Parenting is both a rewarding and challenging lifelong experience. At SEARHC, we are dedicated to creating a safe, supportive and joyful experience for both mother and baby during every step of the pregnancy and delivery journey. Our compassionate team prioritizes your health, comfort and well-being, ensuring personalized care and working to create a smooth transition for your growing family.
Prenatal Care
Our board-certified providers have completed the most stringent obstetrics training programs and meet the highest standards of care. This allows our team to provide the most advanced services, including for high-risk pregnancies. Prenatal care is also supported by a certified nurse midwife (Juneau only). Our team strives to ensure that every patient, whether low or high risk, has a satisfying and reassuring experience during their pregnancy.
For a typical pregnancy, expectant mothers will see their board-certified provider for monthly visits until 28 weeks, bi-weekly visits through 36 weeks, and weekly visits until delivery. Laboratory and ultrasound services (including non-stress test, biophysical profile) are provided throughout your pregnancy. Pregnancies deemed high-risk might have a different visit schedule.
We appreciate that every pregnancy is unique. That’s why we work closely with you to honor your preferences and create a personalized care plan that meets your needs. Our goal is to make your experience positive, safe and focused on what truly matters—welcoming your baby into the world.
We provide comprehensive prenatal care to all patients—coordinating with specialized facilities when necessary to ensure the best outcomes for mother and baby.
Prenatal Services
- Amniocentesis (Juneau & Sitka)
- Cephalic version (turning a baby from a breech position to a head-down position) when appropriate.
- Cervical Cerclage (Juneau only)
- Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (limited services, offered in Juneau only, throughout pregnancy, during labor and postpartum)
Labor & Delivery
Delivering a baby in Southeast Alaska can involve unique geographic challenges. We recognize that for many expectant families, this can mean relocating from their home community for multiple weeks before and after delivery. SEARHC offers Labor & Delivery care in both Juneau and Sitka, including:
- OB Triage
- Vaginal Delivery
- Cesarian Delivery (C-section)
- 24-hour OB anesthesia, including Epidural
Our family practice providers and obstetricians rotate call so you will be delivered by a provider from SEARHC. However, each location’s care delivery models are unique.
Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center (Sitka)
When you choose to deliver your baby at Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center, you can expect personalized, culturally-sensitive care tailored to your needs. With flameless candles, wireless monitoring, whirlpool tubs, tens units (muscle stimulator) and birthing balls, we strive to create a relaxing, calm environment for your birthing experience. We provide Child Birth Education classes, hospital tours and individual care experiences. We encourage early discussions about your birth plan to ensure your preferences are understood and respected.
Our board-certified team of obstetricians provides 24/7 on-call coverage for anesthesia and cesarean delivery (C-section), as well as consultation for high-risk patients or operative deliveries when needed. Board-certified physicians are available for the emergency care of newborns needing special attention. MEMC is also recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Baby-Friendly Hospital.
Our team of highly trained and experienced staff will do everything possible to make your child and family feel safe and comfortable. Our top priority for each patient is a safe and healthy delivery.
Patient housing is available in Sitka upon request for those who need to travel for Labor & Delivery services.
More about Labor & Delivery at Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center.
SEARHC Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinic (Juneau)
Providers at SEARHC Obstetrics & Gynecology, Juneau offer care to patients throughout their pregnancy, including delivery at Bartlett Regional Hospital (BRH). Our team of experts provide an initial obstetrics (OB) intake phone call with an experienced registered nurse (RN) followed by an initial OB visit typically at about eight weeks.
Through our partnership with BRH, we coordinate with anesthesiology for epidural/pain relief during labor and perform scheduled and emergent c-sections. Our on-call providers are also available after hours for emergencies and admission to BRH as appropriate.
Beyond Southeast, we coordinate with hospitals in Seattle and Anchorage as necessary to medevac/transfer to a higher level of care.
Important Beneficiary Consideration
Patients with benefits through Indian Health Service (IHS) should consider having their delivery at Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center in Sitka to receive full coverage. IHS benefits do not include planned delivery or newborn care at BRH.
Alternatively, patients may opt to travel to Sitka for prenatal appointments throughout their entire pregnancy.
Financial counseling is offered to better ensure patients are informed to make the most appropriate choice for their financial situation.
Postnatal Care
After delivery, we prioritize bonding between parents and newborns encouraging skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding immediately after birth. This special time, often referred to as the “Golden Hour” encourages mom and baby bonding, while also helping baby with temperature regulation, stabilizing blood sugar, and latching when breastfeeding. It also helps reduce post-partum bleeding, increase milk supply, and decrease risk of post-partum depression. Most procedures and assessments are completed at the bedside, allowing parents to participate in the care of their baby. SEARHC also encourages 24-hour rooming in with newborns.
With our trained team of experts ready to support new mothers in recognizing breastfeeding queues, positioning and latching, we are committed to giving mothers the information, confidence and skills necessary to be successful. If the new mother chooses not to or is unable to breastfeed, support will be given to encourage bonding while feeding their baby.
Related Resources
- Women, Infants and Children (WIC): Offering nutrition education and support for women, infants, and children who are eligible.
- WISEWOMAN Women’s Health: Supporting women in a healthy balance of mind, body and spirit and offering free screenings and resources for eligible women.
- Women’s Health: Providing support at every stage of life – whether you’re focused on maintaining your overall well-being or seeking more specialized care including family planning or navigating pregnancy.