Giving Birth at Kootenai Health in Coeur d'Alene

A doula's guide to the Family Birth Center at Kootenai Health, North Idaho's largest birth hospital, from jetted tubs to VBAC support.

QUICK FACTS

  • Where: Family Birth Center, Kootenai Health, 2003 Kootenai Health Way, Coeur d'Alene, ID
  • Labor rooms: 10 private labor and delivery rooms, each with a jetted tub
  • After birth: 18 postpartum rooms just down the hall
  • NICU: Level III, with 12 private rooms, two equipped for twins
  • VBAC: Kootenai Health allows vaginal birth after cesarean
  • Midwives: certified nurse midwives practice here alongside OB-GYNs
  • Tours and classes: free tours and childbirth, breastfeeding, and baby care classes. Call 208-625-5934 for tour details

Hospital details change. Always confirm current policies with the hospital directly. Spokane Family Doula is an independent doula practice and is not affiliated with this hospital.

What makes Kootenai different

For families in Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, and Rathdrum, Kootenai Health is the main place to have a baby, and it offers a few things families often ask about.

Every labor room has a jetted tub. Warm water is one of the most helpful comfort tools in labor. VBAC is allowed, which matters a great deal if you had a cesarean before and hope to give birth vaginally this time. And certified nurse midwives practice here, for families who want midwifery-style care in a hospital.

One difference from some Spokane hospitals: you labor and deliver in one room, then move to a postpartum room down the hall.

How a doula helps at Kootenai

  • Making the most of the tub. I help you use the water well: when to get in, how to move, and how to stay comfortable as labor changes.
  • VBAC support. Hoping for a VBAC can bring up a lot of feelings from your last birth. I help you prepare, process what happened before, and stay grounded in labor.
  • A smooth move after birth. I help you gather your things, settle into your postpartum room, and get started with feeding.
  • Comfort with or without medication. Massage, counter pressure, position changes, and breathing support whatever your plan.
  • Partner support. I give partners guidance and breaks, so they can be present instead of worn out.

Washington and Idaho families

Many families near the state line live in one state and give birth in the other. I serve both Spokane County and North Idaho, so whether you live in Liberty Lake and deliver in Coeur d'Alene, or live in Post Falls and deliver in Spokane, I can support you at home and at the hospital.

If you live in Idaho, check how your insurance treats a hospital across the state line before you choose where to deliver.

Questions families ask

Does Kootenai Health have birthing tubs?
Yes. All 10 labor and delivery rooms in the Family Birth Center have jetted tubs.
Can I have a VBAC at Kootenai Health?
Kootenai Health allows vaginal birth after cesarean. Talk with your provider about whether a VBAC is a good fit for you.
Does Kootenai have a NICU?
Yes. Kootenai Health has a Level III NICU with 12 private rooms, including two that can accommodate twins.
Do you serve Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls?
Yes. I serve North Idaho, including Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, and Rathdrum, as well as the Spokane area.

Other Spokane-area birth guides

Sacred HeartDeaconessHoly FamilyValley HospitalServices & PricingIVF & Infertility

Planning to give birth at Kootenai Health? I'd love to hear about your plans and talk through how I can support you. Consultations are always free.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION