Caring for Your Baby

CMMC Birthing Center Helps New Moms with Baby Care

Whether you choose to breastfeed or formula-feed your baby, our nurses are here to help you, as needed. First-time mothers may need a few tips in adjusting to their newborn's needs.

If you have decided to breastfeed, it may be helpful to take a class, which CMMC offers.

Certified Lactation Consultants

All of our lactation consultants are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultants. They are available for consultation prior to your delivery, during your stay and after you go home. The lactation consultants work closely with the nurses in labor delivery and in the NICU to ensure a positive breastfeeding experience for you and your baby. Breastfeeding classes are also offered.

Tests and Procedures

Maine laws require that newborns are tested for health and hearing conditions. With newborns, these tests are critical as infants may not display obvious symptoms at birth. Doctors are screening for rare but serious health issues that may impede development or be fatal. Hearing tests are important because speaking and language skills are dependent upon a child's ability to hear well.

For information on circumcision, Hepatitis B and vaccinations, click here.

Infant Security

CMMC takes many precautions when it comes to the safety of your newborn. Our unit is locked, and we issue identification bracelets to you and your baby. We check the bracelets every time your baby is moved. Standard procedures also include taking the baby's footprint shortly after he or she is born.

We also encourage our mothers and family members to be alert; please note that our staff wears photo ID badges, which you should check. Use common sense at all times –- never leave your baby alone, or with a stranger.

Birth Certificates

After your baby is born, you will be given a document to fill out. Your baby's birth certificate will then be sent to your city or town office within five weeks.

If you need to fill out paternity papers, both parents must sign the paternity form in front of a notary public. You may get the papers notarized at the Family Birth Center.

Also, you may complete a birth announcement form to share the news of your baby's birth with your local newspaper. CMMC volunteers will bring the birth announcement forms to you.