BER 2 - 8, 1985 THE CITIZEN 7 , a e co e Pat Harding, clinical coordinator. The Family Birthing Center. Memorial Hospital Pot Harding R.N. talks about The Family Birthing Center at Memorial Hospital. · Families need to be as prepared as possible for the arrival of a new baby. We want our patients 0 have good memories and a good, safe start as a family unit" "Our new Family Birthing Center I the best of all world - the late t equipment In a home-like ettlng." · When our new unit opens in late 1985 we 11 have the most up-to-date facility in the entire state. Each mother will have a big, homey room for labor delivery and recovery. And all the mothers will use birthing beds. For a change of scene. th early-labor lounge will have tables and sofas and easy chairs. Caesarean births will also be done right in the new Family Birthing Cent r unit. Babies can be with their parents right after a Caesarean birth. too.' "We try to ma e every birth as much of a family experience a we can." Fathers are a real part of birth h reo Fathers are right there during labor and d livery. They hold the baby as soon as it's born. Some fathers even give the baby its first bath. The new baby s brothers and sisters may also be there for the birth, if the family wishes. And grandparents - as well as the brothers and sisters - can visit the newest arrival any­ time during the baby's hospital stay. ' "We're deeply committed to family­ centered care." "Our philosophy is that we're here for the patients. We listen to their preferences about birth methods and preparation for delivery. Mothers here may choose to keep their babies in their rooms as much or as little as they want They can also choose from board-certified obstetricians as well as family practitioners and general practitioners. And our nurses really take time to understand � our patients to give them support and edu­ cation during the hospital stay. Families here get outstanding professional care from people who are also very caring. The Family Birthing Center is one of the services of the Southwestern Michigan Health Core Association. Other specialized centers at Mercy and Memorial hospitals also offer coordinated education, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up core. Its all port of a comprehensive approach to better community health. Pat Harding is one of more than 1 400 people who work at Memorial and Mercy hospitals to provide sophisticated - and compassionate - medical services. Right here close to home. For more information about The Family Birthing Center at . Memorial Hospital, a your doctor. Or call 983-8171.