Pregnancy & Childbirth

The WJMC Birth Certificate Office will help new parents complete the application for the newborn's birth certificate. A Birth Certificate Coordinator will contact the mother while she in the hospital with additional information about the baby's birth certificate and social security card.

Parents can get a head start on the birth certificate paperwork before delivery if desired. The completed worksheets can be given to the Birth Certificate Coordinator after delivery.

• Birth Certificate Packet / Worksheet (English)
• Birth Certificate Packet / Worksheet (Spanish)

West Jefferson Medical Center – Main Hospital
1st Floor - HIM Department
P: 504.349.1738
Office Hours: Monday - Friday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm) (Appointments are required)

After the baby is born, a hospital Birth Certificate Coordinator will provide information about establishing paternity for unmarried parents and establishing paternity outside of marriage. Coordinators will help parents to complete the necessary legal documents. Valid identification is required for all parents signing the “Acknowledgment of Paternity” documents.

Paternity can also be established after discharge by amending the birth certificate. Contact the Louisiana Vital Records (504.593.5122) to establish paternity after the birth certificate has been filed.

For additional information about establishing paternity for unmarried parent or establishing paternity outside of marriage, visit the Louisiana Paternity Establishment Program and the Louisiana Office of Vital Records Paternity Information page.

A "Birth Verification" letter (Temporary Birth Certificate) will be given to parents by the hospital’s Birth Certificate Coordinator once the Birth Certificate paperwork is completed. To receive an additional copy of the " Birth Verification" letter, contact the WJMC Birth Certificate Office 504.349.1738.

Birth verification letters can be obtained from the Birth Certificate Office:

• In person by one of the baby’s parents, if he or she is listed on the birth certificate and has a picture ID. (Call 504.349.1738 for an appointment)
• By mail to the address listed on the birth certificate worksheet.

The Louisiana Vital Records Registry in New Orleans will mail a complimentary certified copy of the baby's birth certificate. It typically takes 6 - 10 weeks to come in the mail.

To check on the status of a birth certificate, please contact the Louisiana Vital Records (Phone: 504.593.5100). If they are unable to answer questions regarding your certificate, contact WJMC Birth Certificate Office (Phone: 504.349.1738).

Corrections and amendments to a birth certificate are processed through the Louisiana Office of Vitals Records. The process to make changes to a birth certificate varies depending on the type of legal change requested and how recently the record was filed. For additional details about correcting or amending a Louisiana Birth Certificate, please visit the Office of Vital Records Amendments page.

• If you would like to make a change to the birth certificate, contact Louisiana Vital Records: Amendments Department (Phone: 504.593.5122).
• There may be a fee to make changes.

Parents have the option of requesting a Social Security Card during the birth certificate application process completed at the hospital. It typically takes two to four months to receive a child's social security number if the parents apply for it on the child's birth certificate request form.

To check the status of the social security card or to inquire about a replacement card, contact the New Orleans Social Security Office 1.855.257.0984. You may also visit the Social Security Administration Website for additional information.