News

Contact: Sarah Bello

In August 2025, Providence Seaside announced the difficult decision to close its inpatient obstetric and newborn care services, effective October 4, 2025.

“This announcement comes during an incredibly challenging period for hospitals,” says Erik Thorsen, CEO. “CMH is the largest provider of maternity services in the county and remains committed to maintaining this service for patients and their families in the future.”

We have experienced higher patient volumes in the past and are well-equipped to welcome additional patients to our Family Birth Center and the CMH-OHSU Health Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinic in Astoria. Patients from south Clatsop County can continue to receive the obstetric and gynecological care they need at CMH, in a warm and friendly environment close to home.

We understand that changing providers can be a stressful experience, and we are here to make the transition as easy as possible. If you’re joining us from Providence Seaside, we welcome you to our clinic and hospital. We’re honored to partner with you through pregnancy, delivery and beyond.

Our OB/GYN team puts women first

Receive the personalized care you deserve at every stage of life at the OB/GYN Clinic.

“Our team includes board-certified obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs), a certified nurse midwife, a lactation consultant, OB/GYN trained nurses, and a social worker who all collaborate to provide the best care possible,” says Dr. Sarah Humphrey, board-certified OB/GYN and medical director of obstetric and gynecology services at CMH, and surgical service line chair. “The providers work closely with each other, with other specialists both within and external to CMH, and, most importantly, with you to make sure your needs are met.”

The clinic is here for you every step of the way, with services including:

• Preventative gynecologic care, including follow-up of abnormal pap tests
• Prenatal care and births for low- and high-risk patients
• Childbirth preparation classes free for CMH patients and breastfeeding assistance with our lactation consultant
• Perimenopause and menopause care
• Treatments for abnormal uterine bleeding and pelvic pain
• Visits for vulvar or vaginal problems, such as abnormal discharge, bumps, pain, dryness and infections
• Family planning, including all forms of contraception and some infertility care
• Prolapse evaluation and treatment, including pessary
• Office gynecologic procedures, including IUD insertion, endometrial biopsy, colposcopy, dilation and curettage (D&C), and LEEP, with a variety of pain management options to choose from, including sedation
• Gynecologic surgeries including cesarean delivery, hysterectomy, D&C, LEEP, hysteroscopy, salpingectomy for sterilization (tubal ligation), and fibroid, polyp and ovarian cyst removal, among many other procedures

Patients who were previously seen at Providence Seaside for obstetrics and gynecological care can call the OB/GYN Clinic at 503.338.7595 to schedule a visit, Dr. Humphrey says.

“Please mention you were being seen at Providence Seaside and how far along you are so we can prioritize getting you in for a transfer of care appointment. Patients seeking regular gynecological care are also welcome to call for new patient appointments.

“We are working closely with the Obstetric and Emergency Department providers at Providence to ensure a smooth transition.”

Clinic expanding with additional providers

CMH is pleased to welcome two new full-time, permanent, board-certified OB/GYNs joining us in December and January, Dr. Andrea Keller and Dr. Danielle King. They will round out our team of obstetrics and gynecology experts, which includes Dr. Sarah Humphrey, Dr. Rebecca Josephson and nurse midwife Charity McDaniel, DNP, CNM.

“Given the relatively low volume of patients that Providence delivered per month, we absolutely have the capacity to take care of these patients and have taken steps to ensure space and staffing can accommodate increased volumes,” Dr. Humphrey emphasizes. “With the hiring of Dr. Keller and Dr. King, we are thrilled to be able to guarantee a female provider for any patient preferring one.”

Hear more from Sarah Humphrey, MD

Dr. Humphrey shared more about how the clinic supports our community, including new OB/GYN patients, and the services available to them at CMH.

Q. What can pregnant patients expect from the OB/GYN Clinic?

We provide prenatal care for any pregnant person. The first step is to schedule a phone intake with a nurse, who will then schedule you for an ultrasound and provider visit between eight and 11 weeks, depending on your needs and preferences.

You will be cared for by one primary OB/GYN or CNM throughout your pregnancy, but you may see the other providers in the clinic due to scheduling considerations. This is encouraged, as we do not know who will be on call when you give birth. We are unable to guarantee a provider for delivery, because by rotating call, we ensure a well-rested provider.

If your pregnancy is especially high risk and you need to deliver at a hospital in Portland, we will work closely with that team to minimize travel when safe to do so. Although we are not currently able to offer vaginal birth after a prior cesarean delivery, we can still care for you during your pregnancy, then refer you to a facility that offers these for your birth.

Q: Can you tell us about labor and delivery at CMH?

We are here to support you whether you opt for an unmedicated childbirth or decide to use pain medications during labor. A jacuzzi tub, epidural anesthesia, nitrous oxide and IV pain medications are available 24/7. Our Family Birth Center team is dedicated to your physical and psychological safety, encouraging movement and position changes during labor, while carefully monitoring you and your baby, with wireless monitors available. We welcome doulas and any other support people you wish to have at your birth.

We only use vacuum-assisted delivery when absolutely necessary and with your permission, and we do not routinely cut episiotomies, except in very rare, unique situations.

In addition to vaginal births, we provide cesarean (C-section) births — both emergent and planned — and tailor the experience to your individual needs, including skin to skin and breastfeeding in the operating room, always keeping you with your baby, if safe. We work very hard to avoid cesarean births where possible and have a low C-section rate.

A pediatrician will see your baby after birth at CMH, every day you are in the hospital and as needed in-between. They will help you coordinate follow-up care for your newborn after discharge. No medications or tests will be administered to your baby without your consent. We encourage immediate skin to skin, delayed cord clamping, and your baby will room with you after birth.

Q: What other things are addressed by the clinic during pregnancy and the postpartum period?

Our clinic team includes an IBCLC certified lactation consultant who provides breastfeeding assistance, a social worker who checks in with patients during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and two car seat safety technicians who can assess your car seat for safe installation at no cost.

We are focused on your well-being and helping you have a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery experience. Your care doesn't end when you have your baby. We typically see you at two and six weeks postpartum, or more frequently or on an ongoing basis, if needed.

Q: How does CMH provide safe, high-quality care for laboring patients?

Our providers involve patients in every decision and aspect of their care. We have 24/7 coverage by board-certified OB/GYN providers and pediatricians who have extensive experience at high-risk centers and share on-call duties.

We complete regular drills and trainings with our entire team and hold provider meetings each week to review higher risk patients. We also have a close working relationship with OHSU Maternal Fetal Medicine (high-risk pregnancy) physicians so higher risk patients can receive care here, when appropriate. We are also happy to refer to other Maternal Fetal Medicine clinics, as well.

Q: Is there anything else you would like the community to know moving forward?

The CMH-OHSU Health OB/GYN team is committed to keeping you in control of your care. You are the expert on your body, and we will make every effort to listen, discuss and abide by your preferences.

For all care, we follow up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines, but in the end, you are always the decisionmaker for your body.

We focus on providing options and trauma-informed care to ensure you feel safe.