Ascension Providence Hospital Alternative Birthing Center
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About Us
A home-like birth experience
Every birthing person is unique, and so are their birthing preferences. Doctors and maternity care nurses at Ascension Providence Hospital Alternative Birthing Center, prioritize family-centered care. We listen to better understand you and your healthcare needs and to create a birth experience that is right for you and your family. Your maternity care team respects your preferences and privacy. We can offer stand-by support or take a more active role in your baby’s delivery. Your maternity care team is here to answer your questions and help to create a memorable birth experience.
Attend an orientation to meet your maternity care team and learn more about our services. Orientation is scheduled the second Wednesday of every month. Please email us at: alternativebirth@ascension.org.
Our birthing suites
Our birthing suites are designed to make you and your family feel at home. Rooms include a TV, queen size bed, special seating for family members, mini fridge, aromatherapy, Himalayan salt lamp, bluetooth speaker, and a large jacuzzi or soaking tub.
The “At Your Request” nutrition program allows you to choose when and what you eat. You may also bring your own food and use our kitchenette area and microwave. Our hospital cafeteria provides food for family members and visitors and we also have vending machines in our family lounge area for snacks and beverages.
Advanced maternity care, if you need it
Not every birthing person and baby needs extra care. Due to the center’s close proximity to the hospital’s traditional labor and delivery unit, we can deliver more advanced care, if you need it. In an emergency, our care team is here for you and can quickly connect you with more doctors and specialists.
Classes and tours
To give birth in the Alternative Birthing Center, you must attend an orientation and complete a birthing class. This is not a requirement for returning families, however, we do recommend refresher classes. You may take the classes through Ascension Michigan Childbirth Education or any other childbirth preparation class (such as Lamaze, Bradley, Hypnobirthing, etc.) We offer a variety of classes and aim to accommodate every need, schedule and budget. Those with questions, difficulty registering, or who are in need of assistance, are encouraged to email our team at MIChildbirthEducation@ascension.org.
Care during labor
When labor begins, you are welcome to come to the Alternative Birthing Center after checking in with your doctor. Our care team is here to support your labor and birth. Labor and delivery services include:
- Encouraging liquids and light nourishment
- Supporting the birthing person to move, walk, shower, and use the tub
- Supporting labor and birthing positions that feel comfortable
- Monitoring the birthing person’s vital signs
- Monitoring the baby’s heart rate
- Offering intravenous fluids, pain medication, and local anesthesia if appropriate
- Encouraging the involvement of support persons and family members
Newborn care
Immediately after birth, your care team will place your baby skin-to-skin and survey your baby for any signs of distress. Skin-to-skin contact is one of the best ways to promote bonding, keep your baby warm and help your baby transition into an air environment. We encourage you to hold your baby as soon as possible and keep your baby cuddled near, while you are awake.
If your care team is concerned about your baby’s wellbeing, Ascension Providence Hospital has a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that can provide a higher level of care.
We encourage families to remain with us at least 24 hours after the birth of your baby. During that time we provide postpartum care, breastfeeding support and monitor for any signs of complications
Parking
Free parking is available at Ascension Providence Hospital Southfield Campus. During the day, you can enter through the main entrance on Nine Mile Rd. and park in the lot or use the valet services. From 8 p.m to 6 a.m, the main entrance is closed and you must enter through the emergency entrance on the northeast side of the hospital. If you need assistance when you arrive, the security team is available to offer a wheelchair and escort to the Alternative Birthing Center on 3-West.
Billing and payment
The Alternative Birthing Center accepts the same insurance as Ascension Providence Hospital. When calling your insurance company, share that the Alternative Birthing Center is not a free-standing birthing center, but is a unit within the hospital.