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Choosing your health care provider

In the early stages of your pregnancy, you need to choose a healthcare provider. Finding the right provider will take some time so we recommend finding one as soon as possible.

At Salem Health, our providers are committed to high quality health care that is right for you and your baby. OB/GYNs, midwives and family medicine providers may deliver babies at the Family Birth Center. Below is information about these types of providers.

Obstetrician gynecologist

An OB/GYN (short for obstetrician gynecologist) is an expert at women's health. After completing medical school, OB/GYNs also complete four years of specialty training — known as a residency. Our OB/GYNs provide care to patients throughout their lifetime, including during pregnancy and childbirth.

Salem Health OB/GYNs practice all aspects of obstetrics and gynecology care, including family planning, pregnancy (including high risk pregnancies) and prenatal care, childbirth, surgery, and treatment of diseases and disorders of the reproductive system.

Certified nurse midwife

Our certified nurse-midwives provide high-quality prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care for all patients and current parents giving birth at Salem Health Family Birth Center. Throughout your adolescence, childbearing years and beyond, they provide you with safe, holistic care. Whether it is advice about family planning, pregnancy or your health – our midwives have the experience you need.

Salem Health midwives are skilled at tailoring care for your needs. They support patients in labor – from natural childbirth to those who choose an epidural. They also care for patients who plan a repeat cesarean delivery; and are able to help during surgery.

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A team prepared for high-risk pregnancies

We have health care specialists, such as genetic counselors and maternal fetal medicine physicians available for patients with medical or surgical complications, which contribute to high-risk pregnancies. In the event your baby needs extra care after delivery, you can trust the care we provide at our level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Our NICU has a team of experts, including neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, registered nurses, and occupational therapists to care for your baby.

Health care specialists

While you're in the Family Birth Center, you will encounter other health care specialists. Below are some of the types of specialists you may receive care from.

Registered nurses

Salem Hospital provides the gold standard of care as a Baby Friendly Hospital. Our nurses have specialized training to meet each family's needs. We follow the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.

Lactation consultant

Our lactation consultants are registered nurses who are also international board certified lactation consultants. To support mothers in providing the best nutrition for their newborns, Salem Health offers a variety of breastfeeding and lactation services to patients during their stay and non-patients in the community.

Pediatric Hospitalists

Pediatric Hospitalists are physicians with specialized training in the care of children, from birth to 18 years of age. The Pediatric Hospitals team is available 24 hours a day providing safe, evidence-based care to our patients and their families. They work in collaboration with the pediatric offices in our community to provide a seamless transition from the hospital to your pediatrician's office. The Pediatric Hospitalists also provide consultative services to community pediatricians in the hospital and in the Emergency Department.

OB Hospitalists

OB Hospitalists are Board Certified OB/GYNs who work in partnership with the Family Birth Center. If you don't have your own OB provider, or if your OB provider is not available when you go into labor, our hospitalists are here 24 hours a day to step-in and make sure you receive the safe, professional care you expect. We consider it a privilege to care for you and thank you for choosing Salem Hospital.

Not a Salem Health patient?

Contact your health insurance provider first. They should be able to send you a list of providers who will be a good fit for you and will be covered by your insurance. Nearly all insurance plans are accepted by Salem Health, so you have a good chance of finding a provider.

If you are a patient of an integrated health system, such as Kaiser Permanente, please know that you will likely need to choose a provider from that system. Many providers from these systems, who practice in Marion and Polk counties, often have privileges to deliver babies at Salem Hospital and/or West Valley Hospital. Contact your health insurance provider for more information.