I’m a MaineHealth Waldo Hospital patient and my due date is before April 1. How will this change my birth plan?
If you give birth prior to April 1, no change is planned for your care. You may still give birth at MaineHealth Waldo Hospital.
I’m a MaineHealth Waldo Hospital patient and my due date is after April 1. Do I have to travel to Rockport for my prenatal/postnatal appointments, or can I continue to be seen in Belfast?
If you give birth after April 1, all of your pre- and postnatal appointments will continue to be held in our Belfast office. You will have the opportunity to meet the MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital physicians and midwives that will be joining our team in your care. The only changes in your plan are that you would deliver at MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital instead of MaineHealth Waldo Hospital and be attended by this larger team.
After April 1, what should I do if I am having an OB emergency and am not near MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital or another hospital with a birthing unit?
You should call 911 to be transported to a hospital with a birthing unit. EMS providers will transport you to the most appropriate facility as quickly and safely as possible.
Do I have the option to move all my appointments to the Rockport office now instead of waiting for delivery?
While we will continue to offer all pre- and postnatal appointments in our Belfast office, patients may choose the office that is most convenient for them for their pre- and postnatal care.
What if I want to deliver at a different hospital instead of MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital?
If you would prefer to give birth at a nearby hospital other than MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital, we will work with that local hospital and coordinate your care.
What services will continue in Belfast after April 1?
MaineHealth Obstetrics and Gynecology Belfast will continue to provide comprehensive pre- and postnatal care. This includes pre-natal consultations, antenatal testing, obstetrical ultrasounds and postnatal care. Other important offerings such as fertility services, lactation support, childbirth education classes and postpartum counseling will also continue. There will be no change in our gynecology program, including our gynecologic surgeries.
Will I have the opportunity to tour the Family Birth Center at MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital before I deliver?
Yes, patients are encouraged to schedule a pre-natal registration visit at around 32-36 weeks to tour the birthing unit. Call 207-301-8343 to request a tour. You can also view a virtual tour of the unit here.
Will I have the opportunity to meet providers from both practices before I deliver?
Yes. MaineHealth Waldo Hospital patients who would like to schedule an appointment with a provider in our Rockport office can do so by calling 207-301-8900. MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital patients who would like to schedule an appointment in our Belfast office can do so by calling 207-505-4332.
Will my MaineHealth Waldo Hospital provider be able to deliver my baby at MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital?
We rely on our pool of certified nurse midwives and obstetricians to cover deliveries on a rotating schedule. Because of this, we cannot guarantee that your regular provider will be on-call when you are ready to give birth. However, since all MaineHealth Waldo Hospital certified nurse midwives and obstetricians will now be in the call rotation at MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital, it is possible that your regular provider will be the one to deliver your baby when the time comes.
After April 1, if I don’t think I have time to drive to MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital, can I deliver at MaineHealth Waldo Hospital?
After April 1, all labor and delivery services will be provided at MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and these services will no longer be available in Belfast. Patients should not plan on delivering at MaineHealth Waldo Hospital. Please consider the time it will take to travel to MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital; if you are concerned that you cannot make it, please call 911 to be transported by EMS.
Why was the decision made to end labor and delivery services at MaineHealth Waldo Hospital?
Low birth volumes and persistent staffing challenges were both factors in the decision. Uniting labor and delivery services at MaineHealth Waldo Hospital and MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospitals will improve staffing options and open the door for expanded services in our communities.
Can MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital accommodate higher risk pregnancies?
Yes. Our Rockport birth center is able to accommodate higher risk births, including patients with gestational diabetes, hypertension disorders or twins. Additionally, we have a team of five pediatricians on staff at MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital who support the obstetrics team if there any concerns about the health of a baby at delivery.
What pediatric resources will be available after delivery at MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital?
We have a team of five pediatricians on staff at MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital to care for babies after delivery and manage health issues for newborns. A lactation consultant is also available daily to help support any infant feeding needs. Lactation support will continue to be available on the MaineHealth Waldo Campus as well.