During pregnancy, we give families as much information as necessary to make informed choices. We discuss options for birth to help prepare women for the kind of birth experience they want. We realize that women and their families enter pregnancy with different goals and dreams for their baby's birth and we try to support those ideas, even if they are different from what we would choose for ourselves. One example is pain management, where we support the full range of safe options from natural, unmedicated births to those with epidural anesthesia, based on the woman's needs and wishes.

At each prenatal visit, there are topics to discuss, such as nutrition, lab work and your expectations for the birth. These appointments are very important and are your opportunity to have your questions answered. We welcome your questions and have scheduled time in each visit for that purpose. This is also the time for us to get to know you and your family. We welcome your partner and children.


We visit you in the hospital each day from delivery until discharge which is usually 1 or 2 days after a normal birth.  We see you in our office at 2 and 6 weeks after discharge, with time to discuss your emotional and physical adjustments to your new role, breastfeeding issues and birth control options.


Changes in our relationships, our bodies and our day-to-day lives affect our plans for birth control. Women now have the ability to meet their contraceptive needs with a wide variety of birth control options that fit their changing lifestyles.

To make informed choices about birth control:

1. Know your own family-planning goals
2. Know the options available with regard to general health and any medical conditions you may have
3. Know your method and how it fits in your life
4. Know how your method works, the side effects and what health risks are associated with its use

We are able to provide or prescribe all the current birth control methods and help you make the choice that is right for you.


The BABIES Clinic is a free service of Silverton Hospital and is staffed with Certified Lactation Nurses who can answer your questions both before and after your baby's birth and assist you with breastfeeding. You can reach them at 503-873-1668.

The Lactation Nurses also teach a breastfeeding preparation class at the hospital. It is offered on the second Thursday of each moth. You can register by calling the BABIES Clinic.

While we believe there are significant benefits to breastfeeding, we believe it is an individual choice. We want you to be as informed as possible in making your decision. We also want you to be successful so we want you to know there is excellent help available, if needed.