It’s the little things that deliver big smiles
Having a baby is an exciting time in your life – and at the BirthPlace in our Niles and St. Joseph hospitals, we want to make it a healthy time. Our family of obstetric and pediatric physicians, nurses and nurse practitioners, midwives, and lactation consultant strive to continuously provide our moms, babies, and families a safe, nationally-recognized, and high-quality experience.
Some of the little things that make the BirthPlace a special space for you a baby:
- Access to pediatric specialists 24/7
- Experienced and loving health care professionals
- Intimate family-centered birthing suites
- Newly renovated rooms
- Online nursery for friends and family who can’t be present
- Daily serenity hours
- Continued support throughout your delivery until you depart home
- Ongoing new parent education
Your baby's safety is at the heart of what we do.
Spectrum Health Lakeland Niles Hospital proudly earned a platinum designation for maternal care from the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM). Spectrum Health Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph also earned gold level designation, the second highest ranking.
MI AIM works with birthing hospitals to reduce and eliminate preventable maternal mortality and severe morbidity. Hospitals implement structured “safety bundle” plans to improve health outcomes for mothers to combat the leading causes of maternal mortality such as obstetric hemorrhage and severe hypertension. Safety bundle plans help hospitals by defining actionable protocols, education, equipment, and drills to prevent and treat serious maternal events. Learn more.
The Economic Alliance for Michigan (EAM), a nonprofit group comprised of Michigan’s largest employers and unions, has awarded Lakeland Hospitals with the 2022 Maternity Care Excellence Award for demonstrated excellence in maternity care and delivery outcome. The Niles Hospital received this award a third year in a row.
The awards are part of EAM’s Maternity Care Project. Created in 2018, the project goals are to decrease the state’s infant mortality rate, reduce the rate of unnecessary C-sections, and be an educational resource for new and expecting parents residing in Michigan.
Jan 22, 2015 Reporting from Niles, MI
New Mother Praises Dedication of Southwestern Medical Clinic Staff - Tiffany Blaskie
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/medical-services/womens-health-services/pregnancy-care/birthplace/Detail/new-mother-praises-dedication-of-southwestern-medical-clinic-staff/?utm_source=New_Mother_Praises_Dedication_of_Southwestern_Medical_Clinic_Staff&utm_medium=PatientStory_Landing&utm_campaign=InternalPages
Jan 22, 2015
Jan 22, 2015
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
As an expectant mother, Tiffany Blaskie was apprehensive about which clinic to visit as she only wanted what was best for her child. With her busy schedule and unsteady work hours, she worried if she would find a location that would cater to her need
New Mother Praises Dedication of Southwestern Medical Clinic Staff - Tiffany Blaskie
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/ResourcePackages/SpectrumHealth/assets/img/sh_white_logo.png
New Mother Praises Dedication of Southwestern Medical Clinic Staff - Tiffany Blaskie
Jan, 2015
Physicians: Meghan Murphy, DO
As an expectant mother, Tiffany Blaskie was apprehensive about which clinic to visit as she only wanted what was best for her child. With her busy schedule and unsteady work hours, she worried if she would find a location that would cater to her needs. Since this was her first child, she had no experience in choosing a clinic and was understandably cautious. After a lot of research, Tiffany chose
Southwestern Medical Clinic, Niles to receive care throughout her pregnancy.
As soon as she walked in the door, Mary – the receptionist – greeted Tiffany and quickly made her feel at ease. Tiffany said that every person she encountered made her feel comfortable and less anxious. Because of both her and her husband’s irregular work hours, they often met with a different doctor each visit – all of which, Tiffany said, "Did a splendid job."
After the six-month mark of her pregnancy, Tiffany began meeting regularly with
Meghan Murphy, DO, who was more than willing to work with the couple’s changing schedules.
"Dr. Murphy was outstanding," said Tiffany. "Everyone at Southwestern Medical Clinic was encouraging and supportive which is especially important for first-time mothers. They made my family feel welcome and I trusted them with our care."
In August 2013, Tiffany was induced, however she remained in labor until the following morning. In order to proceed, the baby needed to be delivered via Cesarean section. It was at this time that Dr. Murphy’s shift was over.
Tiffany told Dr. Murphy that she didn’t expect her to stay past the time her shift was supposed to end. Dr. Murphy replied by saying, "This is a marathon. We’re not going to quit now. I’m not going anywhere."
Dr. Murphy stayed an extra four hours to deliver little Abella into the world and ensure both her and Tiffany were healthy and safe.
"I can’t say enough about Dr. Murphy," said Tiffany. She talked of the rapport Dr. Murphy created with her as well as her knowledge and professionalism, while making sure she was as comfortable as possible at all times. Dr. Murphy also explained the procedure of the Cesarean section to keep Tiffany at ease, and both her and her staff were always making sure all of Tiffany’s needs were being met.
Dr. Murphy and the clinic staff were just as caring during Tiffany’s follow up visits, always insisting that she bring her daughter in to visit. On a few occasions, Mary would hold Abella, which reinforced to Tiffany just how much everyone cared. The staff also made sure Tiffany knew not to hesitate to call for anything she needed.
"I am very happy with Southwestern Medical Clinic and their Labor and Delivery Department," said Tiffany, affirming that she would not have wanted to go anywhere else for her family’s care.