GREAT MEDICINE - Henry Ford Health System

a happy BIRTHdayOptions put moms in control of labor, delivery processGreat MedicineThere’s a well-known saying:“When mama ain’t happy, ain’tnobody happy.”Perhaps there’s no more crucialtime to ensure a mother’s happinessthan the hours surrounding thebirth of a child. That, in short, is themission of the Henry Ford MacombBirthing Center, focusing on whateach patient needs to set the stage forlife’s greatest miracle.At the Clinton Township hospital,17 private rooms are set up for Labor,Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum(LDRP), which means families canstay in one room for all stages ofbirth. Within each of these rooms isa Jacuzzi bath, a rocking chair anda large picture window to provideplenty of natural light.“The Jacuzzi tub is good for themother’s circulation, but it’s also sorelaxing,” says certified nurse midwifeJoanne Mozuras. “We have a box ofaromatherapy oils so the mother canchoose a fragrance – like lavender –to add to the warm water. Then yousettle down and lay back with a softpillow. A lot of the moms don’t wantto get out.”Childbirth designed by youExpectant moms are encouragedto create a birth plan, outliningtheir wishes for their childbirthexperience, and the Birthing Centerstaff and physicians work to followthat plan. Whether you want epiduralanesthesia to block discomfort oryou prefer complimentary methodslike a birthing ball, HypnoBirthing ® ,or the tub, the Birthing Centerprovides the best of all worlds – ahomelike, relaxing environmentwith complete medical capabilities atthe ready should you need them. ASpecial Care Nursery is staffed withneonatologists and specially trainednurses to care for babies who mayneed more advanced care before goinghome.Lynn Tucker and her husband,Andrew, have been around the worldas members of the military. Lynn saidher care from start to finish duringher pregnancy and the birth of thecouple’s son, Peter, has set a newstandard for her. Peter was born onNov. 4, 2011 – two weeks early.“My pain was well managed.I used the birthing ball and waswalking around the hallways.”She said the nurses and physicianwere extremely supportive andprofessional. Peter had jaundice andhad to remain at the hospital for fourdays.“That was when I was reallyimpressed,” Lynn said. “Learning how8