatitis and HIV screenings
- Test for gestational diabetes and Group B strep later in pregnancy
Your care team is available to answer any questions you may have about these tests or your pregnancy.
Labor Guidance
Preterm Labor
Preterm labor is labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help reduce contractions caused by dehydration.
Signs of Preterm Labor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Contractions every 10 minutes or more often
- Changes in vaginal discharge
- Pressure in your pelvis Pelvic pressure
- A dull ache in your lower back
- Cramps similar to menstrual cramps
- Stomach cramps with or without diarrhea
What to do
If you notice any of these symptoms:
- Stop what you are doing and lie down, preferably on your left side.
- Drink about 24 ounces of water within one hour.
- Take a warm bath.
- Call your healthcare provider.
When Labor Begins
It can be difficult to know exactly when labor starts. During your later prenatal visits, your provider may check your cervix and discuss signs that labor may be approaching.
Common signs of labor include:
- Regular, painful contractions
- Your water breaking
If either of these happens, go to the nearest Saint Alphonsus maternity center. If you are unsure whether you are in labor, call your provider or the Labor & Delivery unit for guidance.
After normal office hours, an on-call provider is available to answer questions. Your prenatal records will be available at the hospital. When in doubt, go to the hospital for evaluation.
Services and Amenities
Saint Alphonsus offers a variety of services to help make your birth experience comfortable and supportive, including:
- Birthing balls, heating pads, and relaxation techniques
- Doula-friendly hospitals
- Spacious birthing suites with beautiful views
- Jetted tubs and sofa beds for family members
- Family-centered recovery rooms
- Wireless monitoring during labor
- On-site obstetricians available 24/7 in Boise
- Lactation and breastfeeding support specialists
- Experienced OB/GYNs and Certified Nurse-Midwives
- Advanced Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in Boise and Nampa
- A celebratory meal after delivery
Important Phone Numbers
| Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center - Boise | |
| Find a Doctor | 208-367-DOCS |
| Labor & Delivery | 208-367-4660 |
| Postpartum | 208-367-4555 |
| Lactation Program | 208-367-4063 |
| Free Car Seat Checks | 208-367-3454 |
| Educational Classes & Support Programs | 208-367-3454 |
| Schedule a Tour | 208-367-3454 |
| Saint Alphonsus Birkeland Maternity Center - Nampa | |
| Find a Doctor | 208-367-DOCS |
| Labor & Delivery | 208-205-0300 |
| Postpartum | 208-205-0200 |
| Lactation Program | 208-205-0238 |
| Childbirth Education | 208-367-3454 |
| Free Car Seat Checks | 208-367-3454 |
| Educational Classes & Support Programs | 208-367-3454 |
| Schedule a Tour | 208-367-3454 |
| Saint Alphonsus Medical Center - Ontario, Oregon | |
| Find a Doctor | 208-367-DOCS |
| Labor & Delivery | 541-881-7310 |
| Postpartum | 541-881-7310 |
| Lactation Program | 541-881-7407 |
| Childbirth Education | 541-881-7310 |
Provider Ratings