THE BIRTHING CENTER AT SAINT THOMAS MIDTOWN HOSPITAL OPENS FALL 2017

The Birthing Center at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital, a new concept in this area in providing a safe, personalized, supportive childbirth experience, is scheduled to open September 2017. Saint Thomas Health is part of Ascension, the nation’s largest Catholic and non-profit health system.

The Birthing Center is the first of its kind in the region because it pairs a natural birthing experience and holistic, highly specialized maternity care in a home-like environment with immediate access to a hospital with a full range of health care services.

“Historically, many birthing centers have been freestanding facilities that are physically separate from a hospital,” said Kristen Toth, vice president of Women’s and Children’s Services, Saint Thomas Health. “We believe having the Birthing Center inside the hospital is the best way to surround mom and baby with the safest environment while delivering the holistic, natural and personalized birthing experience so many families want, bringing together the best aspects of both. We’re thrilled to provide this unique facility and program to the middle Tennessee region.”

The Birthing Center at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital will offer the following:

Comfortable, home-like birthing suites
Labor tubs
Birthing balls
Squatting bars
In-room refrigerators
Large flat screen televisions
Labor stools
Nitrous Oxide for pain relief
Individualized nursing care
Lactation support

Expectant families can soften the lights, play their own music and move about the room in the private, home-like birthing suites.

“The Birthing Center is designed for low-risk moms and healthy babies,” Toth added. Families interested in using The Birthing Center will participate in an introductory orientation course to prepare for delivery; consent from the patient’s physician and pediatrician will be required.