At WVU Medicine, we know that nothing in life is more special than having a baby. The Birthing Center at Berkeley Medical Center is dedicated to making every step of the birthing process memorable and positive. Our Center is committed to continually meeting and exceeding strict quality standards of care for maternal, fetal and newborn health.
About our Center
The Birthing Center at Berkeley Medical Center has earned the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission with an advanced certification in Perinatal Care. We are proud to be the only hospital in West Virginia, and one of only 62 facilities nationwide, to have achieved this certification.
Berkeley Medical Center is one of two hospitals in the WVU Medicine system and the only hospital in a 50 mile radius that is recognized as a Baby Friendly facility. Baby-Friendly USA is the authority for the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.
Berkeley Medical Center is also certified by Cribs for Kids as a National Safe Sleep Hospital, is one of 21 hospitals in West Virginia participating in YES to Safe Sleep for Babies, and has received the West Virginia Perinatal Partnership’s First Baby Initiative with one of the lowest primary C-section rates in West Virginia.
Features
- 5 labor rooms for vaginal deliveries
- All nurses trained in Newborn Resuscitation Program (NRP), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Fetal Monitoring
- Onsite Level III NICU for higher level of newborn care
- 1 obstetric operating room for cesarean deliveries
- 4 beds for outpatient services
- Whirlpool tub for labor management and pain relief
- “Rooming in” for mom/baby postpartum couplet care
- Infant security system
- Lactation consultation services for inpatients and outpatients
- Car Seat Safety Technician available by appointment
Schedule a Tour
For more information or to schedule a tour of the Birthing Center at Berkeley Medical Center, call 304-264-1270.
Location and Contact Information
Birthing Center
Berkeley Medical Center
2500 Hospital Drive
Martinsburg, WV 25401
304-264-1270
Berkeley Medical Center Supports Safe Sleep for Infants
According to the CDC, there are approximately 3,500 sleep-related deaths among US babies each year. At Berkeley Medical Center, we are dedicated to reducing the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation, and other sleep-related causes of infant death by following national safe sleep guidelines established by Cribs for Kids.
Berkeley Medical Center is certified by Cribs for Kids as a National Safe Sleep Hospital and is one of 21 hospitals in West Virginia participating in YES to Safe Sleep for Babies. Visit the Cribs for Kids website for more information.
Safety Tips
- Place baby on their back to sleep.
- Baby should sleep on a firm, safety-approved sleep surface.
- Keep toys, soft objects, and loose bedding away from the sleep area.
- Do not use pillows, blankets, sleep positioners or bumpers in the sleep area.
- Room-sharing is recommended for at least the first six months- baby’s sleep area should be in the same room where you sleep, but baby should have their own designated sleep area.
- Do not share a bed with your baby. Bed sharing increases the risk of suffocation.
- Avoid overheating by dressing your baby in light clothing and keeping the room at a comfortable temperature.
- Car seats, strollers, swings, and/or infant carriers are not recommended for routine sleep. If baby falls asleep in a sitting device, move them to a safety-approved sleep surface when possible.
- Consider offering a pacifier at naptime and bedtime.
Contact Us
For more information regarding Safe Infant Sleep, contact your baby’s pediatrician or call the Birthing Center at Berkeley Medical Center at 304-264-1270
Join us for a four-class series of free childbirth education classes. Learn everything you need to know as you prepare for the birth and care of your newborn. Our classes are taught at Berkeley Medical Center by certified Childbirth Educators and Lactation Consultants currently working in our Women & Children Units.
Topics Covered
- Normal labor, birth, and the early postpartum period
- Positioning for labor and birth
- Relaxation and massage techniques
- Labor support
- Communication skills
- Information about medical procedures
- Breastfeeding with our Lactation Consultant
- Healthy lifestyle
- Car seat safety
- Newborn care
- 4th class dedicated to breastfeeding and tour of labor & delivery rooms
Registration
Registration at least one week prior to your preferred session is required to participate. For more information or to register, call 304-264-1297, Menu Selection 2.
Class Schedule
New sessions are offered every other month on Thursdays at 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
2024 Sessions
November 7, 14, 21, and December 5
2025 Sessions
January 2, 9, 16, 13
March 6, 13, 20, 27
May 1, 8, 15, 22
July 3, 10, 17, 24
September 4, 11, 18, 25
November 6, 13, 20, 27
Location
All classes are scheduled to take place in Berkeley Medical Center’s 8th Floor Classroom unless otherwise noted.
Berkeley Medical Center
8th Floor Classroom
2500 Hospital Drive
Martinsburg, WV 25401
Community Breastfeeding Resources
We are committed to providing breastfeeding education and support to new, expectant and experienced moms. Our team of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants are available to offer breastfeeding support while you are in the hospital and after discharge. It is our shared goal to help make breastfeeding a success for you and your baby.
Amy Blue, RN, IBCLC Berkeley Medical Center, 304.264.1275
Beth Palermino, RN, IBCLC Berkeley Medical Center, 304.264.1275
Pam Longmore, PNP, IBCLC Inwood Primary Care, 304.229.6343
Jan Squires, RN, IBCLC Shenandoah Community Health, 304.283.4680
Support Groups
Support Groups may not be meeting or may be meeting virtually due to COVID-19. Please contact the Birthing Center at 304-264-1270 for more information.
Virtual Childbirth Education Classes
Free and open to moms and babies.
Thursdays from 5 – 7 pm
Via Microsoft Teams App on smartphone/tablet or a computer with webcam
New four-class series are offered every other month. Registration is required to participate. Call 304.264.1297, ext. 2 to register. For more information, contact Tasheema Bullock, RN at [email protected]
Berkeley Medical Center Tuesday Latch Check
Free and open to moms and babies.
Every Tuesday 10 – 11:30 am
Berkeley Medical Center’s
Meeting Room 1
(Hospital’s First Floor across from Cafeteria)
La Leche League of Jefferson County
Free and open to moms and babies.
2nd Wednesday of the Month at 10:30 am
Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church 100 W. Washington Street, Shepherdstown
Tongue-Tie Resources
Dr. Sohrab Shahab, MD
Otolaryngologist
2000 Foundation Way Ste 3200
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 262-9400
Valley Pediatric Dentistry of Winchester
1705 Amherst St #201, Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 667-KIDS (5437)
Melissa Gibson Shenandoah Smiles Pediatric Dentistry
519W. Jubal Early Drive Suite 101 Winchester, VA 22601
540-628-8533
Dr Chang Fauquier ENT Consultants
550 Hospital Drive, Warrenton, VA 20186
(540) 347-0505
Dr Monajemy
17333 Pickwick Dr Suite A
Purcellville, VA 20132
540-441-7627
Dr. Robert Mansman
7360 Guilford Dr STE 102
Frederick, MD 21704 (Accepts WV Medicaid)
301-668-2662
Breastfeeding has multiple benefits for both baby and mom as it provides the perfect nutrition that promotes growth, development and a healthy immune system.
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for at least 6 months and continued breastfeeding for at least one year as new foods are introduced to your baby’s diet. Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for your baby and has everything needed for the first six months of life.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
- Provides important antibodies that help fight off viruses and bacteria and may reduce the risk of ear infections, respiratory infections and other illnesses
- May aid in protecting baby against allergies and eczema
- Causes less stomach upset, diarrhea and constipation than formula
- Decreases childhood obesity rates
- Promotes important skin-to-skin time with baby for bonding and growth
- Decreases mom’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer
- Burns calories that may help mom lose pregnancy weight
There are very few circumstances in which breastfeeding your baby would not be advised and other options should be considered. We encourage you to discuss any health issues or concerns with your healthcare provider or lactation consultant
Breastfeeding Support
We are committed to providing breastfeeding education and support to new, expectant and experienced moms. Our team of Lactation Specialists are available to offer breastfeeding support while you are in the hospital. It is our shared goal to help you meet your breastfeeding goals.
Help is available for:
- Latching positioning
- Milk supply questions
- Guidance with breastmilk pumping
- Prenatal counseling/education
- Advisement of medication safety during breastfeeding
Amy Blue, RN, IBCLC
Berkeley Medical Center
2500 Hospital Drive
Martinsburg, WV 25401
304-264-1000 ext 37006
Rita Harris, RN BSN CLC
Berkeley Medical Center
2500 Hospital Drive
Martinsburg, WV 25401
304-264-1000 ext 61241
Pam Longmore, PNP, IBCLC
2000 Professional Court
Martinsburg, WV 25401
304-263-8853
There is nothing more exciting than sharing pictures of your newborn with family and friends. Berkeley Medical Center has now made this possible by using Mom365 WebNursery®.
Mom365 WebNursery® is your baby’s own web page! Helping to celebrate Baby’s new arrival, it includes Baby’s first photo and birth information. WebNursery® is a fun and fast way for parents to share the news of Baby’s birth with friends and family around the world.