Comfort and Care: What Women Should Know About Our Family Birthing Suites

Like a new baby’s room, the birthing suites and obstetrics unit at Health Park Medical Center were in the planning stage for a long time to thoughtfully appeal to patients and guests: mother, family members, and, of course, the family’s newest bundle of joy.

Everything is just so in this nurturing, family oriented environment.

The family birth suites include tubs for hydrotherapy during labor and after birth. Birthing balls reduce pain and help moms feel more comfortable during labor, and a new fetal monitoring system that uses artificial intelligence provides comprehensive fetal heart monitoring.

No wonder HPMC was designated as a “Baby-Friendly” hospital and certified as a gold level Safe Sleep Champion Hospital.

Then there’s HPMC award-winning obstetrical care services to complement that nurturing environment, which has earned HPMC prestigious certification as a Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center—one of only 11 hospitals in Florida to receive that distinction.

Recently, renovation and expansion at both the obstetrical unit and birthing suites has boosted the mission of an exceptional patient experience with antepartum, perinatal (care during labor, both low and high-risk pregnancy care) and postpartum services.

What's New and Improved?

The obstetrics unit now includes an area dedicated to preoperative services and post-operative recovery of obstetrical-related surgeries, says Dr. Cherrie Morris, system medical director of obstetrical services at Lee Health.

“We’ve expanded the labor and delivery suites, which are larger and closer to the surgical suites,” Dr. Morris says. “This means, for certain high risk labors, for example, twin pregnancy labors, we have dedicated labor suites closer to the operating rooms so you can deliver the babies in a larger, beautiful suite near the operating rooms if the need should arise for an emergent cesarean section. 

“Also, we are physically connected to the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) at Golisano Children’s Hospital in this new area, allowing for quick access when needed. “  

The family centered maternity care approach features newly renovated private rooms, private baths, adjustable beds, a reclining sleeper for your designated coach, special menus for moms, free Wi-Fi, and other amenities that nurture patients and their families.

 In addition, the obstetrical care unit for high-risk patients has been fully updated, too.

The nurse’s stations updates bolster the center’s mission to stay current with technology delivered with a personal touch. For example, a new system uses artificial intelligence to improve maternal and fetal monitoring and lead to significantly better safety and improved outcomes.

“Amid all these wonderful new changes, Lee Health’s commitment to patient and visitor safety during COVID-19 hasn’t changed,” Dr. Morris says. “This is the case for all our facilities and outpatient centers. Our infection prevention team remains extremely proactive and rigorously follows the most current precautions from the CDC.”

Stressing Safety

Dr. Morris says meeting this safety challenge is especially important for families who face complications of pregnancy or the uncertainty of a high-risk pregnancy.

“Our high-risk services include multi-level neonatal intensive care units, neonatal transport teams, and a dedicated wing for antepartum high-risk pregnancies, whose members provide specialized care to families experiencing complications of pregnancy,” Dr. Morris says.

The health and safety of mothers and babies is always the top priority.

“Our neonatal and pediatric services are outstanding. Golisano Children’s Hospital provides progressive, state-of-the-art care in an amazing facility,” Dr. Morris says. “Lee Health provides the full circle of care for your pre-birth, during birth and afterbirth experiences. 

We welcome you to take a tour of the newly renovated spaces at HealthPark Medical Center! Click here

Cape Coral Birthing Suites

Mothers and families also have access to award-winning birthing suites at Cape Coral Hospital. 

ln one spacious and comfortably decorated room, parents experience labor, celebrate delivery, and spend time together with their new baby after the delivery.

Learn more about Cape Coral Hospital's Family Birth Suites and read our previous blog story here.

Our birth centers (CCH & HPMC) have achieved 

• International resignation as Designed Baby-Friendly birth facilities. This prestigious international award recognizes birth facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence, and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.
• Certified as Safe Sleep Hospitals (gold level) by the Cribs for Kids® National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program.   
• Proud partner with the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative to improve the healthcare quality of mothers and babies. 

Are You Expecting?

Lee Health offers education through YoMingo, a program that provides convenient access to valuable information. It includes the tools and support for every stage of pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

YoMingo gives you access to:

• Evidence-based education on pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and newborn care
• Information specific to your arrival and stay at Cape Coral Hospital or HealthPark Medical Center
• Community health resources
• List of available classes and support groups
• Pregnancy milestones
• Kick counter
• Contraction timer
• Feeding log
• Personal journal

To sign up for this education, click here.