Women & Children

Birth Center

Families begin and grow in many ways. A special way to grow as a new family is with a new baby. As an infant is born and nurtured, so is the family.

At Mercy’s Maternal/Child Birth Center, we tend to the needs of babies and their families during those first special days, with high quality medical care and gentle, loving support. Our center offers excellence in medical and technical support that assures a medically secure beginning.

The birth center provides family-centered maternity care, created to respond to the physical and emotional needs of your new baby and family. Various birth and care options are offered to create healthy roots for happy, loving tomorrows.

In the newly renovated Family Birth Center, labor, delivery, postpartum, and recovery (LDRP) take place in one room. With over 500 births a year, Mercy Hospital Cadillac continues to provide the highest quality obstetrical services.

Visiting hours are 11 am - 8 pm for your guests. Immediate family is welcome 24 hours a day.

Care Options

The care options for families at Mercy Hospital in Cadillac are designed to provide the best beginning for new babies. Family Centered Maternity Care invites you to keep your baby with you in your room. Your nurses will support, teach, demonstrate, and help as you and your family team and grow together. The birth center is a learning environment, a place for you to ask questions and develop confidence with your support person.

The special care program includes learning: family instruction on bathing, dressing, and feeding your infant; safety, health, and wellness; and, help in understanding your baby's emotional and developmental needs. Mother-baby nurses care for mother and baby, nurturing bonding and attachment in the family.

Mercy Hospital Cadillac also offers free hearing screenings for all newborns and breastfeeding support programs.

Newborn Hearing Screenings

About one in every 200 newborns has a hearing loss that can affect speech and language development. Hearing loss in newborn babies can easily be detected by a simple screening test. Mercy Hospital Cadillac gives hearing tests to all newborns.

While in a natural sleep soon after birth, a baby’s hearing can be checked using special computerized equipment. The screening test is painless and takes just a few minutes. In fact, most babies sleep through the entire procedure.

All babies with hearing loss can be helped. Once a hearing impairment is confirmed, services should begin as soon as possible.

Breastfeeding

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended breastfeeding as the preferred method of feeding an infant throughout the baby’s first year of life. So, if you do choose to breastfeed, Mercy offers a breastfeeding class including prenatal preparation and return-to-work breastfeeding support. Additionally, the Mercy Birthing Center is equipped with a Breastfeeding Boutique where you can purchase or rent such items as over-the-shoulder nursing slings, breast pumps and supplies.

OB Education

Also available through the birth center are classes and workshops that address issues relevant to expecting parents. Offerings include:

Childbirth Education

These classes are similar to Lamaze. Held in six weekly sessions, simple and safe techniques are emphasized to promote comfort during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Held year round. Daytime and evening classes available. Call to find a class that meets your needs. Ask about our Refresher courses also.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding basics are taught in one separate session. Once the breastfeeding process begins, lactation instructors are available for personal consultation. Call to schedule.

I Can Help Too!

This course works to prepare siblings for the birth of a new brother or sister. Held every other month at Mercy Hospital Cadillac in the Auditorium. Preregistration is required.

For more information on the Maternal/Child Birth Center, available programs, or to register, call (231) 876-7403.

If you have any unresolved concerns about patient care and safety at Mercy Hospital Cadillac, please contact our Patient Relations Office at (231) 876-7473.

We welcome your comments and suggestions about this Web site.