Celebrating 25 Years of Welcoming New Life: The Family Birth Center at St. Michael Medical Center

 
For 25 years, the Family Birth Center at St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale has been a cornerstone of the community, welcoming over 45,000 babies into the world. A celebration of its past, present and future was recently held bringing together all who have created a special place for birthing mothers over the years.

“We have a lot of memories and stories within these walls,” Family Birth Center director Jennifer Snider shared.

During the celebration, former colleagues reflected on their years at the birth center. Julie Harper, a retired nurse who dedicated 26 years to the department before retiring in 2016, found herself drawn back to St. Michael Medical Center and the Family Birth Center. She’s volunteered every Wednesday since 2018, comforting babies, stocking supplies, and supporting the nursing staff.

Harper shared a heartfelt poem she penned about the birth center, titled "Labor Room Walls," which included the lines: "We listen well throughout the years, we watch the drama, joy, and tears. We’ve seen the skills, we’ve known the love, We felt the power from above."

Norma Nutter, former birth center director, also attended, vividly recalling the birth center's opening day when every room was filled. "From the moment the Family Birth Center opened, it was clear it was meeting a vital need," she said. "My time in the department was a great experience, and I would do it all over again."
  

The Family Birth Center continues to meet the evolving needs of the community and expand its services for families. A partnership with Kitsap OBGYN now provides patients with access to midwifery care from three dedicated midwives.

In August 2024, the birth center launched a volunteer doula program, which currently has six doulas.

The special care nursery is now Level II, allowing it to care for babies born as early as 32 weeks, ensuring that mothers and babies can stay close to home during those crucial early days.

Looking ahead, the team at the St. Michael Family Birth Center is excited to continue to evolve and provide valuable services to Kitsap County residents. For example, the team hopes to soon offer water births, among other services for expecting moms.

As manager of the Family Birth Center and a labor and delivery nurse for more than 25 years, Kim Dowling smiled as she noted, “Nearly every person in Kitsap County has been touched by the Family Birth Center in some way,  and that is truly special.”